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 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/Institutional (for Texas State students only) – 550 minimum (for Texas State students)
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
  • 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/Institutional (for Texas State students only) – between 500-547 (for Texas State students)
• Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
• 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 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 if English is not your native language. Fluency in reading, speaking, and writing English is expected of all accepted students. 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. In order to be eligible for admission into the certification programs, you must achieve at least the following scores:
  • iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) - 4 out of 4 minimum section scores: 19/reading; 19/listening; 26/speaking; 18/writing
  • Paper based/institutional (for Texas State students only) - 550
  • IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 6.0

• 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 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/Institutional – 550 minimum (for Texas State students)
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
  • 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/Institutional – between 500-547 (for Texas State students)
• Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
• 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. The TOEFL is required if the student is visiting from a non-U.S. institution. 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.

As a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, you can apply as a Domestic Student in ApplyTexas. You will not be required to show proof of financial solvency as you will not require a visa. However, if you did receive your bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the United States, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• Official transcripts: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an acceptable accredited institution and a recognized 4-year program. 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.
  
• A $50 non-refundable International Evaluation Fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
• 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/Institutional (for Texas State students) – 550 minimum (for Texas State students)
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
  • 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/Institutional (for Texas State students) – between 500-547 (for Texas State students)
    
  • Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
  • IELTS (Academic) - 5.5-6.0 or higher with minimum individual module scores of 5.5

*Please see the “TOEFL Examination Requirements and Exemptions” section of this website if your country of birth qualifies for exemption.

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.

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 $28,999 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

ESTIMATED EXPENSES INCURRED BY STUDENT:

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/Institutional (for Texas State students only) – 550 minimum
  
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimums – 78 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of 19/reading, 19/listening, 19/speaking, and 18/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
• 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/Institutional (for Texas State students only) – between 500-547
  
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimums – between 59-77 overall total score. Some programs require minimum section scores of at least 14/reading, 14/listening, 14/speaking, and 14/writing. For a complete list, please click here.
  
• 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 originally 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.
  

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 are not eligible for the TSIE program if applying for the following programs:

• Accounting (Macy)
• Accounting and Information Technology (MSAIT)
• Business Administration (MBA)*
• Communication Disorders
• Geography
• Healthcare Administration
• PhD programs
• Physical Therapy
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Teacher Certification Programs
• *Business Administration will accept for non-degree status only

The Texas State Certificate Programs will accept applicants from the TSIE program.

If you elect to use express delivery to receive your I-20, please go to the University Express Mail Services (UEMS) web site at https://study.eshipglobal.com/.  Do not go through the DHL or FedEx web sites.  

• Student Health Center
• Financial Aid
• Residence Life
• Multicultural Office of Student Affairs
• International Minds
• Graduate Programs and Applications

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 beenalready 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 SEVIS Record Transfer-In Form.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your previous/current institution completes the SEVIS Record Transfer-In 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.

As a non-immigrant international student, you will be charged a health insurance fee with your tuition each semester for the Texas State student health insurance plan. Once you have registered for classes, it will be included in your bill. If you wish to provide proof of your own health insurance, it must meet certain requirements and you must submit an online insurance waiver form to the Texas State Student Health Center before the deadline. Appropriate health insurance coverage is a requirement of the federal government and of Texas State, and enforced by the Student Health Center. Please review the webpage to learn more about the insurance waiver process, to review dates for waiver deadlines and to submit an online waiver request.

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.

If you are selected to work on-campus, please note the following per the Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR 214.2(f) and Texas State University policy: UPPS No. 07.07.06:

1. F-1 students must NOT exceed 20 hours a week employment on campus while school is in session during the fall and spring terms. F-1 students taking classes in the summer should be allowed a work schedule that ensures attention to their academic responsibilities.

2. F-1 students may work on campus full-time when school is not in session (such as spring break) or during annual university vacation when the student is not enrolled in classes (typically summer).

3. F-1 students may not engage in on-campus employment after completing a course of study. Students who are completing their program of study (graduating) are expected to end on-campus employment on or prior to the last day of graduation. Federal law does not permit any exceptions.

4. F-1 students who are completing a program of study may continue on-campus employment ONLY if they have been admitted to a new program of study for the next available regular term (summer/fall/spring). Additionally, the student must have a new Form I-20 issued by the International Office for the new program of study.

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.