International Students

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Information, Requirements and Steps for International Students

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Important: All F1 students desiring to study in the United States must be enrolled full time and take a required number of credits via in-person classes on campus. International students outside of the United States may take their classes online, but F1 students in the United States are allowed only a limited number of online courses per year (depending on degree level).

Start Dates

For students desiring to study on our main campus, Carolina University offers three start dates throughout the year - at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Find the next start date on our Academic Calendar.

Calendar

Paras Loan Services

Paras Education Services (PES) is a financial consultant, helping all International Students to obtain study abroad loans @ 2% to 7% p.a. approx Interest (depending on Wall Street PLR) & repayment of 15/20 years, without any collateral, physical security or mortgage.

Paras Loan Services

International Student Employment Opportunities

Carolina University has a limited number of student employment opportunities available for international students who desire to live on campus. Eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week and have their estimated earnings applied to their SEVIS I-20 (visa) requirements. For example, a student who is granted a position for 20 hours per week for 40 weeks can reduce their financial support requirement by $8,000 (reducing the amount required for the Affidavit of Financial Support). Please inquire with your Admissions Counselor if you would like to apply for this opportunity.

Presidential Scholarship

Learn more about an unprecedented opportunity that is being offered to international students through the very generous Presidential Scholarship.

Step 1: Apply & Submit Documents

Complete your application with Carolina University which requires a non-refundable fee of $50. It is recommended to submit your application six months prior to starting studies at CU.
If you desire to pursue an undergraduate degree, submit evidence of completion of high school.
Submit official Test of English Proficiency for students whose primary language is not English, submit one of the following tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) — Paper-based score: 500; Computer-based score: 170, Internet-based score: 60.
- C2 Proficiency — Score: C or above
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Score: minimum of 6.0 on an academic test. General tests will not be accepted
- Pearson Test of English (PTEL) — Score: 68 or above
- Duolingo English Test — Score: 90 or above

English proficiency examinations may be waived for students who have completed a secondary-level program at a recognized school with English as the medium of instruction after transcript evaluation.

Transcripts

Carolina University requires all international students to submit their Official Transcripts for evaluation, as it aligns with our standard admission procedures.
Transcript Evaluation Requirement:
- Undergraduate Applicants: General evaluation with GPA
- Graduate, Master and PhD Applicants: Course-by-Course evaluation with GPA
We recommend using The Evaluation Company (TEC) as your preferred international transcript evaluation service. TEC offers evaluation services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
However, if you prefer an alternative option, you may select from the following choices:
- ECE
- WES

For SEVIS I-20 consideration

Submit a copy of your passport
Submit email, phone number, and current mailing address
Submit an Affidavit of Financial Support with proof of finances to admissions@carolinau.edu

Financial responsibility must be demonstrated before the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status can be issued. The University must receive on deposit the funds in United States dollars to cover the cost of the first year’s education. Financial information may be obtained from the Admissions Office including amounts for all fees and tuition. The Form I-20 will not be sent to the applicant until all of the admissions requirements have been met. International students are encouraged to submit all admissions materials at least six months prior to projected enrollment and obtain an acceptance letter at least three months prior to starting their first course.

For SEVIS I-20 transfer eligibility for students residing inside of US

Transfer Eligibility Form
A copy of most recent I-94
A copy of current I-20 (first and second pages)
Submit Affidavit of Financial Support with proof of finances
Submit a copy of passport and F-1 visa

Step 2: Visa Process

Pay SEVIS Fee

Pay SEVIS Fee

F-1 visa applicants entering the U.S. for the first time must complete the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee before their visa appointment. Fill in your name exactly as it appears on your I -20. After paying, print a copy of the online receipt.

Make Your Visa Appointment Early

Follow the instructions found on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website. After you receive your I-20, follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate instructions to schedule your visa interview appointment. Apply as far in advance as possible.

Pay the Visa Application Fee

Follow the instructions found on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website.

Complete the Visa Form

Form DS-160*: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

*Make sure the U.S. Embassy/Consulate you will visit has transitioned to this online form. If not, follow the instructions on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website.

Gather Documents

Gather these documents for your interview:

A passport valid for a minimum of six months into the future
Transcripts and test scores
Signed I-20
Carolina University acceptance letter
SEVIS fee receipt
Visa application fee receipt
Confirmation page from your DS-160 visa application
Two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format on your local embassy’s website
Original bank statements
- Affidavit of Support showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses as listed on I-20
- It is very important that in addition to the Affidavit of Support that you be able to produce documents proving a source of income (i.e. your sponsor’s bank statements and letters from the bank), which are more important than the actual Affidavit of Support
Documents that prove you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S., which may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community
Confirm with appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate that you have prepared all required documents

Step 3: After Acceptance

Tuition Payment

Once you have submitted all your documents and everything has been verified, you will receive a provisional acceptance letter with instructions for submitting the payment to cover the first year of study, including tuition, fees, and housing (after scholarships). You will also need to submit documentation confirming availability of funds for books, personal expenses, and future semesters of study. Visit our payment page for more information about international payment options.

Complete the Scholarship Application

Once you have been accepted at CU, you will need to complete the scholarship application in order to apply for any CU specific scholarships. International students are eligible for the International Scholarship, Stevens Scholarship, Supporting Church Scholarships, Diversity Scholarship, and the Alumni Scholarship.

Scholarship Portal

Browse Scholarships

Immunization Record

Prior to coming on campus, you'll need to submit your immunization record to studentservices@carolinau.edu.