International Students

International applicants should review graduate admission information for individual programs of interest. Each program's admissions page addresses whether or not international students are eligible to participate in the graduate program. Please contact Graduate Admissions with any questions.

Messiah University requires a course-by-course evaluation of international transcripts including a conversion of grades to the U.S. grade point average system (GPA). In addition, all transcripts must be translated into English.

Messiah University requires all international transcripts be evaluated by a member of NACES. Many applicants use one of the following organizations: 

• World Education Services, Inc.: order the WES Basic Course-by-Course Evaluation. If the Basic Course-by-Course Evaluation is ordered, WES will send your information directly to Messiah University, so there is no need to send an additional copy of your official international transcript to Messiah.

• The Evaluation Company (TEC): order the Course Analysis Evaluation. If the Course Analysis Evaluation is ordered, TEC will send your information directly to Messiah University, so there is no need to send an additional copy of your official international transcript to Messiah.

All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International applicants can demonstrate proficiency by submitting official test scores from TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or the Duolingo Test. Only test scores from tests taken within the last two years are valid. Photocopies of score reports will not be accepted. 

Minium Score Requirements:

• TOEFL:  Minimum composite score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT)
• IELTS:  Minimum overall band score of 6.5
• Duolingo English Test:  Minimum score of 105

Applicants do not need to submit English-language proficiency if one of the following is met:

1. Native citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (except Quebec) do not need to submit an English language proficiency exam.
2. Applicants who have studied full time in English for at least two academic years within the last five years (i.e. in the US, in an English-speaking country or in a North-American curriculum where English is the primary mode of instruction).
3. Applicants who have recently completed three or more years in a curriculum where English was the sole language of instruction.

The tuition costs of each graduate program varies. Please review the tuition of each program. 

International applicants applying to Messiah University’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies are expected to have the financial resources to fully pay for the graduate program. Messiah University does not offer any scholarships or aid for graduate and professional study programs.

International applicants applying to a program that requires an F-1 visa for in-person attendance are required to submit the Affidavit of Support and proof of funding*.

*International applicants applying to study remotely from outside of the U.S. (or international applicants who do not need an F-1 visa) are not required to submit the affidavit of support or proof of funding.

An additional affidavit of support can be submitted on behalf of a student if a U.S. citizen or permanent resident will be providing the student with room and board. The affidavit will cover the living expenses in our estimated expenses.

How much funding to show: proof of funding must demonstrate available funds for the applicant's first year of study (3 academic semesters) plus estimated living expenses, health insurance, fees, and supplies (tuition + $21,000/year). If bringing a spouse, applicants must show an additional $4,000/year, and if bringing children applicants must show $2,500/year per child. Proof of funding must be no older than 6 months and must also demonstrate adequate funding for subsequent years is available. 

Acceptable sources of funding: bank statements, employment letter (must also include bank statement), assistantship letter from Messiah University, or company sponsorship. Applicants can provide documentation from more than one source if necessary. 

• Bank statements: all bank statements must be in English (especially names) and be a single page document showing 
  • financial institution's name
  • account holder's full name
  • account balance with type of currency
  • date of statement
  • be a form of liquid cash (example: stocks and mutual fund accounts are not acceptable forms of financial documentation)
  • must be accompanied by an Affidavit of Support from the person whose name appears on the bank statement
  • Please note the following information:
    • having bank/financial statements from multiple accounts is acceptable. Each person who provides a bank statement must supply an affidavit of support.
    • statements cannot be older than 6 months
    • all translations must be official
    • do not send statements with transaction history
    • If the bank statement is not in your name, please complete the Affidavit of Support 

• Employment letters: applicants who will be sponsored by an overseas employer must provide proof of such sponsorship. This will be in the form of a company letter indicating the amount of funding that will be provided, duration of funding, and if the funds will be for the employee or his/her child.

• Assistantship letter from Messiah University (Higher Education program only): applicants who will be receiving a graduate assistantship must submit a copy of the official award letter.

• Company sponsorship: applicants who have a company that will be providing them with financial support must provide the following:

  • A statement from the company indicating that they have liquid assets with which to pay the tuition

  • A statement from the President or CEO of the company indicating that funds have been set aside for your scholarship

  • A list of specific items covered by the scholarship

• Government scholarship: applicants receiving a scholarship from the government in their home country must provide a copy of the award letter.

Submit enrollment deposit and copy of passport: after submitting the enrollment deposit, scan your passport and upload to Messiah University - email International Admissions for the link to the secure site.

Request a Form I-20: the Form I-20 certifies your eligibility to apply for an F-1 student visa. After you have submitted your enrollment deposit, please contact the international admissions assistant to request the I-20. She will coordinate with you to secure the apporiate documents and email it to you. After you receive the I-20, verify all information is accurate, then sign and store it with your other important immigration documents (passport, visa, etc.)

Pay I-901 SEVIS fee: Please go to Study in the States for information and instructions on paying your I-901 SEVIS fee. To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online, you will need to supply credit card information. Be sure to type your name exactly as it appears on your Form I-20. Print a copy of your online payment receipt. This will be required at your visa interview. Make copies of the receipt (as you will surrender the original at your visa interview) and keep them with your other immigration documents.

Apply for F-1 visa: contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country/region to inquire about applying for an F-1 student visa. Locate your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy at http://www.usembassy.gov.

• After receiving your acceptance letter and Form I-20 from Messiah, follow your U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an F-1 student visa interview. Be aware that you may have to wait weeks or even months for an available appointment, so request an appointment as early as possible.
• Pay I-901 SEVIS fee
• Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Pay the visa application fee according to the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website.
• Prepare for your interview.
• If possible, connect with an EducationUSA advisor to get advice prior to your interview. At the interview, you will need the following:
  • Passport (must be valid for at least six months after your proposed U.S. entry date)
  • Signed Form I-20
  • Letter of admission to Messiah University
  • Messiah University's tuition information, as well as test scores and academic transcripts from all secondary or high schools you’ve attended
  • Completed visa application (DS-160 Form)
  • Two 2” x 2” photographs in the required format (see travel.state.gov)
  • Receipt for the visa application fee
  • Receipt for the I-901 fee
  • Financial documents, dated within a few months of your interview, demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses throughout your time at Messiah
  • Any other information demonstrating your intent to return to your home country upon completion of your studies in the U.S. (proof of property, family, ties to the community, etc.)
• Be sure you understand the financial situation of your parents and any others committing to sponsor you, as listed on your Affidavit of Support. You will often be asked questions such as:
  • What savings do your parents/sponsors have and what will they give to you?
  • How will they cover their other family expenses and still support you in the U.S.?
• Remember that officials are looking for evidence that you have strong ties to your own country. They want to verify that your time in the U.S. will be temporary—to study—and that you do plan to return to your own country when your education is complete. Additional questions may include:
  • Why did you choose Messiah University?
  • Why did you choose your major area of study?
  • Can you demonstrate any knowledge of the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania area?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Remain calm and answer all interview questions openly and honestly.