1. I am not a U.S. citizen but I live here and go to school here, am I an International Student?
Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident is considered an International Student. If you are not an international student but completed education outside of the U.S., please review our FAQ page as some of this information may still apply to you.
2. As an international student, am I eligible for financial aid?
International Students are not eligible for need-based, government financial aid. However, merit-based scholarships are offered to all undergraduate students. There is no separate application needed. Scholarships are based on academic merit and are calculated upon admission. Academic scholarships will not cover the entire cost of attendance.
While there are no scholarships offered at the graduate level, there are graduate assistantships available. Please be aware there are a limited number of assistantships available and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible in order to be considered.
3. What is the cost of attendance for an International Student?
The cost of attendance is the same for all students regardless of residency and status. Cost can vary by program and level. Please contact Salha Aainous, Sr. Coordinator for International Recruitment, at salha.aainous@taogoods.net for more details on yearly cost estimates.
4. What tests do I need to take?
All applicants must meet language proficiency requirements and may need to submit test scores to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.
Undergraduate: SAT and ACT test scores are an OPTIONAL part of the application process. If you believe your SAT or ACT scores provide evidence of your academic preparedness, you are invited to submit scores. It is not required. You can also submit SAT or ACT scores as proof of language proficiency.
Graduate: Required tests vary by program. Please contact Salha Aainous, Sr. Coordinator for International Recruitment, at salha.aainous@taogoods.net for more details on your program requirements.
5. I am a first-year applicant who does not attend high school in the U.S. but is attending an English-based school, how do I take the ACT or SAT?
The SAT and ACT are optional. The SAT and ACT is offered worldwide. You may search for SAT testing centers, and ACT testing centers. Please also talk to your high school counselor as they may have more information on taking either exam.
6. Do I need my transcript evaluated?
All transcripts from non-U.S. based institutions must be course-by-course evaluated by an NACES or AICE accredited academic credential evaluation company to obtain equivalency information on courses, grades, and degrees earned.
7. Do I need to send my original transcript if I complete an evaluation?
All applicants must submit an official copy of their original transcript along with their evaluation. Many evaluating organizations can provide official transcripts along with evaluations if requested by the applicant. Some organizations, such as ECE and SpanTran, provide this service with no additional cost to the student. Please review the International Student information sheet for further details.
8. Does my transcript have to be in English?
Applicants must provide certified, English translations of all transcripts. We will accept translated copies of transcripts sent directly by NACES or AICE approved evaluating organization.
9. Is proof of language proficiency required for admission of international students?
All students must submit proof of language proficiency. There are various ways to satisfy language proficiency. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, DET and PTE, and the Cambridge English Language Assessment but you may also meet it depending on if you have completed a degree or an equivalent English composition course. Please review our full language proficiency policy on the second page of our International Student information sheet.
10. Does Shenandoah offer provisional admission for students who do not meet language proficiency?
If an applicant does not meet the minimum English Language Proficiency requirements but is otherwise admissible to the degree program for which they have applied at Shenandoah University, they may be offered provisional admission for English Language Proficiency. In order to meet the conditions for full admission, provisionally admitted students must provide proof of successful completion of the highest level offered at an approved English Language program. Please visit our Provisional Admission for English Language Proficiency page for more information.
11. How do I apply for provisional admission?
Applicants seeking provisional admission must first apply to and complete all requirements other than proof of language proficiency for a degree-program. If provisional admission is provided, you must enroll in and complete an approved English language program.
12. What are the approved English Language Programs I can enroll in?
ELS Educational Service’s English for Academic Purposes Program
International Language Academy of Washington D.C (ILA) Program
Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) ESL Program, Middletown, VA:
Students who submit an official transcript from LRCC showing successful completion of ESL Level 40 courses (ESL 41, 42, 43, and 45).
Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) ESL Program:
Students who submit an official transcript from NVCC showing successful completion of ESL 52.
Each program’s standards for successful completion vary and are provided by the individual organization. Completion of a CEA-accredited intensive English language program other than those provided above will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students must seek approval from the Office of Admissions prior to starting a CEA-accredited program. Approval is not guaranteed.
13. I attend an American high school and have been taking classes taught entirely in English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL/IELTS/DET/PTE?
If you graduated from an American high school, you will not need to submit proof of language proficiency. Please review our full language proficiency policy on the second page of our International Student information sheet.
14. Can I meet language proficiency since I have been working/worked in the U.S. for a while?
No, the only ways to meet language proficiency are the ones listed in our policy. There are no exceptions.
15. If I completed a post-secondary degree in the U.S. can my language proficiency be waived?
Completion of a post-secondary degree (or equivalent) with a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 or higher from the U.S. (except Puerto Rico) meets the language proficiency requirement.
16. I don’t have a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE testing center close to me, how do I meet language proficiency?
The Duolingo English Test can be taken from the convenience of your own home. You will need a computer with an internet connection, microphone and webcam.
17. Are there any programs I am excluded from as an international student?
International students are welcome to apply to any program if they meet admission requirements, however, applicants who require I-20 paperwork for an F-1 visa from Shenandoah are limited to programs that allow full-time and on-campus study. For first-year and transfer students, please see our areas of study for programs. Graduate students should review the International Program page for options.
18. What is the deadline to apply for international students who need an I-20?
Undergraduate: In order to be considered for priority admission, applicants should have completed applications in no later than June 15 for the Fall term. Completed applications must be submitted by October 15 for the Spring term. Please note, some programs may close earlier than these deadlines due to capacity.
Graduate: Deadlines vary by program. Please review deadlines on our Graduate Admissions page.
19. How do I get my I-20?
Once you have been admitted, please complete the F-1 Visa Information Form and submit it to International Student & Scholar Services at iss@taogoods.net. You will need to include proof of funding and a copy of your passport.
If you live outside the U.S. your I-20 will be sent via DHL Express mail. If you are in the U.S. it will be sent via USPS priority mail.
20. I have been admitted, what do I do now?
Please follow our “Steps to SU” for guidance after admission.
21. Do I need to bring a laptop to school?
All incoming undergraduate students will be provided with a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and a 128 GB harddrive, and a Wi-Fi model 9.7” iPad with an Apple Pencil. Please visit our iMLearning FAQs page for more details. Please note: graduate students in select programs may be eligible for iMLearning.
22. Is housing guaranteed for international students?
Housing is guaranteed all four years at the undergraduate level. All first and second year undergraduate students are required to live on campus. More information regarding housing and the application process can be found on the housing page.
23. Where can I find off-campus housing?
There are a variety of off-campus housing options available to students in Winchester. Our off-campus list include students looking for roommates as well as housing available through landlords and rental companies. We also provide some tips through our off-campus rental information. Please be aware that if you live off-campus you will likely not be within walking distance and will have to find transportation.
24. What are my public transportation options?
Please be aware that Winchester has limited public transportation options. If you decide to live off-campus you may require a car or bike to get around.
WinTran Bus operates Monday-Saturday. Uber and Lyft are also available.
25. What clubs and organizations are available to International Students?
A variety of student clubs and organizations are available and students always have the option to start new organizations on campus. The Mosaic Center for Diversity also provides an all-inclusive space for students.
26. What kinds of resources are available to international students?
International students have access to all the amenities the University offers. This includes Student Support Services, various academic resources, the Wilkins Wellness Center, and more. If you would like to connect with a current international student, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at admit@taogoods.net or 540-665-4581 for further assistance.
27. Do I need Health Insurance to study at Shenandoah University?
International Student insurance plans purchased outside of the United States must meet the guidelines of the Affordable Care Act 2010 regulations to be an accepted plan.
- Please visit our insurance website at student health insurance and create a user name and password.
- Click waive the student health insurance button and input your health insurance information into the website.
RCM&D will audit the insurance to see if the policy meets the guidelines. If the policy meets the guidelines, you are considered covered as long as your insurance is valid while enrolled at Shenandoah. If your plan does not meet the guidelines, you will have to purchase a plan that meets the requirements or enroll in the student health insurance policy approved by Shenandoah University.
If you are applying as a graduate student, please also take time to review our graduate application FAQs for more details on the application process.