International

Admissions Requirements

 

Southwestern Adventist University classifies as an international student all applicants not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. SWAU is approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for the admission of non-immigrant students (F1 status). International students should not leave their country with the intention of enrolling at Southwestern Adventist University without a letter of acceptance and an I-20 form issued by SWAU. International applicants must meet the following requirements to obtain an acceptance letter and an I-20 form:

1. Submit an application to the Admissions Office.

2. Submit official academic transcripts as required by new freshmen, transfer, or graduate admission procedures as appropriate. Students from countries which administer the G.C.E. (General Certificate of Education) examinations must have earned five (5) or more "O" level academic subject passes (with marks 1 through 6 or A through D). Degree-seeking students with previous college work must submit an official English translation before SWAU can give transfer credit.

3. Submit a SWAU Personal Data form.

4. Submit documentation of English language proficiency. Any of the following will meet this requirement:
          a) the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)with a minimum proficiency level of 190 on
              the computer-based test, or 520 on the paper-based test
          b) the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery with an average score of 80 in each section*
          c) an SATI Verbal score of 400 or higher**
          d) an ACTEnglish score of 17 or higher

          *SWAU’s English as a Second Language Department gives the Michigan test free of charge.
        **SWAU’s Counseling and Testing Center gives the SAT I test for a fee.

All acceptable documentation must be current (within the last six months). Students who do not submit proof of English language proficiency will be tested upon arrival at SWAU. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements will be required to take ESL courses, Jump Start courses, or a combination of these classes in the first semester of enrollment at Southwestern.

5. Submit a SWAU Certificate of Finance form and documentation to prove financial ability to meet the costs of tuition, lodging, food, fees, medical insurance, and personal expenses while studying at SWAU.

6. Submit a deposit of $750 and a pre-payment of $3,900 (a combined total of $4,650) if the applicant is not a citizen of U.S. Territories or Canada. (Students receiving financial sponsorship from overseas divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will not be required to submit a pre-payment if a statement from the treasurer of the division or conference is submitted which lists the amount of educational subsidy the student will receive.) The $3,900 pre-payment will be applied to the student's first semester expenses at SWAU and the $750 deposit will be retained as a reserve fund. The reserve fund will become available to the student upon graduation or permanent withdrawal from school if the student's account balance is zero. No interest is paid on the deposit held in reserve. The deposit and pre-payment will be returned to applicants who do not enroll, minus a processing fee of $100.

7. Submit a legible copy of a current passport, showing legal name.

8. Submit a letter of explanation and commitment if involved in any incident of suspension, probation, dismissal, criminal conduct, or substance use as indicated on the application. The Admissions Committee will review the letter and determine the applicant's eligibility for admission.

Southwestern Adventist University does not issue I-20's for international applicants to the Adult Degree Program. International students applying to the Adult Degree Program must meet ADP admission requirements.

The Admission Office will notify applicants by letter regarding acceptance status after application and transcripts have been received. When an academic acceptance is granted and a Certificate of Finance with acceptable documentation, a Southwestern Personal Data form, a deposit and the pre-payment have been received Southwestern will issue an I-20.

Because of the extra time required to process international applicants, SWAU will give priority to those who meet all financial and academic requirements for admission at least four months prior to registration. Final deadlines to submit required documents are July 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for Spring semester.

Southwestern Adventist University does not issue I-20s for international applicants to the Adult Degree Program. International students applying to the Adult Degree Program must meet ADP admission requirements.