Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: A foreign student is defined in the United States as a person entering the U.S. to pursue a programme of studies on a non-immigrant (temporary) visa and who does not hold a U.S. passport (is not a citizen) or intend to remain in the United States after completing the programme. Under federal law, foreign students thus fall under the classification of "non-resident aliens".

Quotas: U.S. higher education is an open and diverse system welcoming applicants from all over the world. As with all other admissions matters, the admission of foreign students is governed by the individual institutions. Admission practice varies according to institution.

Entry regulations: The first requirement for a prospective foreign student is to determine the institution or institutions to which he or she wishes to apply for admission. Once an institution is contacted, the student must follow its individual requirements for the admissions process. Foreign applicants must also demonstrate, to the satisfaction of institutional authorities, the following: (a) that they possess appropriate prior preparation for the course of study and level which they seek to enter in the U.S. institution; (b) adequate proficiency in English; (c) proof of the ability to pay their tuition and fees for their course of study before being allowed into the United States; and d) proof of a domicile in their home country to which they will return. U.S. overseas advising centers and individual institutions can advise prospective students about costs and methods of payment, as well as assistance and scholarship programmes. If the U.S. institution is satisfied that the foreign applicant has met its regular admissions requirements and has met these additional foreign student requirements, it may issue the foreign applicant a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). This document is accepted by U.S. Consulates as evidence of admission to a valid U.S. institution and programme and as a formal request to issue a student visa. Visa requirements for entry into the United States for study and other purposes (work, exchanges, travel, etc.) have undergone changes since the events of September 11, 2001. It is important for prospective visitors, students and workers to consult the closest US Consulate or Overseas Educational Advising Office in their countries to obtain the latest and most accurate information on policies and regulations. Also, a special federal government web site for visa information has been created: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Health requirements: Vary. Some state and individual institutions have requirements; foreign applicants should inquire about requirements to the institution to which they are applying.

Language requirements: Students whose native language is not English are usually required to sit for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).