International Student Admission

What is required?

Completed applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the first semester of attendance. An application for admission is considered complete when the following items are on file in the Office of Admission.  Our address is:

Office of International Admission
Oglethorpe University
4484 Peachtree Rd. NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30319-2797

1. Use our Online International Student Application or print a copy of the application form.  Applications must be typed or legibly written.
    
2. Application fee of $40.00 (US) 
    
3. Complete course records for all previous secondary and post-secondary work. Please Note: All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. and sent directly from Silny to the Office of Admission. No Exceptions.
   
   All secondary transcripts must have a "Document-by-Document" evaluation and "Grade Point Average Equivalent". Post-secondary transcripts must have the same, or if a student wishes to receive transfer credit for his or her previous coursework, a "Course-by-Course" evaluation is required. Applications for evaluation are available in the Office of Admission or by calling Joseph Silny & Associates, Inc. at
   305.273.1616, fax 305.273.1338
    
4. Proof of English Proficiency
   All students from countries where English is not the native language must meet one of the following requirements to be considered for admission:
    
   • Complete level 109 from an ELS, Inc. language center.
   • Score a minimum of 550 on the TOEFL - or 213 on the computer-based test (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
   • Score 480 or more on the verbal section of the International Scholastic Assessment Test.
   • Have a combined 2.8 grade-point average with no grade below a "C" in two English composition courses from an AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) accredited college or university.
   • Earn a grade of "C" or better in G.C.E. or G.S.C.E. examinations or their equivalent.
   • All secondary transcripts must have a "Document-by-Document" evaluation and "Grade-Point Average Equivalent." Post-secondary transcripts must have the same; or, if a student wishes to receive transfer credit for his or her previous course work, a "Course-by-Course" evaluation is required. Applications for evaluation are available in the Office of Admission or by calling Joseph Silny and Associate, Inc. at (305) 666-0233.

   An international student's secondary school credentials are subject to the acceptance criteria stated for his or her country in the AACRAO world education series, governed by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
   
   Please note that Oglethorpe University does not offer an English language training program for international students.
    

5. All students from nations where English is the native language must have one of the following to be considered for admission:
   1. A combined SAT score of 1000, with at least 500 on the verbal section.
   2. An ACT score of at least 21
   3. Above-average scores on the "A" and/or "O" level examinations in British system schools or their equivalent in Northern Ireland or Scotland.
       
6. Must have proof of an international health insurance plan.  Specific information can be obtained at www.collegiaterisk.com (enter OG and select products).
    
7. Letter of financial guarantee
   International students are expected to be able to fund the entire cost of their education. Neither Oglethorpe nor the federal government provide need-based financial assistance for students who are not US citizens. International students are, however, permitted to pursue partial merit-based scholarship opportunities through the Oglethorpe Scholars Award Program. The awards for these highly competitive scholarships range from $4,000 to $10,000 per academic year and are based on academic accomplishments.

   Prior to formal acceptance and the issuance of an I-20 document, international students must submit a certificate of financial guarantee attesting to their source of funds as well as the amount available for use by the student. A financial guarantee form is provided as part of the admission application.  However, a separate bank letter (on bank letterhead) is also required stating that the responsible party can cover the following costs*:

   Fall and Spring 2009 - 2010 Semesters
   Tuition   $ 26,400
   Room & Board   $ 9,990
   Books/Spending Money $ 1,700
   Total: per year $38,090

   *Fees are payable by semester and estimated figures will vary according to individual student needs. Travel expenses and housing costs between semesters are not included in these figures. Please be aware that students who enter the United States on a F-1 student visa have limited work opportunities.  These amounts are subject to change and can change without notice.

Related links:

• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• TOEFL Online

Note: If you possess a GREEN CARD, please contact the Office of Admission immediately to discuss the paperwork necessary for admission to Oglethorpe. Also, if you are in the process of receiving a green card, the required documents listed above are still required until you provide us with acceptable proof of obtaining the actual green card.