International Students

Admissions Requirements

SCU welcomes applications from qualified students from other countries. The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds, and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students. The only programs that are eligible for an I-20 are the Doctor of Chiropractic and Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine degrees.

For visa purposes, international students must provide a foreign address in the Application for Admission. International applicants who are admitted to SCU will receive a visa information packet along with the acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions. International students are encouraged to allow adequate time to fulfill the requirements.

Students seeking additional information regarding studying in the states should visit the Department of Homeland Security Study In The States website.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE)

The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. Students must be able to provide one of the following:

  • Proof of graduation from a high school, college, or university whose primary mode of instruction was English. All foreign academic transcripts are to be evaluated by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website.
  • Canadian students are not required to have their academic transcripts evaluated by NACES if their high school, college, or university provides transcripts in English and are sent directly to SCU.
  • A score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (iBT-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • A score of at least the current mean score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) for those applicants who did not take the iBT-based test.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.5.

Transcript Requirements – Evaluation of Foreign Credits to Demonstrate Equivalency

Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign high school, college, or university must have their credentials evaluated to demonstrate that the courses or degree earned meet the admissions standards. The University will accept evaluations by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website.

Canadian students are not required to have their credentials evaluated by NACES if their high school, college, or university provides transcripts in English and are sent directly to SCU.

I-20

For students seeking an F-1 Visa, provide all necessary documentation for issuance of an I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status including:

  • Certification of Finances form with evidence of financial resources to complete the academic program.
  • Original financial support/bank documents showing proof of possession of adequate funds.
  • Proof of health insurance with a valid and unexpired policy that provides coverage in the United States.
  • A copy of a valid passport, including name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, photo, and signature.

Healthcare

All international students must submit proof of health to the Office of Student Services within 30 days of matriculation.  Proof of health must be issued by a licensed U.S. physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis.

International students will need to abide by all U.S. travel and entrance requirements tied to COVID-19 vaccination or other public health standards. Please see the information below for details and be sure to check sources frequently for any updates.

Dedicated Admissions Team

Admission advisors are dedicated to helping you, and they are a phone call, text, email, or virtual meeting away—so ask all your questions!

Top reasons to connect:

  • Get help with managing your finances or creating a financial plan.
  • Talk to someone about scholarships, awards, and student loans.
  • Additional guidance on immigration regulations.
  • Walkthrough your payment options for tuition and fees.
  • Understand the SCU processes.
  • Find support for program admissions issues.

Making Tuition Payments

SCU offers payment options to assist our students and families whose balances are not fully covered by financial aid. Currently, we offer a Full Payment Plan and a Monthly Payment Plan. With the Full Payment Plan payment of tuition and fees is due by the Friday of the second week of each term. The Monthly Payment Plan option breaks up the balance due into four equal installment payments over the course of the term. Students who are interested in the Monthly Payment Plan must enroll at the beginning of each term by the Friday of the second week of the term and are required to make their first installment payment at that time. There is a $50 fee to participate in this option, which is also payable upon enrollment. Students can self-enroll in a monthly payment plan on the Student Account page on the mySCU portal.

SCU currently accepts credit card payments online via mySCU as well as payment by check, cashier’s check, or money order. SCU currently accepts payment by ACH (e-check),credit card (additional fees apply) and international funds transfer online via mySCU as well as by check, cashier’s check or money order.

The Office of Student Accounts welcomes any questions a student may have about their student statement, billing, or payment arrangements. You may contact us by calling 562-947-8755 Ext. 760, or via email at StudentAccounts@scuhs.edu