At VSU, an international student is an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

  1. Student is currently living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. 
  2. Student is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. 
  3. Student is currently in the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa classification, which permits part-time or full-time study.

Steps to Apply as an International Student

  1. Complete our online application 

  2. Test Requirements

    *English Proficiency

    1. Students who are non-native speakers of English, who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the United States where English was not the language of the institution, are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score from one of the approved below along with their foreign credentials.

      1.  

      2. Cambridge English Scale Score (which can be demonstrated in Cambridge English : First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE). 

        1. Requirement: 169 (CPE=180)

      3. Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGSCE and “O” Level “English” Exams 

        1. Requirement: "D" or better

      4. English Language Institute

        1. Requirement: Completion of Level 6 at VSU’s English Language Institute with a B Average or better will also meet language requirements. For more information, including how to apply visit The VSU English Language Institute website.

      5. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

        1. Requirement: 6.0

      6. Michigan English Test (MET)
        1. Requirement: 55

      7. Pearson (PTE) Academic

        1. Requirement: 53

      8. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 

        1. Requirement: 69 (Internet version) or 523 (paper version)

  3. Transcripts

    1. Submit official transcripts from high school and/or all college(s) attended; only sealed, official academic records will be accepted.  Please do not submit personal copies. If coursework was from outside the United States, transcripts must be evaluated from a N.A.C.E.S. member organization.

      1. Spantran (N.A.C.E.S. member) has created a custom application (with a discounted rate) for Valdosta State University's international students. The process is fully electronic. Here is the link for you to access the VSU Spantran application. 

  4. Certificate of Finance Form guaranteeing that the student will have a minimum of $35,284.00 (for nine months) available for personal and educational expenses. You may complete the Certificate of Finance Form and return this document to the Office of Admissions via email (admissions@valdosta.edu). Partial out-of-state tuition-waiver scholarships are available for international students on a limited basis. To inquire about these scholarship opportunities, contact the Center for International Programs. 

  5. Completed Medical Form. VSU requires that prior to registration all students present proof of two vaccines for measles and on for mumps and rubella; a tetanus booster within the last ten years; proof of disease or immunization for varicella (chicken pox); and, if under the age of 19 at time of enrollment, proof of hepatitis B series immunization. A doctor or nurse must verify these immunizations. New students must complete a VSU medical form, which will be mailed to students after application for admission is submitted.

  6. All international students must purchase the VSU medical insurance plan for students to cover the cost of medical treatment while in the United States. 

  7. A copy of the student's passport/visa must be emailed to the Office of Admissions (admissions@valdosta.edu). 

Application Deadlines

The deadlines for receipt of international applications and all of the above required materials are: 

  • April 1 for Fall Semester – April 1
  • Aug. 1 for Spring Semester – August 1
  • Feb. 1 for Summer Semester – February 1

Once these materials are received, the Admissions Office will evaluate the international applicant's credentials and make an admissions decision. The applicant will be notified of the University's decision and , if admitted, will be issued an I-20 certificate of eligibility. This form must be taken to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consular office, which will issue a visa for entry to the United States.

Valdosta State encourages applications from international students.  At VSU, international students are defined as citizens of countries other than the United States, who require a visa in order to enter this country. To be considered for admission, international students must submit the following materials to:

Valdosta State University
Attn:  Center of International Programs
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698