International Students
Thank you for your interest in Charleston Southern University! We are ready to assist you with the admissions process and look forward to getting to know you. Charleston Southern is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and awards bachelor's and master's degrees. CSU has been named to America’s 100 Best College Buys, America’s Best Christian Colleges and the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
Requirements for Admission:
Undergraduate Students
1. Complete the undergraduate application for admission online with the required application fee of $20.00 (U.S. currency). Payment options: e-check, cash or credit card.
2. Complete the International Application Addendum Page.
3. Official high school transcripts and/or college transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be received directly from these institutions. Official English translations must accompany transcripts and any document in a language other than English. All documents must be either official or certified copies of officials. Any student who attended a non-American high school outside of the U.S. must have his/her transcript evaluated by the World Education Services, Inc.
4. SAT or ACT scores must be sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office from the respective testing agency. Charleston Southern University’s SAT code is 5079; our ACT code is 3833.
5. If English is not your native language, confirmed English proficiency is required. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score must be sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office from the testing agency. Minimum TOEFL score required is 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the Internet-based test. Charleston Southern University’s TOEFL code is 5079.
6. Submit a completed International Student Financial Statement. This form must be completed by your financial institution to certify your ability to attend CSU. This form cannot be more than 6 months old.
* In the event an individual or company, is sponsoring a student, an Affidavit of Support and supporting financial documents must be submitted by the sponsor on behalf of the student.
7. Transfer students who have attended a U.S. college/university: An INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FORM must be completed by the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official. The original form with the official school seal is required along with copies of current I-20, visa, I-94 (front and back) and other legal documents as requested.
Graduate Students
1. Complete the graduate application for admission online with the required application fee of $20.00 (U.S. currency). Payment options: e-check, cash or credit card.
2. Complete the International Application Addendum Page.
3. Two signed letters of recommendation
4. Resume
5. GMAT scores - In any reputable MBA program, a GMAT may be required in order to determine whether the applicant has the potential to successfully complete the program. The GMAT may be waived if the admissions committee believes that the student’s educational and work histories demonstrate this ability to their satisfaction.
6. TOEFL scores (required for all international students) - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score must be sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office from the testing agency. Minimum TOEFL score required is 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the Internet-based test. Charleston Southern University’s TOEFL code is 5079.
7. Official transcripts from every university/college ever attended. Official English translations must accompany transcripts and any document in a language other than English. All documents must be either official or certified copies of officials. Any student who attended a non-American college or university outside of the U.S. must have his/her transcript evaluated by the World Education Services, Inc.
8. Submit a completed International Student Financial Statement. This form must be completed by your financial institution to certify your ability to attend CSU. This form cannot be more than 6 months old. (Please see guidelines for minimum amount required to have on the Financial Statement)
* In the event an individual or company, is sponsoring a student, an Affidavit of Support and supporting financial documents must be submitted by the sponsor on behalf of the student.
9. Copies of current International documents
Admissions Deadlines
Due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements and the necessity of having transcripts evaluated, the deadline for admission applications from international students is 60 days prior to the first day of classes of the academic term of entry. If you have questions about the specific day, please contact the Enrollment Services Office at 843-863-7050 or enroll@csuniv.edu.
Once You Are Accepted
When an applicant has been accepted by the University, a Certificate of Eligibility for the nonimmigrant (F-1) student, known as Form I-20 A-B, will be mailed along with an acceptance letter. This form will need to be taken to the American Consulate or Embassy in the student's home country for the F-1 visa to be issued.
Students entering Charleston Southern University must assume full financial responsibility for tuition and charges incurred. In the event a student is being sponsored by an individual or company, an Affidavit of Support and supporting financial documents must be submitted by the sponsor on behalf of the student.
After issuance of Form I-20 A-B and prior to the drop/add deadline of the respective term, an advance cash deposit is required to be on file within the business office in the amount of the total cost of the term, including any necessary insurance premium. Otherwise Charleston Southern University reserves the right to deny the student attendance for that term.
It is the student’s responsibility upon arrival to campus to report to the office of the Director of International Services, located on the second floor of the Strom Thurmond Center.
