International Students: Can They Apply For Am Texas?

International students can apply to universities in Texas, including Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. Texas A&M University is home to over 6,000 international students from across the globe, and the application process for international students depends on their educational background. International applicants with no college credit or those who earned college credit before high school graduation can apply as international freshmen. Those with some college credit earned after high school graduation can apply as international transfers, and those with a bachelor's or professional degree can apply as international graduates. The University of Texas also accepts international applicants, with a $90 non-refundable application fee. International students at Texas A&M can apply for financial aid through the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and scholarships.

International students at Texas A&M University must meet specific criteria

For undergraduate admissions, Texas A&M University-Central Texas requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for full admission, while a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 is considered conditional admission. Undergraduate transfers must have a minimum of 30 academic, college-level transferable semester hours. Applicants for an Applied Science or Aviation Science degree may use specific workforce education credits to meet this requirement.

International applicants for graduate programs must submit additional documentation, including an international transcript evaluation report and a course-by-course evaluation with GPA and course level designation. The specific requirements may vary depending on the graduate program, so it is essential to refer to the official Texas A&M University website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

All international applicants are encouraged to utilize the resources provided by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). ISSS assists with the logistics of attending university as an international student and provides information on immigration status and visa requirements. Texas A&M also offers financial aid and scholarships exclusively for international students.

In terms of the application process, international students can apply through the Common App or ApplyTexas. There is a $90 non-refundable processing fee required to complete the application. Additionally, English proficiency requirements apply to citizens from non-English-speaking countries, and the ELP test should be taken at least eight weeks before the application deadline. Texas A&M University is test-optional and does not require ACT or SAT scores for freshman applicants, although students are encouraged to submit their scores if available.

Application process and requirements for international students

International students who wish to apply to Texas A&M University can do so through ApplyTexas or the Coalition. The application process and requirements vary depending on the student's educational background. International applicants who have no college credit or earned college credit prior to high school graduation may apply as an international freshman. Those who have earned college credit after graduating from high school may apply as an international transfer student. Meanwhile, applicants who hold a bachelor's or professional degree may apply as an international graduate.

Freshman applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents and who are not graduating from a Texas high school are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $90. They must also submit documentation showing that they have completed (or will be completing) a secondary school series equivalent to that of a US high school. Official transcripts or records showing the student's secondary work and grades from 9th to at least the end of 11th grade are required. Citizens from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit proof of English proficiency. This can be done by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.

Additionally, international applicants may choose to submit optional items such as a resume highlighting their achievements, activities, leadership positions, and student employment. Up to two letters of recommendation from mentors, teachers, or individuals who know the applicant well can also be included. While SAT Subject Test scores are not required, they can be submitted voluntarily in certain situations, such as for homeschooled students or those seeking course credit by examination.

For students interested in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, there is no requirement to submit a portfolio as a freshman applicant. However, all freshmen, change-of-major, and transfer students are required to have a desktop or laptop computer. The college provides minimum recommended specifications for personal computers and laptops, with additional guidelines available for each department.

English language proficiency tests for non-native speakers

International students can apply to Texas A&M University, with requirements differing based on their academic level. International freshman applicants with no college credit or who earned college credit prior to high school graduation may apply as an international freshman. Those who have some college credit earned after graduating high school may apply as an international transfer student, and those with a bachelor's or professional degree may apply as an international graduate.

All international applicants must submit proof of English proficiency. English language proficiency tests for non-native speakers are typically linked to the common European framework of reference for languages. However, these tests often lack the criteria to define a practically relevant degree of proficiency in English. One way to address this issue is to assess non-native speakers' performance within a native speaker's framework. For example, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the National Assessment (NA) for English as a foreign language in Germany were administered to German high school students to evaluate their English proficiency.

There are various English language proficiency tests available for non-native speakers, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These tests are widely recognized and can be used to demonstrate English proficiency for academic or professional purposes. Additionally, Brigham Young University's Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service offers a non-repeatable 80-question exam to test students' language abilities.

Other examples of English language proficiency tests for non-native speakers include the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) and the Avant Amharic WorldSpeak Test, a monolingual language proficiency test for Amharic language learners. The University of Texas at Austin accepts both the TOEFL and IELTS for international student admissions.

Furthermore, Texas A&M University College of Architecture recommends that international applicants take the ELP tests at least eight weeks before the application deadline to ensure timely receipt and processing of results. International students are also required to obtain a student visa, and the University's International Student Services provides extensive information on the application and interview process.

Scholarships and financial aid for international students

International students applying to universities in Texas have various scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to them. The application process and requirements for international students vary depending on the university and the specific program they are applying to. Here is an overview of the scholarships and financial aid options for international students at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas:

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers several financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Here are some of the options:

• International Scholarships: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers scholarships to eligible international undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 30 semester credit hours per academic year, while graduate students must complete 18-21 hours of graduate-level courses.
• International Texas Public Education Grant (ITPEG): The ITPEG is a need-based grant funded by the State of Texas for international students seeking their first bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Eligibility is determined by the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
• Mexican Citizens with Financial Need Waiver: This program, set by the State of Texas, allows a small number of Mexican citizens with financial need to enroll in a public university in Texas and pay the resident tuition rate.
• Emergency Tuition and Fees Loan (ETFL): The ETFL is a loan that helps cover tuition and required fees for Texas A&M University. It is applied directly to the student's tuition and fee account.
• The Watkins International Loan Fund: This fund assists international students facing short-term financial emergencies.

University of Texas

The University of Texas also offers financial aid and scholarships for international students. Here are some options:

• Tuition Assistance for Mexican Students (TAMS): F1 Visa students from Mexico can apply for the TAMS program by completing the International Student Financial Aid Application.
• The Good Neighbor Program: This program provides tuition assistance to academically talented students from nations in the Western Hemisphere (excluding Cuba and the United States).
• Optional Letters of Recommendation: The University of Texas allows international applicants to submit up to two optional letters of recommendation with their admission application. These letters can provide additional context and support for the student's application.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS): International applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.

It is important to note that the availability and eligibility requirements for these scholarships and financial aid programs may vary from year to year. International students are advised to carefully review the official websites and contact the relevant offices for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their specific situation.

Visa requirements and immigration advice for international applicants

International applicants to Texas A&M University who are not US citizens or permanent residents and have not graduated from a Texas high school after three years of residing in Texas are considered international students. International applicants who have no college credit or earned college credit prior to high school graduation may apply as international freshmen. Those who have earned college credit after graduating from high school may apply as international transfers, and those who hold a bachelor's or professional degree may apply as international graduates.

International students at Texas A&M University are required to have a student visa. The United States Department of State requires all international students to have either an F-1 or J-1 visa. Newly admitted students need a UT admission letter, while current students need an official UT transcript and a letter of good standing (also known as Certification of Enrollment). F-1 students on Post-Completion and STEM OPT need a current OPT EAD card and an offer letter or proof of employment. If your STEM OPT application is pending, you should also bring a copy of the I-797 Receipt Notice. J-1 Exchange Visitors in professor, researcher, short-term scholar, and intern categories must provide an invitation letter from their sponsoring UT department.

Additionally, international students must provide a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the United States, proof of financial support, and proof of English proficiency if they are from a non-English-speaking country. The visa application process may include a background check, which can cause significant delays in visa issuance. It is important to note that the visa stamp in the passport is only required for entry into the United States, and students should be aware that they may need to apply for a new visa if they leave the country.

For applicants to the University of Texas, there is a non-refundable application fee of $90, which cannot be waived for international students. The University of Texas also requires international students to submit documentation showing completion of secondary school, equivalent to that of a US high school, with transcripts and grades from 9th to at least the end of 11th grade. Students may also be required to submit SAT or ACT scores, and English proficiency test scores through TOEFL or IELTS. Two letters of recommendation are optional but can provide additional support to the application.

Frequently asked questions