International Students FAQ
- What is the application process and where are the forms?
- What is the application fee? How can I pay it?
- What are the application deadlines?
- Can international students start their studies in any semester?
- Who is considered an international student?
- What are the documentation requirements for an international student?
- How do I submit my transcripts?
- How do I submit my test scores?
- Do I need to submit an SAT or ACT?
- What is the language requirement? Do I need to take TOEFL?
- Can I receive financial assistance?
- Can I claim Florida Residency as an international student?
- How much is Tuition and Fees, and what are the costs of attending FGCU?
- What do I need to know about the issuance of visa documents?
- How do I find out the status of my application?
- How do I contact International Admissions at FGCU?
Is there a question you have that is not listed here? Please e-mail us your questions at admissions@fgcu.edu and we will gladly add it to our Web site
What is the application process and where are the forms?
To begin the process, complete an undergraduate application. There are 3 different ways to apply. You may apply online through our website, download the paper application, or apply electronically through FACTS.org.
All of our forms can be found on our Web site on the Admissions Forms page.
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
What is the application fee? How can I pay it?
- The application fee is $30.00.
- The fee must be in U.S. dollars, drawn a U.S. bank.
- Checks or money orders should be made out to "FGCU" when applying by the downloaded printed or FACTS.org application.
- Applicants may also pay the application fee in person at the Cashier's office located on the First floor of McTarnaghan Hall.
- Applications received without the application fee will not be processed until the appropriate fee(s) are received.
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What are the application deadlines?
The deadlines for international student applications to Florida Gulf Coast University can be found at http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/intstudentsadmcriteria.html.
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Can international students start their studies in any semester?
International students can start their studies in the Fall (Aug.) or Spring (Jan.) semesters. They cannot start in the Summer (May or June) semester.
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Who is considered an international student?
Applicants applying for an F-1 visa are considered international students at FGCU. Applicants applying for a J-1 exchange visitor /student visa are considered Exchange Visitors or Students.
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What are the documentation requirements for an international student?
The international students must submit both academic and immigration documents in order to become eligible for their international student status.
Academic Documentation
- International Credential Evaluation - High School - document by document evaluation
- University or College - Course by Course evaluation. Must have an overall GPA of 2.0 "C" average to be admissible. See recommended agencies in the International Admission Guide
- TOEFL or IELTS - if not from English speaking country or exempt
- SAT/ACT test scores - if applying with less than 60 transferable hours
- GRE/GMAT/MAT - if applying as a graduate student
Immigration
- Financial Support Statement - see international admission guide for further information
- Visa clearance form - if student is transferring from a U.S. institution - see international admissions guide for sample
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
How do I submit my transcripts?
- Transcripts must be in the original sealed envelope of the issuing institution t be considered official
- Any transcript that is not in English or if the course work has not been taken in a U.S. institution must be accompanied by a certified evaluation
- For academic work completed at non-U.S. institutions, a credential evaluation is required for all undergraduate and graduate programs
- If you have previously attended FGCU in pursuit of a degree, you do not need to submit your FGCU transcripts
- All documents submitted become the property of FGCU and cannot be returned or forwarded
Suggested Foreign Transcript Evaluation Services
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Academic Evaluation Services Inc.
7320 E. Fletcher Avenue, Suite 106
Tampa, FL 33637
Ph: (813) 490-6274
Fax: (813) 490-6275
info@aes-edu.org
http://aes-edu.org
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International Education Evaluators (IEE)
P.O. Box 545863
Surfside, FL 33154
Ph: (305) 503-9063
Fax: (305) 993-5550
info@iee-usa.com
http://www.iee-usa.com
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Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Ph: (305) 273-1616
Fax: (305) 273-1338
Translation Fax: (305) 273-1984
info@jsilny.com
http://www.jsilny.com
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Lisano International
P.O. Box 407
Auburn, AL 36831-0425
Ph: (334) 745-0425
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World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745 Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
Ph: (212) 966-6311
http://www.wes.org/application
http://www.wes.org/required
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American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
International Education Services
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 520
Washington, D.C. 20036-1135
Ph: (202) 296-3359
oies@aacrao.org
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Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
How do I submit my test scores?
- Applicants are encouraged to take any required tests as early as possible to avoid delays in the processing of their applications
- Photocopies of score reports should be included in the application packet whenever possible to expedite processing. NOTE: photocopies are considered unofficial and any admission to FGCU made based upon unofficial scores will not be finalized until official scores are received
- All standardized test scores for the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL must be submitted to FGCU from the agency administering the test. Below are the agency links to register for each test and FGCU code(s)
- For more information on the Graduate entrance tests, please see the following Web site: http://www.fgcu.edu/graduate/.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores must be dated within three years of the desired term to be considered. A minimum passing score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL test, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL test, or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL test or a 6.5 on the IELTS test is required for admission.
- GRE/GMAT scores must be dated with five years of the desired term of entry to be considered.
- All documents submitted become the property of FGCU and cannot be returned or forwarded.
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Do I need to submit an SAT or ACT?
- Applicants need to submit SAT or ACT scores if you have less than 60 transferable hours coming in to FGCU or if you are coming in to FGCU as a Freshman
- If submitting a credential evaluation without a High School GPA, an SAT score of 1450 (Critical Reading + Math + Writing) not including essay or an ACT score of 21 without the essay is required
- If the High School GPA is included on the credential evaluation, the test score must coincide with the GPA in the chart found here http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/freshmancriteria.html.
Also, the SAT must have a minimum score of 440 in the Critical Reading portion, a 440 in the Mathematics portion, and a 440 in the Writing portion. The ACT must have a minimum score of 17 in the English portion, 19 in the Mathematics portion, and 18 in the Reading portion
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
What is the language requirement? Do I need to take TOEFL?
All international applicants for whom English is not the native tongue must provide proof of competence in the English language. International applicants form non English-speaking countries must provide a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 550 (written test), or 6.5 on the IELTS test taken within 3 years of the desired term of entry. See also the list below for the English speaking countries from which an applicant will not be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
English Speaking Countries
Please note: many other countries have English as a major language, but NOT as the 'native/official' language. TOEFL or IELTS will be required unless English proficiency is otherwise proven.
Antigua - Australia - Bahamas - Bahrain - Bangladesh - Barbados - Barbuda - Belize - Bermuda - Botswana - Cameroon (Only North-West and South-West Provinces) - Canada, except Quebec (French) - Cayman Islands - Commonwealth Caribbean, Including Belize - Dominica - Fiji - Ghana - Grenada - Guyana - Kenya - Irish Republic - Jamaica - Lesotho- Liberia - Malawi - New Zealand - Nigeria - Ireland - Papua New Guinea - Sierra Leone - South Africa (If Afrikaans is NOT native language) - St. Kitts & Nevis - St. Lucia - St. Vincent & Grenadines - Swaziland - Tanzania - Tobago - Trinidad - Uganda - United Kingdom - Virgin Islands - Zambia - Zimbabwe
TOEFL or IELTS Exemptions
- If you are from an English-speaking country, you do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS test
- You can also be exempt if you have an Associate of Arts Degree from a public Florida Community College
- Have a Bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution
- Have a minimum of a "C" in English Composition Courses 1 & 2
- Attended a U.S. high school for the entire four years
Applicants who are unable to meet this requirement should contact local Educational Institutions in Southwest Florida that offer Intensive English as a Second Language Courses. Currently, Florida Gulf coast University does not offer Intensive English as a Second Language Classes to enable international applicants with the necessary language skills to gain admission.
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Can I receive financial assistance?
- It is the applicant's responsibility to locate funds if outside assistance is needed
- Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens are not eligible for federal financial aid
- Applicants should apply for scholarships/assistantships/fellowships through the appropriate sponsoring body/graduate program
- Links to several aid sources available can be found by clicking here: Financial Aid and Scholarships for International Students
- Currently international students can apply for a tuition waiver. For more information please click here: Tuition Waiver Information
- You can apply for FGCU Foundation Scholarships. The information can be accessed by clicking here: FGCU Foundation Scholarships (Please note that the application is only open between November 15th and March 15th each year).
Additional Florida and U.S. Financial Assistance
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Can I claim Florida Residency as an international student?
See also http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/residency.html
- Some non-immigrant visa types are eligible to apply for Florida residency classification for tuition paying purposes (go to link provided above)
- Applicants from Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, China, Costa Rica, Eastern Europe, France, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and West Africa may receive out of state tuition waivers (go to Florida Linkage Institutes for more information)
Residency Classification for International Students
- Permanent resident alien
- Parolees
- Asylees
- Refugees
- Or other permanent status persons (e.g., conditional permanent residents and temporary residents), who have applied to and have been approved by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services with no date certain for departure
Non-immigrants holding one of the following visas shall be considered eligible to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes:
- Visa category A - Government official
- Visa category E - Treaty trader or investor
- Visa category G - representative of international organization
- Visa category H-1 - Temporary worker performing professional nursing services or in a specialty occupation
- Visa category H-4 - Only if spouse or child of alien classified H-1
- Visa category I - Foreign information media representative
- Visa category K - Fiance, fiancee or a child of United States citizen(s)
- Visa category L - Intra-company transferee (including spouse or child)
- Visa category N - Parent or child of alien accorded special immigrant status
- Visa category O-1 - Workers of 'extraordinary' ability in the sciences, arts education, business, or athletics
- Visa category O-3 - Only if spouse or child of O-1 alien
- Visa category R - Religious workers
- Visa category NATO 1-7 - Representatives and employees of NATO and their families
- Visa category T - Victims of trafficking, who cooperate with federal authorities in prosecution of traffickers, and their spouses and children
- Visa category V - Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents
Non-U.S. citizens who fall within the following categories shall also be considered eligible to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes:
- Citizens of Micronesia
- Citizens of the Marshall Islands
- Beneficiaries of the Family Unity Program
- Individuals granted temporary protected status
- Individual granted withholding of deportation status
- Individual granted suspension of deportation status or cancellation of removal
- Individuals granted a stay of deportation status
- Individuals granted deferred action status
- Individuals granted deferred enforced departure status
- Applicants for adjustment of status
- Asylum applicants with UCIS receipt of Immigration Court stamp
Required Residency Documents
The assignment of Florida residency for tuition paying purposes requires that the person claiming residency (student, or student’s parent, legal guardian or spouse) provides documentation that demonstrates that he/she has lived in Florida for at least one year prior to the start of classes of the semester of admission and does not also have ties to another state or country. Below documents may not be conclusive evidence that you or your parent, legal guardian or spouse qualify for in-state tuition. You may be required to provide additional documentation depending on your individual circumstances.
- Proof of two legal ties to the state of Florida is required. At least one such tie must be issued one year prior to the start of the semester for which you are applying. Please submit copies of the following:
- Florida Driver's License
- Florida Vehicle Registration
- Florida Vehicle Title
- Florida Voter's Registration
- Declaration of Domicile
- Proof of purchase of Permanent Home (Warranty Deed)
- Florida Occupational/Professional License
- Permanent Full-Time Employment
- Proof that person claiming residency was physically present and maintaining a residence in the state of Florida for periods of non-enrollment is required. Such proof might include lease agreements, utility bills or bank statements for each month, or a letter from his/her employer on letterhead stating that he/she was employed in the state during that time period.
- If student is not the person claiming residency, then proof of dependency relationship of parent, legal guardian or spouse:
- Parents' most recent Federal tax return (specifically, the page listing dependents) or a notarized statement from your parents stating that they will be claiming you as a dependent on their Federal tax report or that they provide for at least 51% of your expenses.
- Copy of legal guardianship (if living with relative who is not a parent) and five years of Federal tax returns (or notarized statement from legal guardian stating that they have provided at least 51% of your expenses for 5 years.
- Copy of marriage license.
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Tuition Fees / Cost of Attending FGCU
Cost of Attendance
For general information on tuition fees, please see Cost of Tuition and Other Fees, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.
In addition to the University's figures regarding the cost of attendance, International Student and Scholar services also provides an estimated cost of attendance for students who will need an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. See International Admission Guide [.pdf - 99kb] for complete information.
For information on residency classification for tuition paying purposes as an international student, please see Residency Classification for International Students.
U.S. Federal Financial Aid - international applicants are not eligible for financial aid such as Stafford Loans and Pell Grants but may apply for other forms of aid such as scholarships and fellowships. See Sources of Funding
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Issuance of Visa Documents (Financial Statement)
- All international applicants needing an F-1 visa must show that they have the financial resources to pay for their studies to receive an I-20 upon admission to FGCU. The amount necessary is determined each year by International Student and Scholar Services and is published as part of the International Admission Guide [.pdf - 111kb].
- A Financial Statement ascertaining funds must be dated within 6 months of the planned term of entry.
- Visa Clearance Form [.pdf – 73kb] If a student is transferring from a U.S. institution
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
Status of an Application
- All communication with current applicants is achieved through email.
- Applicants will receive an email communication whenever a change in the application status occurs.
- Applicants who have not provided an email address will be sent a missing items letter on the status of their application.
- Applicants who have not provided an email address will receive a decision letter indicating the final decision regarding their application.
- To ensure the receipt of an application, applicants are encouraged to use certified mail/mail delivery services whenever possible, or to apply online through our website.
- When submitting an application via surface mail, please allow up to 60 days for initial processing to occur, to account for overseas shipping.
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
International Admissions Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions
Howard Hall (main floor)
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
Tel: ++ (239) 590-7878
Toll Free: ++ (888) 889-1095
Fax: ++ (239) 590-7894
Admissions@fgcu.edu
sbannwor@fgcu.edu
Graduate Admissions
Office of Graduate Studies
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
Tel: ++(239) 590-7988
Fax: ++(239) 590-7843
Toll Free: ++(800) 590-3428, option 5, extension 7988
In Person - Office of Graduate Studies, 111 Howard Hall
Back to Top If you still have questions on this topic, please email admissions@fgcu.edu.
