International Application for Admission

1. Non-citizen Application for Admission - The Non-citizen Application for Admission must be completed and signed by the applicant. A nonrefundable $35.00 application fee, payable through a U.S. bank, must accompany the application. Applications received without the $35.00 processing fee will not be processed.
   
   
2. Academic Records - Complete and certified academic records of all secondary and/or postsecondary education attempted must be submitted. Whenever possible, the records must be forwarded directly from the issuing institution to the University of South Alabama. Copies must be certified by an official of the government or school (e.g., Registrar or Dean). Unofficial copies may be accepted on a temporary basis.  Any applicant who submits unofficial documents for admissions consideration must submit official copies no later than the student's first semester check-in and orientation. Failure to do so may result in revocation of admissions and cancellation of the immigration document issued by the University.
   

   If an applicant submits documentation that is deemed fraudulent, the University will immediately revoke admission and terminate/cancel immigration documents issued by USA. If already a student, OllA will also send notification to the Dean of Students of student misconduct.

3. English Proficiency
   1. New Freshman/Transfer
      Nonimmigrant applicants, whose native language is not English, must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting one of the following:
      1. Tests of English Proficiency (minimum score posted below)
         1. TOEFL - 61
         2. IELTS - 5.5
         3. ITEP - 3.6
         4. PTE - 44
      2. Other
         1. ACT English - 19
         2. SAT Reading Test - 26
         3. Advanced Level English examination from the United Kingdom with a score of "A", "B" or "C/A-E"
         4. Successful completion of the English Language Center at the University of South Alabama (students must apply directly to USA's English Language Center)
         5. Successful completion of the University’s SEVP-approved pathway program, Global Path to Success, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
      International students, admitted with the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or PTE score, will be required to take additional English as a Second Language course if their Reading (ESL 015) and Writing (ESL 016) subscore is less than the published minimum score.  Successful completion of ESL 015 and 016 must be completed within the first 2 semesters of enrollment at the University of South Alabama.
   2. Transfer Students
      Applicants transferring from a United States regionally accredited institution will be exempt, subject to the following conditions:
      1. Transfer credits total at least 24 semester hours; AND
      2. Completion of English Composition I with a grade of "C" or above
   3. Exemptions
      Applicants may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement, under the following conditions:
      1. Completion of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited United State institution
      2. From a native English speaking country
         
         
4. Financial Statement - Non-immigrants must provide proof that sufficient finances are available to undertake one year of study

Notification:  Students are notified of admissions decisions as soon as all required documents are received.  The I-20 or DS-2019 is mailed to students with letter of admission.

Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions - Students transferring to the University from foreign postsecondary institutions much submit a detailed course syllabus from which to evaluate transfer credit.  Advanced Placement credit is available from a number of worldwide sources.  Contact the Registrar's Office for details.  Students may secure a professional evaluation of academic credentials at their own expense.  Course-by-course professional evaluation is required of transfer students accepted into the College of Education and Professional Studies and students applying to the professional component of any program in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions.

(See the section below entitled "Additional information for all International Students.")

Graduate Applicants

1. Non-citizen Application for Admission - Students will submit their graduate application through UniCAS, the university's graduate application portal. A non-refundable $50 application fee, payable through a U.S. Bank must accompany the application.  Applications received without the $50.00 application fee will not be processed.
   
   
2. Academic Records - Complete and certified academic records of all secondary and postsecondary education attempted must be submitted.  Whenever possible, the records must be forwarded directly from the issuing institution to the University of South Alabama.  Copies must be certified by an official of the government or school (e.g., Registrar or Dean).  Unofficial copies may be accepted on a temporary basis.  Any applicant who submits unofficial documents for admissions consideration must submit official copies no later than the student's first semester check-in and orientation.  Failure to do so may result in revocation of admissions and cancellation of the immigration document issued by the University.
   If an applicant submits documentation that is deemed fraudulent, the University will immediately revoke admission and terminate/cancel immigration documents issued by USA.  If already a student, OIIA will also send notification to the Dean of Students of student misconduct.
   
   
3. English Proficiency
   

   Minimum TOEFL score of 71 OR 
   Minimum IELTS score of 6 OR 
   Minimum iTEP score 3.7 OR
   Minimum Pearsons (PTE Academic) score 48
   Please note that score programs may require higher scores to prove English proficiency.

   Short-term exchange students holding J-1 visas and those holding baccalaureate or graduate degrees from regionally accredited United States postsecondary institutions are exempt. 

4. Standardized Tests - Standardized test requirements for the various academic programs are listed in the appropriate sections of the Bulletin. All test scores must be official documents sent directly from the testing service which administered the examination to UniCAS.  The only exception is an IELTS score report which must be mailed directly to the Office of Immigration and International Admissions.
   
   
5. Recommendation Letters - Three recommendations may be required by the department of applicants with each recommender's information added to the Evaluators section in UniCAS. The recommender should be a person familiar with the applicant's academic qualifications and ability to undertake the proposed course of study.
   
   
6. Financial Statement - Nonimmigrants must provide proof that sufficient finances are available to undertake their study and living expenses for one year.  Applicants for graduate assistantships should contact the appropriate department directly for information and assistantship applications.
   
   
7. Narrative Statement of Purpose - A narrative Statement of Purpose written by applicant may be required by the department and must be uploaded to UniCAS. 

Notification: Students are notified of the admissions decision from the Graduate Dean as soon as all required documents are received and the Graduate Dean has received a recommendation from the appropriate graduate program.  The I-20 or DS-2019 is mailed to students with the letter of admission.

Students wishing to postpone their arrival to a later semester must notify the Office of Immigration and International Admissions in writing.  Students who have previously attended USA and wish to re-enroll should contact the Office of Immigration and International Admissions to see what steps need to be taken to be reviewed for readmission or re-entry.  

Address inquires and questions to:
University of South Alabama 
Office of Immigration and International Admissions
390 Alumni Circle
Meisler Hall Suite 2200
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
(251) 460-6050
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/international  

International Student Nonimmigrant and International Student Fees

All international students with nonimmigrant visas are considered nonresidents for tuition purposes and will be assessed a nonresident fee and an international student fee each semester. 

Orientation

New international students are required to participate in an orientation program prior to their first semester at the University. The orientation program welcomes students to the University, introduces them to staff and students, and familiarizes them with immigration regulations, academic procedures and the community. Readmitted and matriculated international students will be required to attend all or parts of the orientation program the first semester they return to or begin a new program at the University.

Medical Insurance 

The University requires all international students on nonimmigrant visas to maintain medical insurance coverage. Students must purchase the University's international student health insurance policy at registration or apply for a waiver of the University health insurance plan. Proof of adequate health insurance must be submitted with the waiver application. Sponsored students may request to waive the health insurance requirement if they receive health insurance from their home country government or Embassy.