Assured Admissions: Texas University's International Student Policy

Texas State University defines an international student as anyone who is in a non-immigrant visa status, including H1-B visa holders. International students must complete the International Application by the Priority Date or Deadline and submit a non-refundable $90 USD application fee. In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants with international credentials may be required to submit English proficiency exam scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and official transcripts and marks sheets. Texas State University does not require ACT or SAT test scores for first-time applicants ranked in the top 75% of their high school classes. The University of Texas at Arlington also requires international students to submit English language test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and official transcripts.

Application process for international students

The application process for international students depends on the university in question and the type of program. For instance, the process for undergraduate programs may differ from that of graduate programs. Here is a general overview of the application process for international students, with specific details for Texas State University and the University of Texas:

Texas State University:

• International students should complete the International Application by the Priority Date or Deadline.
• Students must submit the application and all academic credentials, including a certified English translation of the original academic records if they are not in English.
• A non-refundable $90 application fee is required for all international applicants, and fee waivers are not available.
• Students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.
• Freshman applicants graduating from a foreign secondary school must demonstrate above-average classroom achievement and present an academic profile equivalent to that of a US high school curriculum.
• Transfer applicants from within the US or foreign universities must meet specific grade point average (GPA) criteria based on the number of transferable credit hours.
• International students can apply through ApplyTexas or Common App.
• Official school transcripts and exam results must be submitted, with certified English translations if applicable.
• Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, is required unless exempt.
• SAT or ACT test scores are optional and can be sent by the testing agency.

The University of Texas:

• International freshman applicants should apply if they are high school seniors who have not yet enrolled at another college/university after graduation, are not US citizens or permanent residents, and did not graduate from a Texas high school.
• A non-refundable $90 application fee is required, payable by credit card or mail in US dollars.
• High school transcripts and any college transcripts are required, including official English translations and original language records.
• Students should submit at least one set of SAT or ACT scores directly from the testing agency.
• Additional materials may be required, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Optional items include a resume detailing achievements, activities, leadership positions, and student employment, as well as letters of recommendation.
• Students can apply using the Common App for summer/fall admission or the ApplyTexas application for spring admission.

General Application Process for US Universities:

• Start the process 18 months in advance of your desired course commencement.
• Keep your high school transcripts and graduation transcripts (for postgraduate programs) handy.
• Take qualifying exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and English language proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) as required by the program and school.
• Complete the application form, which may involve writing essays, responding to questions, providing letters of recommendation, and submitting relevant documents.
• Pay the application fee online and receive an acknowledgement of application submission.
• After the application deadline, you will receive a decision from the university.
• Begin the visa application process if your application is successful.

English proficiency requirements

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency to gain admission to Texas universities. This is to ensure their success in graduate studies.

Texas State University

Texas State University requires students whose native language is not English to present proof of English proficiency. The following English language tests are accepted:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT) — minimum score of 78 overall, with sectional scores of 22 in writing, 21 in speaking, 20 in reading, or 16 in listening.
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) — minimum score of 52 overall.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) — minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each individual module.
• Duolingo (DET) — minimum score of 110 overall.
• TOEFL Essentials — minimum score of 8.5 overall.

University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington requires international students to submit English language test scores. The following tests are accepted:

• TOEFL internet-based test — minimum score of 79 overall, with sectional scores of 22 in writing, 21 in speaking, 20 in reading, or 16 in listening.
• IELTS — minimum score of 6.5.
• Duolingo — minimum score of 100.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin requires international students to submit either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

Application Deadlines

International students should be mindful of application deadlines. At Texas State University, the priority deadline for freshman applicants is December 1, with a final deadline of July 15. The priority deadline for transfer applicants is February 15, with a final deadline of July 15.

At the University of Texas at Arlington, the fall 2025 application for international graduate admission is currently open.

Application Fee

Texas State University and the University of Texas at Arlington charge a non-refundable application fee of $90 for international applicants. This fee is not eligible for a waiver. The University of Texas at Austin also charges a $90 non-refundable application fee for international freshman applicants.

Application fees

The University of Texas at Arlington does not specify the amount of the application fee, but it does mention that it must be paid online with a credit card as part of the application process. Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin requires a non-refundable application fee of $90, which can be paid online or by mail in US dollars. Fee waivers are not available for international students applying to this university.

Deadlines

International students applying for admission to universities in Texas have several deadlines to keep in mind, depending on the university and the type of admission. Here are the deadlines for some of the universities:

University of Texas at Austin:

• Early Action Deadline: The Early Action Deadline is for students who want their application to be considered early. The deadline for submitting all application materials, including supplemental materials, falls under this category.
• Regular Decision Deadline: This is the standard deadline for students who do not opt for early action.
• Regular Deadline for Supplemental Materials: This deadline is for students who need to submit additional materials after the Regular Decision Deadline.
• SAT/ACT Scores: For Early Action, official scores must be received by October 23, 2024. For Regular Decision, the self-report form deadline is December 11, 2024, and official scores must be received by December 31, 2024.
• Additional Materials: Certain majors may require additional items, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. These items typically have their own deadlines, which applicants should review on the relevant college or school page.

Texas State University:

• Freshman Application Deadlines: December 1 (Priority) and July 15 (Final).
• Transfer Application Deadlines: February 15 (Priority) and July 15 (Final).
• International Application Deadlines: December 1 (Priority) and June 1 (Final), or February 15 (Priority) and June 15 (Final).
• International Applicants: International applicants are required to submit a completed application, official school transcripts, exam results, and proof of English language proficiency by the specified deadlines.

The University of Texas at Arlington:

• International Graduate Application Priority Dates: Doctoral Application Priority Dates are February 1 for Fall, August 15 for Spring, and February 15 for Summer. Master's Application Priority Dates are March 15 for Fall, August 15 for Spring, and February 15 for Summer.
• English Language Test Scores: International applicants whose native language is not English must submit English language test scores.

Required documents

International students seeking admission to universities in Texas will need to submit several documents as part of their application process. The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the university and the student's educational background, but here is a comprehensive list of the documents typically required for international freshman and transfer admissions:

Application Form and Fee:

• Submit the International Application form through the Common App or ApplyTexas platforms.
• Pay the non-refundable application fee, typically USD 90, which is required for all international applicants. Fee waivers are generally not available for international students.

Transcripts and Academic Records:

• Provide official transcripts from your high school or previous college/university.
• If you are applying as a freshman, submit your secondary school transcript(s), including all courses taken and marks earned for each semester.
• If you are a transfer student, submit official transcripts from each college or university attended, along with a list of any post-secondary coursework completed.
• If your transcripts are not in English, you must submit certified English translations along with the original records.

English Language Proficiency:

• Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores through one of the accepted English proficiency exams: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo (DET), TOEFL Essentials, PTE, or Cambridge English exams.
• The minimum score requirements vary by university and program, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your chosen university.

Graduation/Degree Certificate:

Provide official diplomas or degree certificates, including the type of degree earned and the date it was awarded.

Essays and Short Answers:

Write essays and provide short answers to prompts provided by the university. These may be used to evaluate your writing skills and to learn more about your background, interests, and goals.

Standardized Test Scores (optional):

• While not always required, submitting SAT or ACT test scores can enhance your application.
• For certain programs, you may also need to submit SAT Subject Test scores.

Letters of Recommendation (optional):

You may have the option to submit letters of recommendation from mentors, teachers, or individuals who know you well and can provide additional context to support your application.

Additional Program Requirements:

Certain majors or programs may have specific additional requirements, such as resumes, portfolios, or interviews. Be sure to review the requirements for your intended major or program.

It is important to note that these requirements are general guidelines, and specific document requirements may vary across universities in Texas. Always refer to the official website of your chosen university for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding international student admissions and required documents.

Frequently asked questions