International Graduate Student Admissions

All non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted through one of the following approved credential evaluation agencies:

• The Evaluation Agency
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE): www.ece.org
• World Education Services: www.wes.org

Evaluations are to be sent directly to Southern, Graduate Studies, by the service. All evaluation reports are considered to be advisory. Southern reserves the right to make final equivalency decisions.

For certification of English proficiency, see School specific requirements in the Graduate Catalog. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Learn more at:

• ETS TOEFL Test
• Duolingo English Test

International students must have financial resources sufficient to support themselves for the calendar year, in addition to an international-student deposit of $3,000 (USD). 

Download Form

To be issued an I-20 Form, students must also provide a letter from financial sponsors (including their name and address), as well as copies of bank statements for the last three months showing the balance history for the student's account or the financial sponsor's account.

After all qualifying documentation is received, Southern Adventist University issues a letter of acceptance and the Form I-20. The letter and form must be presented to the U.S. consular officer when applying for a student visa. Only students approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for attendance at Southern may enroll.

International students are encouraged to arrive on campus two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. They should contact the international student adviser as soon as they arrive. Graduate and Professional Studies must be notified if there is any change in the arrival date after admission has been granted. Individuals with student visas are required to be enrolled in a full course study (a minimum of nine graduate credit hours) during the school year.

International students with an F-1 Student Visa may work on campus, provided that employment is available and provided that the student is enrolled in a full course of study and is making progress to the completion of a degree. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and 40 hours per week during university vacation days.

International students should not leave their homeland until they have in their possession:

• An admission letter of acceptance from Southern Adventist University
• Form I-20 issued by Southern Adventist University
• A valid passport
• A valid F-1 Student Visa to travel to the United States
• Sufficient funds for the first year at Southern Adventist University