A-029 International Student Admission Policy and English Proficiency for Non Native Speakers

Code: A-029
Date: March 21, 1980
Approved: Jon Wefald
Revised: May 2003
Approved: David C. Danahar
Revised: March 2015
Approved: Connie J. Gores

Southwest Minnesota State University Policy

International Student Admission Policy and English Proficiency for Non-Native Speakers

International students wishing to be considered for Freshman Admission must submit the following:
1. Southwest Minnesota State University International Student Application for Admission and a non-refundable application fee.
2. A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL Written Exam (or a 173 on the computer based exam or a 61 on the internet based exam), 5.5 on the IELTS, a minimum score of 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, or proof of completion of a level 109 from an English Language School Center. Students may be required to take ENG 099 Introduction to Academic Writing (3 cr.) depending on their SMSU English placement scores.
3. Official transcripts verifying a comparable U.S. high school diploma.
4. Documentation of evidence of financial support.
International students wishing to transfer to SMSU from other U.S. colleges or universities must submit the following:
1. Southwest Minnesota State University International Student Application for Admission and a non-refundable application fee.
2. A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL Written Exam (or a 173 on the computer based exam or a 61 on the internet based exam), a 5.5 on the IELTS, a minimum score of 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, or proof of completion of level 109 from an English Language School Center. Students may be required to take ENG 099 Introduction to Academic Writing (3 cr.) depending on their SMSU English placement scores.
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, universities, or technical colleges and achievement of a minimum 2.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale).
4. An International Student Transfer Form (available from the Office of Admission).
5. Up-to-date Documentation of evidence of financial support.
International students wishing to transfer to Southwest Minnesota State University from colleges or universities outside the United States must submit the following:
1. Southwest Minnesota State University International Student Application for Admission and a non-refundable application fee.
2. A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL Written Exam (or a 173 on the computer based exam or a 61 on the internet based exam), a 5.5 on the IELTS, a minimum score of 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, or proof of completion of level 109 from an English Language School Center. Students may be required to take ENG 099 Introduction to Academic Writing (3 cr.) depending on their SMSU English placement scores.
International students wishing to be admitted to the Graduate Program must meet the following:
1. Completion of a USA Bachelor’s degree and meet the Graduate Programs’ admission requirements.
2. International students graduating from a foreign university must score 6.5 on the IELTS or a 550 on the TOEFL exam (or 213 computer exam or 79/80 on the internet based)
3. Evaluation of international college/university transcript by approved evaluation form. Please contact the Office of Admission for further information.
Those students in the United States under an immigration status other than F-1 Visa, and for whom English is not a native language must submit the following:
1. Completed application for admission and non-refundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts verifying an earned U.S. high school diploma. Students may be required to take ENG 099 Introduction to Academic Writing (3 cr.) depending on their SMSU English placement scores.
  1. Students not able to supply the above documentation can still be considered for admission if they submit the following:
    1. GED scores.
    2. A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL Written Exam (or 173 on the computerized exam), a minimum score of 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, or proof of completion of level 109 from an English Language School Center.
    3. Students may also be considered for one class if they are sponsored by a Southwest Minnesota State University faculty member and the following conditions:
      1. Sit for an interview with the Director of Enrollment Services.
      2. Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation addressing the student’s English skills.
      3. Take only ENG 099 Introduction to Academic Writing (3 cr.) their first term and pass the course with a “C” grade or better.
After admission, international students are also subject to the Academic Standing Policy.
A U.S. citizen for whom English is not a first language must meet the English language requirements in section I, II, III, or IV.