International students

International students that want a distinctively American experience, in addition to receiving a top-notch, Christ-centered education, will find that and more at Spring Arbor University.

At Spring Arbor, our goal is to help you acclimate to new surroundings and make new friends, while you connect with students, like yourself, who hail from places around the world. We have ministries and programs in place that will make your transition to the United States easy - giving you the opportunities to grow in what God has for you.

If you need help with your coursework or in practicing reading, writing or speaking English, our Academic Student Connections department exists to help ensure your success in the classroom and beyond.

Want to get started? Let’s dig into the application process.

Application requirements for international students

For starters, we need a few things from you:

• High school transcripts - All international transcripts must be officially evaluated and translated into English by World Education Services (WES). There is a fee for these evaluations. Please visit the WES website at www.wes.org for more information.
• College transcripts (if applicable) - Official certified academic transcripts or equivalent of all work completed on the secondary and college levels.
• Diplomas or certificates - Official copies of all diplomas or certificates earned
• Written and oral proficiency in the English language - The international applicant must possess written and oral proficiency in the English language. Therefore, the student is required to submit TOEFL scores (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and request that an official report of TOEFL scores be sent directly to Spring Arbor University from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Spring Arbor University's ETS code is 1732. For information about TOEFL, you may visit the TOEFL website at: www.toefl.org. The student must earn a total score of 525 on the paper-based TOEFL or 69 for a total score on the internet-based TOEFL for admission to Spring Arbor University's undergraduate programs.

• Exceptions regarding TOEFL scores:

  • If the student earned the high school diploma or certificate at a school where all instruction was in English, the student does not need to submit TOEFL scores.
  • If the student has studied in the United States for one year or more (high school exchange student or college student), TOEFL may not be required. Our office will need to review your application, transcript(s) and recommendations before making the final determination on the TOEFL requirement. Diagnostic testing may be given once the student arrives on campus.
• Two recommendations - Letters must address the student's character and abilities. Teachers, counselors and ministers are acceptable persons for submitting these letters.
• Submit a Declaration and Certification of Finances Statement [PDF]
• Estimated costs [PDF]– This outlines the estimated costs for attending Spring Arbor University for four academic years (September through May). In most cases, the student will be responsible for covering the majority of his/her costs. The estimated cost includes tuition, room, board, books, health insurance, fees and personal expenses. This does not include summer living expenses or transportation costs from your country to the United States. Please be aware that we do not have the resources to locate sponsors for international students. The Declaration and Certification of Finances Statement [PDF] must be completed and returned with the application packet.
• Please answer some additional questions for international applicants.
• If you have more questions or need more information, e-mail us at admissions@arbor.edu.

Now it’s time to apply.

You can apply to Spring Arbor University one of two ways. First, there's the snail mail way. Download the paper version of our application, fill it out completely, and mail it, along with the other required information and a $30 application fee (money order or check) to:

Spring Arbor University
Office of Admissions
106 E. Main St.
Spring Arbor, MI 49283-9799

Or, fill out our application online and wel'll waive the $30 application fee. Start by setting up an account at our MySAU portal.

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