International Students

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Preparing to attend college in a foreign country can be very exciting, but it can also seem a little overwhelming at times. International students bring an important dimension to the cultural life of Hardin-Simmons University. This information is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Hardin-Simmons University.

Resources for International students:

Study Texas Website

Eli360 Website

An international student is one who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Step 1: Complete the undergraduate admission application

Application deadline for fall semester enrollment is April 1. Application deadline for spring enrollment is September 1. To get started, check out the Applying to HSU page.

Step 2: Submit the required credentials

Non-refundable $50 application fee
All required credentials must be either original documents or photocopies signed and stamped by a school or government official. All SAT, ACT and TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. HSU school codes: SAT-6268, ACT-4096, TOEFL-6268
One of the following as proof of English proficiency if your native language is not English:
- An official transcript showing the completion of one year of full-time study at a school located in the United States
- An official statement of the completion of one year of full-time study at a school where English is the official language of instruction
- An official SAT verbal score of 480 or ACT English score of 20
- An official TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, a 213 on the computer-based exam or a 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT).
Official documentation of all secondary work including any exit exams you have completed
Official SAT or ACT test scores
3 letters of recommendation (Download the PDF)

Step 3: Complete all required international forms

Statement of financial backing – A notarized financial statement from parents or sponsor indicating ability and willingness to provide for all financial needs must be accompanied by evidence of available resources in the form of a bank statement. You can download the statement of financial backing here (PDF).
SEVIS I-90 fee

Step 4: Complete health and housing forms

A $100 housing deposit is required before a housing assignment can be made. Students are required to live in the residence hall until completion of 60 academic hours or age of 21.

Housing Agreement Form (PDF)
Student Health Form (PDF)

Step 5: Deposit

The University requires that all international students post a deposit of U.S. $1,000 before an I-20 is issued. An I-20 will not be issued until the deposit is posted. The international deposit of U.S. $1,000 may only be utilized toward payment of the student's final semester's expenses and will not be released at an earlier date. If an international student graduates, transfers to another school, or decides to leave Hardin-Simmons University for any other reason, the deposit will be applied to the balance due to HSU and any residual amount refunded to the student. Should an I-20 be issued and a student fail to enroll, the deposit is forfeited by the student.

HSU requests that all materials must be sent in together. Partial application packets will not be considered.

Upon receipt of all required materials, credentials will be evaluated and a decision will be made regarding admission to Hardin-Simmons University. Approved applicants will receive a letter of notification.

Once you have been approved for admission to Hardin-Simmons University, and once your U.S. $1,000 deposit has been received, an I-20 will be mailed to you. This document, along with a valid passport and evidence of support- usually a bank statement or affidavit of support- must be taken to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Upon arrival of these documents, the Embassy or Consulate will issue a student visa for your entry into the U.S. as an F-1 Foreign Student.

Effective January 2010 Texas legislation mandates that every new student or new transfer student to any Texas University who is planning to live in campus housing will be required to have a Meningitis Vaccination at least 10 days prior to living in campus housing.