International Students

You're welcome here!

No matter where you are from, we welcome you to Alvernia University as your new home. International Admissions is responsible for providing you support and assistance, not only with your visa process and requirements but also your unique needs as an international student.

If you need more information or have questions, please don't hesitate to contact our International Admissions office by email at international.admissions@alvernia.edu or contact Sibel Ahi, Director of International Recruitment, at sibel.ahi@alvernia.edu or Assistant Director of International Student Engagement Kevin Davy at kevin.davy@alvernia.edu.
 

How to Apply as an International Student

All undergraduate students must submit a complete application to Alvernia University along with all supporting documents listed below. Please keep a copy of all documents submitted to Alvernia as you will be required to show them again at the American Embassy or Consulate in your country. You should apply as an undergraduate student (seeking a bachelor's degree) online by submitting our Alvernia application or The Common Application.
 

International Applicant Deadlines

• To begin classes in January (Spring semester), applications and supporting materials must be submitted by October 1.
• To begin classes in August (Fall semester), applications and supporting materials must be submitted by May 1.

Important Note: The application process is different for adult degree completion students and graduate students (those seeking to earn a master's or doctoral degree). If you have already earned a bachelor's degree or are seeking to attend as an adult student, choose the appropriate link below. 

• Graduate Education Requirements
• Adult Education Requirements

Currently, no scholarships/aid is available for international graduate students or international adult learners.

Required Supporting Materials

• Official copies of all education credentials, such as high school transcripts or equivalent high school completion certificate.
• Foreign Credential Equivalency Report(s) of all documents must be submitted, with a copy of the original documents. Suggested agencies include World Education Services (WES), Joseph Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants (JS&A), SpanTran: The Evaluation Company and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
• Financial Statement via the International Student Certification of Finance.
• Two letters of recommendation are required, only if applying to the Nursing program. The letter writer must submit them to the Admissions Office on behalf of the student. The student cannot send their own copies of letters of recommendation.

English Language Proficiency

All students who are non-native English speakers or come from a country where English is not the official language will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.  Please use the CIA World Fact Book to verify if your country is considered an English-speaking territory. Students may take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to verify their own English Proficiency.

Minimum Score Requirements:

• TOEFL: 75 or higher for the Internet-based test.
• IELTS: 5.5 or higher.
• DUOLINGO: 95 or higher.
• PTE: 60 or higher

English proficiency testing may be waived if a student has had at least two consecutive years of education in an American high school or institution of higher education.  A transcript from the American school attended should suffice as proof of proficiency, unless otherwise determined by the Admissions Office.

Academic Testing

International students can complete the SAT or ACT and meet score criteria are eligible to receive merit scholarships. Details on merit scholarships can be found on Alvernia's Undergraduate International Students page.

International Student Handbook

The International Student Handbook can be read here.