Ibrahim Gardner
Georgia State University (GSU) is an international campus, with students from over 150 countries. Applicants to GSU are classified as international if they are in the US on a non-immigrant visa, require an F-1 visa to study in the US, are applying for Permanent Residency status, or have been educated outside the US. International students at GSU are required to provide proof of English-language proficiency and are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, GSU offers possible scholarships and graduate assistantships to help with financial needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries represented by students | 150+ |
| Location | Downtown Atlanta |
| Contact email | [email protected] |
| Contact phone number | 404-413-2500 |
| Address | 33 Gilmer St. SE, Sparks Hall, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Applicant types | First-year, transfer, nontraditional first-year, postbaccalaureate, re-entry, transient, transition |
| Visa requirements | F-1, H-4 |
| English proficiency tests accepted | SAT Reading, ACT English, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, 4-Skills Michigan English Test, Pearson Test of English (Academic) |
| Undergraduate admissions email | [email protected] |
| Undergraduate admissions phone number | Not found |
| Address for undergraduate admissions | Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 33 Gilmer St. SE, Sparks Hall, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Financial aid | International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but Georgia State offers possible scholarships and graduate assistantships |
| Tuition waivers | Campus Atlanta Scholarship |
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What You'll Learn
International student visa requirements
International students at Georgia State University come from over 150 countries. Applicants to Georgia State are classified as "international" if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.)
- Are living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S.
- Are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency Card
- Have been educated outside the U.S.
International students with F or J visas are not eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). However, limited scholarship opportunities are available to accepted international students.
International students entering from outside the United States need to apply for a U.S. visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Degree-seeking students need to apply for an F-1 (Student) visa, while exchange students need to apply for the J-1 (Exchange) Visa. After acceptance to GCSU, you should make an appointment for the visa interview as soon as possible. Before your visa appointment, you need to pay a SEVIS fee that supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (this is in addition to the visa application fee). This fee must be paid before a visa can be issued and cannot be paid at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The fee can be paid online, at a bank, or at Western Union through the Quick Pay Service.
If you are bringing a spouse or child to the U.S. while you are studying at GCSU, they will need to apply for an F-2 or J-2 dependent visa. F-2 and J-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee, but they are required to pay visa application fees. F-2 spouses may not pursue full-time study in the U.S., but they can engage in study that is avocational or recreational. F-2 children may only engage in full-time study at an elementary or secondary school.
To request form I-20 and find out how to apply for an F-1 visa, you can visit the International Student & Scholar Services Office webpage, which handles all immigration responsibilities. Students who have attended schools using the UK Curriculum must submit their GCE/IGCSE results certificates for review.
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International student financial aid
At Georgia State University, applicants are classified as "international" if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.)
- Are living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S.
- Are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency Card
- Have been educated outside the U.S.
Georgia State University offers a range of financial aid options for international students. The Office of International Education (OIE) provides guidance on financial assistance options and resources specifically for international students. The university also has a Scholarship Resource Center that offers guidance and support to all students seeking financial assistance, regardless of financial aid eligibility status. The center provides year-long information about scholarship opportunities and workshops on financing graduate education.
Georgia State University offers numerous scholarships for students who demonstrate outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement. To be considered for these scholarships, students must apply for admission and submit all required documents by the November 15 scholarship consideration deadline. Eligible students will be invited to apply for scholarships. The university also offers merit-based, need-based, and service-based scholarships through Perimeter College.
In addition to scholarships, Georgia State University's Honors College provides resources for high-achieving and highly motivated students to excel academically and prepare for successful professional careers. Honors students have access to individualized advisement, small classes and seminars, priority registration, special housing, research assistantships, and additional study abroad opportunities. Qualified students will automatically be reviewed for acceptance into the Honors College as incoming first-years once they have submitted all admission documents.
To navigate the financial aid process, Georgia State University's Student Financial Services provides guided paths that break down the financial aid application and payment process into clear steps. The university also has a Cost Calculator that gives students an estimate of the cost of attendance, including tuition, books, room, and board.
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International student safety
International students at Georgia State University (GSU) are classified as such if they meet any of the following criteria set by the university:
- Are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.)
- Are living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S.
- Are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency Card
- Have been educated outside the U.S.
Before Leaving for the US
- Research the safety statistics of your school and the surrounding area.
- Familiarize yourself with the types of transportation available and learn about the safest ways to get around.
Upon Arrival in the US
- Make your safety a priority.
- Familiarize yourself with the security services offered by your school, including campus police, late-night escort services, and designated safe spots on campus.
- Program the contact numbers for these services into your phone immediately.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, and do not open the door for strangers.
- Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone.
- Avoid walking alone at night, and always walk with a friend.
- Ensure someone knows where you are at all times.
International Travel
If you are an international student in the US and plan to travel internationally during your studies, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure your records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) are up to date.
- Make sure your DSO has signed your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," within the last year.
- Keep your DSO's contact information, including daytime and 24-hour emergency phone numbers, with you at all times.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned reentry date to the US.
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International student living expenses
At Georgia State University (GSU), applicants are classified as "international" if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (e.g. B-1, H-1, J-1)
- Are living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S.
- Are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency Card
- Have been educated outside the U.S.
If you fall into one of these categories, you will likely incur international student living expenses. These expenses can vary widely depending on the country and city of study, as well as the student's lifestyle and type of accommodation chosen. Here are some key considerations for international student living expenses:
Accommodation
Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the location and type of accommodation. In the United States, house rent can range from 700 to 900 USD per month and can be cheaper if shared with other students. Renting outside campus might be more affordable, with shared rooms costing around 450 USD per month. On the other hand, living on campus can provide savings on food expenses. In the UK, the cost of living for international students can vary between cities, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive, while Hobart and Wollongong are more affordable.
Utilities and Phone Bills
Utilities, including internet and phone expenses, are additional costs to consider. In the U.S., utilities can cost around 400-800 USD per month, while the average phone bill is around 60 USD per month.
Food and Groceries
The cost of food and groceries will depend on whether students live on or off-campus and their eating habits. Eating out or purchasing groceries from more expensive stores can increase these expenses.
Entertainment and Clothing
Entertainment expenses for students can vary based on their social activities and hobbies. Additionally, clothing expenses can vary from 100 to 161 USD per month, depending on an individual's preferences and use of clothing subscription services.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
To ease the financial burden, international students can explore scholarships, grants, assistantships, work-study plans, or student loans. Fields like engineering, physical sciences, and biological sciences tend to receive more generous funding. Additionally, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada offer part-time work opportunities to help offset living costs.
Overall, managing living expenses as an international student requires careful planning and budgeting. By considering the various factors that contribute to living expenses, students can make informed decisions about their accommodation, lifestyle choices, and financial strategies to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable study abroad experience.
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International student admissions process
Georgia State University (GSU) is an international campus with students from over 150 countries. GSU's International Admissions team has the expertise to review international academic credentials. The admissions counselors are there to guide you through the application and acceptance process.
- Applicants to GSU are classified as "international" if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are in the US on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.)
- Are living outside the US and will require an F-1 visa to study in the US
- Are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency Card
- Have been educated outside the US
- If you are applying as a first-year student and attended high school outside the US, you will be considered an international student. Similarly, if you are applying as a transfer student and attended college/university outside the US, you will be considered an international student.
- You must provide official transcripts from all institutions. The transcript(s) can either be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or brought in as long as it remains unopened and in the original package.
- If you are a current Georgia State student, transfer or transition student, visit the Honor's College site. Check your status online. Once you have submitted documents, allow seven to ten business days for the mail to be sorted and your status to be updated.
- If you are a high-achieving and highly motivated student, you will be automatically reviewed for acceptance to the Honors College as an incoming first-year once you have submitted all admission documents; no additional application is needed.
- For international admissions or credential questions, contact [email protected] or call 404-413-2500
- International students must complete the admissions application process before applying to the International Student Scholarship.
- International students must provide official documentation of financial resources available to cover at least one year’s educational and living expenses to qualify for an I-20 form for an F-1 visa.
- Foreign high school/secondary and post-secondary transcripts must be submitted to an International Credentials Evaluation Service for a course-by-course evaluation to include GPA. The official evaluation document should then be sent directly to the MGA Admissions Office.
- Non-native English speakers must submit IELTS, TOEFL if they have not successfully completed ENGL 1101 from a college or university within the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicants to Georgia State University are classified as "international" if they are in the US on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.), are living outside the US and will require an F-1 visa to study, are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status, or have been educated outside the US.
International students applying to GSU must provide proof of English-language proficiency and submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. They may also be required to submit financial documents and go through a visa application process.
International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, GSU offers possible scholarships and graduate assistantships to help with financial needs. The university also offers the Campus Atlanta Scholarship, which provides a 100% out-of-state tuition waiver on a merit basis to qualified incoming international students.
Accepted international students at GSU should obtain their I-20 from the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Office, complete the online orientation, and register for an International Advising Event to meet with their academic advisor for class registration.
While there have been reports of hearing shots on or near the GSU campus, many international students have shared that they feel safe at the university and in the surrounding area of downtown Atlanta. It is important for international students to trust their instincts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
