Lana Oconnell
Liberty University is a Christian community with a focus on academic excellence, affordability, and quality of life. The university offers over 200 undergraduate programs to its more than 650 international students from 75 countries. While Liberty University does not explicitly mention a program deferral process, international students can refer to the general guidelines for deferring admission to a future semester. This typically involves contacting an admission counselor or international advisor with a written request and submitting the necessary documentation, such as an Immigration Verification Form and updated proof of financial support. Additionally, students should be mindful of any applicable visa requirements and deadlines, as reinstatement can be a lengthy and costly process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deferral of admission | Contact your admission counselor with a written request for your admission to be deferred to the following semester |
| Immigration Verification Form | Submit the Immigration Verification Form with updated documentation of financial support dated within the past 6 months |
| Deadlines | Forms DS-2019 that have not been deferred within 30 days of the intended semester will be invalid and the student must request reinstatement with the Department of State |
| Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) | If you keep the same SEVIS number, you are not required to pay a new SEVIS fee |
| Deferred Corporate Tuition Assistance (DCTA) | Contact your company’s approver for tuition assistance to determine eligibility |
| Submit completed DCTA Application and company tuition assistance policy | |
| Once processed and approved, a confirmation email will be sent to your Liberty University email address with instructions for completing Financial Check-In | |
| If your company does not have an official policy, an official letter that includes a written statement on letterhead, wet signed by an authorized company representative, verifying the student is employed and eligible is acceptable | |
| The statement must also include details of the tuition assistance program (reimbursement limits, what charges are eligible for reimbursement, reimbursement stipulations, etc.) | |
| The company must cover 100% of the account balance for the standard deferred payment plan to be approved | |
| If your company will cover less than 100% of your account balance, the Student Accounts Office will defer only what the company will pay and you will be responsible to pay the difference | |
| Visa | If your visa was denied and there is time before your program start date, you can schedule another interview and present better documentation and information |
| English Proficiency | Liberty University requires that admitted international students meet a minimal standard of English competency |
| To meet this requirement, you can send reports showing at least the minimum scores for any one of these standardized tests of English Proficiency: Duolingo English Test, TOEFL Essentials Test, etc. |
What You'll Learn
International student admissions requirements
International students are welcome at Liberty University, and the university's International Admissions Specialists are on hand to help guide you through the admissions process. The university is ranked as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com, and its commitment to excellence means that its degrees can help set graduates apart from their peers.
Application Process
To apply, you will need to submit an application form and write an admissions essay. You will also need to request official high school or college transcripts, which may need to be translated into English and will require a foreign credential evaluation. If you are applying for a graduate program, you will need to submit these documents no later than eight weeks before (and no earlier than six months prior) your proposed travel to Liberty University’s campus.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency. This can be done by taking an exam such as Duolingo, TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, PTE, or iTEP Academic Plus. If you are applying to the School of Law, you must take the TOEFL, with a minimum acceptable score of 80 on the IBT, and an official score report must be sent to Liberty University by April 1 of the year of expected enrollment.
Affidavit of Financial Support
You will also need to submit an Affidavit of Financial Support, including a sponsor letter and bank document. If you are an international graduate student, you will need to certify that funds are available for academic and living expenses by submitting the Doctorate Affidavit of Financial Support form.
Student Visa
To study in the United States, you will need to obtain a student visa. After obtaining the visa, you must make arrangements with the Liberty University Office of International Admissions and submit the Acceptance Agreement, confirmation deposit, and official transcripts.
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Deferral process
Unfortunately, I could not find specific information on the deferral process for international students at Liberty University. It is recommended that you contact the university directly to inquire about the process and any requirements or restrictions.
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Scholarships and financial aid
Liberty University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. While there are no full scholarships available for international students, there are still several options to consider. Here are some of the scholarships and financial aid programs offered by Liberty University for international students:
Scholarships
- Middle America Scholarship: This scholarship is available for students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between 1-18,000 for the 2024-25 academic year and 1-17,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. The Middle America Scholarship, when combined with the Liberty Champion scholarship, brings the total amount up to the equivalent of the full Federal Pell Grant each year.
- Honors Scholarship: Students who earn high enough grades and meet other criteria can apply for an honors scholarship.
- Athletic Scholarships: International students with athletic abilities can explore athletic scholarships. It is recommended to speak to the coach of the respective sport for more information.
- Leadership Positions: Liberty University offers scholarships for responsible and mature students with leadership skills. Students can apply for leadership positions such as Resident Assistant (RA) or Resident Shepherd, which come with scholarships.
- Outside Scholarships: While these can be time-consuming to find and apply for, outside scholarships can be rewarding. Students can search for outside scholarships online but should be cautious and avoid providing personal information or paying fees to apply.
Financial Aid
- Deferred Corporate Tuition Assistance (DCTA): This program is available for online students and involves paying the university directly and then receiving reimbursement from your employer. To be eligible, students must contact their company's approver for tuition assistance to determine eligibility and provide the required documentation.
- Alumni Legacy Award: This award provides a 30% discount on tuition and a 20% discount on room, board, and activity fees for eligible students. It is important to note that this award is only available to Canadians.
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG): Students can apply for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): International students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid.
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English language requirements
Liberty University has specific English language requirements that international students must meet to gain admission. These requirements ensure that students have a minimal standard of English competency.
To demonstrate their English language proficiency, international applicants can submit reports showing their scores from any of the accepted standardized tests. One such test is the Duolingo English Test, which requires a minimum score of 90 for general admission and 105 for the School of Aeronautics and graduate programs. Another accepted test is the TOEFL Essentials Test, which necessitates a score of 7 for undergraduate programs and 8.5 for the School of Aeronautics and graduate programs.
Additionally, Liberty University recognizes successful completion of specific levels at designated language institutions. For instance, completing Level 6 at Language Consultants International (LCI) or Level 109 at ELS Educational Services (ELS) satisfies the English language requirement. However, for admission to the School of Aeronautics, students must achieve Level 7 at LCI and Level 112 at ELS. It is important to note that students who have studied in the US educational system for two or more years may be exempt from the English proficiency test requirement, except for the School of Aeronautics FAA certification programs.
Liberty University also offers online, non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) training through their Center for Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). Although completing this program does not waive the requirement for a standardized English proficiency test, it can assist students in preparing for such examinations.
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Student experience
The student experience for international students at Liberty University is centred around its Christian faith. The university offers a welcoming community for international students, with regular events and meet-ups at the International Student Center (ISC). The ISC provides support with legal documentation and also intentionally cares for students' emotional health. The centre helps to build and maintain a community that has helped international students overcome their fears and build a network of friends.
The university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs, including biomedical sciences, engineering, business, public health, and aviation. The focus on leadership and relational skills helps students engage with American culture and other cultures effectively. Liberty's global mindset and commitment to meaningful interactions between students are grounded in its Christian faith.
International students at Liberty University are required to meet a minimum standard of English competency. The university offers online, non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) training to help students prepare for proficiency exams. International students can also take advantage of scholarship opportunities, with several options available specifically for them.
The transition to a new culture and educational system can be challenging, but Liberty University provides a supportive environment to help students succeed. Students can expect to experience growth and a sense of safety and security during their time at the university. The university also offers a Washington, D.C. internship program, which is located only three and a half hours away.
Additionally, Liberty University provides a range of academic support services for international students. These include the Experience Plus Program, which awards college credit for valuable experiences that students bring to the academic environment, and the Portfolio Process, where students can earn transfer credit by demonstrating competency in course learning objectives. The university also recognizes non-traditional or non-institutional credit completed through other online-course providers.
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Frequently asked questions
If your visa was denied and there is time before your program start date, you can schedule another interview and present better documentation. If there is not enough time before the start date, you should request a deferral of your admission and your I-20 or DS-2019. Contact your admission counselor with a written request for your admission to be deferred to the following semester. Submit the Immigration Verification Form with updated documentation of financial support dated within the past 6 months.
Liberty University requires that admitted international students meet a minimal standard of English competency. You can meet this requirement by submitting your scores from a standardized English proficiency test, such as the Duolingo English Test or the TOEFL Essentials Test. For students who have studied in the US educational system for 2 or more years, the English proficiency test requirement may be waived.
Liberty University offers several scholarship options for international students. You can find more information and resources on the International Students homepage.
