International Students
we welcome international students to fhu
Our vibrant community warmly embraces students from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong connections. Explore tailored resources, including admissions guidance and support, ensuring a smooth transition to FHU’s diverse environment. Engage in a variety of activities, celebrate traditions, and thrive academically while immersing yourself in American culture. Join us in creating an international tapestry of knowledge and friendship.
Your FHU experience begins here, where you’re not just a student; you’re part of a global family.
Why Choose FHU?
International Student Admission
An international student is a student who is a citizen of a country other than the United States. Permanent residents of the United States (“Green Card” holders) or dual citizens (of the United States and another country) are considered domestic students, not international students.
The admissions process for international students is a little bit different than for domestic students, with a few additional steps. Here are some important things to consider as you move forward with the application process:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
For an international student to be considered for admission, the FHU Office of Admissions must receive each of the following:
- Online application for admission
- Academic transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
- Official ACT, SAT, or CLT scores
Minimum ACT score: 19
Minimum SAT score: 980
Minimum CLT score: 64 overall, 13 Quantitative and 57 Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing - English proficiency scores (if primary language is not English)
International student athletes are required to purchase an InCred evaluation of their transcripts for NAIA eligibility decisions. Non-athletes may use any other credential evaluation service associated with NACES, such as SpanTran or WES.
The ACT code for FHU is 3962, and the SAT code for FHU is 1230. Transfer students with at least 15 credit hours do not need to provide ACT/SAT scores.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Applicants whose primary language is not English must prove proficiency in English with one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 70 or higher
- TOEFL cBT (computer-based test) score of 173 or higher
- TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) score of 500 or higher
- IELTS score of 6 or higher
- Duolingo English Test score of 100 or higher
- ACT English subscore of 17 or higher
- New SAT Reading subscore of 23 or higher
More information about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) can be found at www.ets.org/toefl. Freed-Hardeman University’s code is 1230.
Transfer students who have completed at least thirty hours from a U.S. regionally accredited institution are not required to provide English proficiency scores if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and have earned a grade of “C” or higher in all English composition or writing classes.
F-1 STUDENT VISA
Once you are approved for admission, you will receive an official acceptance letter and you will be asked to provide a copy of your passport ID page.
The first step toward obtaining a student visa is to provide evidence of your financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses. FHU uses a Financial Certificate to collect evidence of financial ability. Scholarship and financial aid details will also be finalized during this stage.
Once you have submitted a Financial Certificate and the supporting documentation (e.g. bank statements and sponsorship letters), you will then be instructed to pay a refundable deposit equal to the estimated balance for your first semester at FHU.
After the deposit has been paid, you will be mailed a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). The Form I-20, a valid passport, and financial documents must be presented when applying for your student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The Office of International Education will provide instructions about the F-1 visa application process and the visa consular interview.
PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
Before you depart for the United States, you will register for classes and request a dormitory assignment. To complete your admission file, will be asked to provide a Health Form and immunization record.
Students admitted to study in the United States on an F-1 visa must attend the university on a full-time basis to maintain status. International students may not engage in unauthorized employment. If you are authorized for on-campus or off-campus work while in the United States, you will apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
All international students must maintain health insurance. If you do not provide proof of coverage for your own insurance policy, you will be insured by FHU and the insurance premiums will be billed to your student account.
