Texas State University is a multipurpose university with an enrollment of over 30,000 students.  Located at the foot of the Texas Hill Country, Texas State enjoys a setting that is unique among Texas universities.  The beauty of the crystal-clear San Marcos River and many sprawling cypress and pecan trees on the campus add to the charm of this picturesque locale.

Texas State maintains an atmosphere where faculty and students take the processes of teaching and learning seriously.  As a result, Texas State is increasingly becoming known for its outstanding Graduate College.  If you're the type of student who won't settle for anything but excellence, we invite you to consider the Texas State Graduate College.

Texas State has an exceptional graduate faculty.  They are active in research and publishing; many are consultants to industry, government, and education.  The graduate student can expect close interactions with the faculty in a variety of academic and laboratory settings.  You will find we care about you at Texas State University.

Educational experiences include opportunities to meet, hear, and learn from leaders in their fields who come to Texas State as speakers and consultants.  Research opportunities and internships broaden and enliven the curriculum, and some programs offer international study opportunities.

Graduate students are from throughout the United States and other nations.  Some come straight from college; others return after years in a job or profession.  They represent different ethnic groups, religions, and interests.  Their diversity adds perspective to class discussions and multicultural opportunities to campus life.

The Graduate College offers a wide variety of graduate programs.

To apply for admission to a degree program you must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from an acceptable accredited institution and a recognized 4-year program either abroad or in the United States.
• At least a 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale for most programs on the last 60 hours of undergraduate courses before earning a bachelor's degree. Please review the following page for your intended program’s requirement.
  
• An Application for Admission.
• A $50 non-refundable one-time International Evaluation Fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
• A $40 non-refundable degree seeking application fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency) for all applicants applying.
• Transcripts: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an acceptable accredited institution and a recognized 4-year program either abroad or in the United States. We require two official transcripts from every college or university attended: one translated into English and one in the native language. To insure acceptance of your transcripts, please make sure the University Registrar verifies the transcripts with their official signature and university seals. The official transcripts need to be placed in university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• Diploma: Applicant must submit two official diplomas or degree certificates: one translated into English and one in the native language, showing the type of degree(s) earned and the date of the degree(s), verified by the Registrar of the university with their official signature and seal affixed to the copies. The copies need to be placed in the university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to apply to the Graduate College if English is not your native language. You must have an official score on file in the office of the Graduate College before your application is evaluated.  Scores must be sent directly to the office of the Graduate College from the Educational Testing Center with at least:
  • Paper-Based – 550 minimum
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing
  • IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    

          If your TOEFL score is below the minimum score but falls between the
          following scores then you may apply to the Texas State Intensive English
          (TSIE) Bridge program:

• Paper-Based – between 500-547
  
• Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing
• IELTS (Academic) - 5.5-6.0 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 5.5
  

• Please note that the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT are exams that test your abilities in specific areas. As a result, the GRE will not be considered as a substitute for the TOEFL and vice versa.
• Financial support verification if you need an F-1 visa. Please note that your application cannot be processed until we have the appropriate documents on file. Click on “Financial Verification Documents” for more information.

To apply for Teacher Certification admission, you must submit:

• An Application for Admission.
• A $50 non-refundable one-time International Evaluation Fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
• A $10 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
• Transcripts: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an acceptable accredited institution and a recognized 4-year program either abroad or in the United States. We require two official transcripts from every college or university attended: one translated into English and one in the native language. To insure acceptance of your transcripts, please make sure the University Registrar verifies the transcripts with their official signature and university seals. The official transcripts need to be placed in university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• Diploma: Applicant must submit two official diplomas or degree certificates: one translated into English and one in the native language, showing the type of degree(s) earned and the date of the degree(s), verified by the Registrar of the university with their official signature and seal affixed to the copies. The copies need to be placed in the university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to apply to the Graduate College if English is not your native language. You must have an official score on file in the office of the Graduate College before your application is evaluated.  Scores must be sent directly to the office of the Graduate College from the Educational Testing Center with at least:
  • Paper-Based – 550 minimum
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing
  • IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    

          If your TOEFL score is below the minimum score but falls between the
          following scores then you may apply to the Texas State Intensive English
          (TSIE) Bridge program:

• Paper-Based – between 500-547
  
• Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing
• IELTS (Academic) - 5.5-6.0 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 5.5
  

• Financial support verification if you need an F-1 visa. Please note that your application cannot be processed until we have the appropriate documents on file. Click on “Financial Verification Documents” for more information.

To apply for Certificate, Certification, or Non-Degree Seeking Student admission, you must submit:

• An Application for Admission.
• A $50 non-refundable one-time International Evaluation Fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency)
• A $10 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
• Transcripts: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an acceptable accredited institution and a recognized 4-year program either abroad or in the United States. We require two official transcripts from every college or university attended: one translated into English and one in the native language. To insure acceptance of your transcripts, please make sure the University Registrar verifies the transcripts with their official signature and university seals. The official transcripts need to be placed in university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• Diploma: Applicant must submit two official diplomas or degree certificates: one translated into English and one in the native language, showing the type of degree(s) earned and the date of the degree(s), verified by the Registrar of the university with their official signature and seal affixed to the copies. The copies need to be placed in the university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of the Graduate College.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to apply to the Graduate College if English is not your native language. You must have an official score on file in the office of the Graduate College before your application is evaluated.  Scores must be sent directly to the office of the Graduate College from the Educational Testing Center with at least:
  • Paper-Based – 550 minimum
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing
  • IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    

          If your TOEFL score is below the minimum score but falls between the
          following scores then you may apply to the Texas State Intensive English
          (TSIE) Bridge program:

• Paper-Based – between 500-547
  
• Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing
• IELTS (Academic) - 5.5-6.0 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 5.5
  

• Financial support verification if you need an F-1 visa. Please note that your application cannot be processed until we have the appropriate documents on file. Click on “Financial Verification Documents” for more information.

Non-Degree Seeking Student status is available for students taking background courses.  Along with the items listed above, a Non-Degree Seeking Student form must be completed and signatures from the Advisor must be obtained if applicable.  The Non-Degree Seeking Student form must be completed each semester you wish to attend Texas State.  In addition to the Non-Degree Student form, you must submit the Non-Degree Graduate Study Approval Form.  These forms must be submitted to the Office of the Graduate College.

To apply for Visiting Student admission, you must suubmit:

• An Application for Admission.
• A $10 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency)
• Complete a Visiting Student Form.
• Obtain approval from the institution granting the degree giving the student permission to transfer the course(s) and approval from the Graduate Advisor at Texas State.
  
• Return the Visiting Student Form signed and completed with all signatures for the Texas State Graduate Dean's approval to the Office of the Graduate College three weeks prior to registration.
• Complete a new Visiting Student Form prior to enrollment each semester.
• Submit a letter from your primary university advisor stating that you are maintaining your immigration status. This letter is to be submitted to the International Office.
• Financial support verification if you need an F-1 visa. Please note that your application cannot be processed until we have the appropriate documents on file. Click on “Financial Verification Documents” for more information.
• Visiting Student status is available to students in a Masters program at another U.S. university. If you wish to transfer graduate level courses to the other university, complete a Visiting Student Form and obtain the required signatures. The Visiting Student form must be completed each semester you wish to attend Texas State.

It is imperative that you adhere to the deadline, especially if you are applying for an I-20 to obtain an F-1 Student Visa. This means having ALL documentation (transcripts, financial affidavits and bank statements, the copy of the passport, and any additional documents required by the department) turned in no later than the posted deadline. Students missing any of the documents listed above by the published deadline will be automatically denied. The deadlines are as follows:

Some programs have earlier deadlines and specific semester admission. Specific deadlines are also listed at the Graduate College web site. Specific programs may require higher standards than the minimum requirements for admissions to Graduate College. Admission requirements for specific programs are available on the website.

Please check with the department when applying for Summer admission as each program has different policies. Please keep in mind that you are required to maintain full-time status (nine hours) if Summer is your initial attendance and you hold the F-1 visa. Since course offerings are limited for this term, we encourage students to apply during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Please check with the department when applying for Summer admission as each program’s admission policies vary. Also, please keep in mind that you are required to maintain full-time status (nine hours) if Summer is your initial attendance and you hold the F-1 visa. Course offerings are typically limited for this term. Therefore, international students who are unable to identify and enroll in courses that are in their degree plan or who are required to take preparatory or background courses may be required to enroll in courses that are not a part of their degree plan in order to maintain and complete full-time enrollment for the summer. For these reasons, we encourage students to apply during the Fall and Spring semesters.

TOEFL or IELTS: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to apply to the Graduate College if English is not your native language. You must have an official score on file in the office of the Graduate College before your application is evaluated.  Scores must be sent directly to the office of the Graduate College from the Educational Testing Center with at least:

• TOEFL Paper-Based – 550 minimum
  
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing
• IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  

          If your TOEFL score is below the minimum score but falls between the
          following scores then you may apply to the Texas State Intensive English
          (TSIE) Bridge program:

• TOEFL Paper-Based – between 500-547
  
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 total score with the 4 minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing
• IELTS (Academic) - 5.5-6.0 with minimum individual module scores of 5.5
  

The following situations can be automatically exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement:

• Citizens of the following countries:
  
  • American Samoa
  • Australia
  • Canada (except for Quebec)
  • Commonwealth Caribbean countries (click here to see full list)
  • Ghana
  • Ireland
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom (ENgland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
  • U.S. Pacific Trust
• Students who earned their Bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. college or university during a four year program. (Completion of a graduate degree in the U.S. does not qualify for an automatic exemption.)
• Please note that TOEFL/IELTS waiver is only granted if a student is orginally from one of these countries. The Graduate College will not waive their TOEFL/IELTS need if the student received their degree from one of these countries.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required if you are applying to the Business Administration program or the Accounting program.

Test of Spoken English (TSE)/Test of Written (TWE) is required if you are seeking an MA or MEd with a major in History degree, you must have a score of at least a 45 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) must be on file in the Graduate College prior to the evaluation of your application. Note: The TSE is required of international History applicants who are native speakers of English as well as non-native speakers of English.

The TSIE's purpose is to allow international graduate students to complete their English proficiency while at the same time to be enrolled in university credit bearing classes.  It is applicable for a maximum of two semesters prior to full time academic study.  You may obtain more information at http://www.txstate.edu/ie/.

The TSIE offers a non-credit university intensive English as a Second Language program for international students who want to improve their command of English before entering an educational institution in the United States.  Currently, four levels in TSIE reading, writing, grammar, and oral skills are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

International applicants may not apply for the TSIE program if applying for the following programs:

• Accounting (Macy)
• Accounting and Information Technology (MSAIT)
• Biochemistry
• Business Administration (MBA)*
• Chemistry
• Communication Disorders
• Healthcare Administration
• PhD programs
• Physical Therapy
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• *Business Administration will accept for non-degree status only
• The Texas State Certificate Programs will accept applicants from the TSIE program.

You will need an I-20 to apply for the Student Visa to study at Texas State:

Students applying for an I-20 to obtain a Student Visa (F1 Visa) must submit financial verification of their ability to undertake the proposed course of study. For the 2011-2012 academic year, students must provide an affidavit of support with a bank letter from the sponsor showing financial solvency of $26,390 USD. You may complete the financial verification forms available on our website. Financial support documents (including bank statements) must be dated no earlier than six months prior to initial attendance date. Please note that your application will not be considered complete until we have these documents on file.

• If you are currently residing within the United States, then use these In-country financial (PDF) forms
• If you are not within the United States, then use these Out-of-country (PDF) financial forms

International students that wish to transfer to Texas State University–San Marcos need to meet the academic as well as the immigration requirements for this transfer.  Students that have been already admitted into an academic program and provided the financial documentation required for their admissions should follow the steps below to process their SEVIS or immigration transfer.  This is a separate procedure not to be confused with the academic transfer done through the Office of the Graduate College.  Simply transferring academically does not complete your SEVIS transfer.

• Notify your international/immigration student advisor at your current school of your intent to transfer and verify the procedures with them.  
• Request your current school complete and fax the Status Verification Form.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your previous/current institution completes the Status Verification Form and submits it.  
• Upon your notification, a DSO at your current school will update your record in SEVIS as a “transfer out” and indicate a release date.  Once this release date is reached, the International Office at Texas State will have access to your SEVIS record to process your transfer I-20.  
• After the release date of your SEVIS record contact the Texas State International Office to confirm that all documents needed for your SEVIS transfer have been received as well as your SEVIS record.  
• Call the International Office at (512) 245-7966 to schedule a check-in.  You must bring all of your immigration documents to this meeting.  Your transfer I-20 will be given to you at this time. For more detailed information on our Check-ins and New International Student Orientation visit our website at www.international.txstate.edu.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

• Transfer students must start attending classes within 5 months of the last day he or she attended classes (or ended OPT), or the next available session, whichever comes sooner.
• If a student completes a course of study (or OPT), the student is eligible for transfer through the end of the 60-day grace period.
• If you are planning on traveling abroad, you must re-enter the country with the I-20 from the school that holds your SEVIS record at the time.  If your release date occurs when you are abroad, the Texas State International Office will have to mail the transfer I-20 to you.
• A student's authorization for OPT or CPT ends on the transfer release date or the end of the work authorization, whichever one is earlier.

International students with an immigration status of "F1" or "J1" will be charged an international student operations fee in the amount of $60.00 per long term and $30.00 per summer session for the maintenance of records, compliance with government regulations, and services for nonimmigration students. Mandatory Health Insurance - International students are responsible for any medical expenses incurred while in the United States. As a non-resident, you are not eligible for public assistance medical plans offered in the U.S. All nonimmigrant international students are required to have medical insurance as a condition of enrollment at Texas State. You can purchase the economical group medical insurance made available by the University or provide comparable and acceptable or approved medical insurance plan of your own.  You may obtain detailed information from the Student Health Center. 

Students with an F1 Student Visa Status are not permitted to work off campus without authorization from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and are not eligible to receive U.S. federal financial aid.  On Campus Employment is limited and students should not expect this type of financial assistance.  Limited Teaching Assistant/Graduate Assistant/Instructional Assistant may be available to graduate students. Information may be obtained by contacting the department to which you are applying.

The Graduate College offers scholarships to Texas State Graduate students. Information may be obtained by viewing the Graduate College Scholarship website.

The International Office provides a variety of services to approximately 500 international students currently enrolled at Texas State.  The primary responsibility of the office is to act as the official international student advisor for all visa and other immigrations issues.  An individual orientation interview is held with each new student to determine needs and to answer questions.  The office is a continuing source of information, advising/counseling, and social services relevant to international students.