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International Student Admission

An International application for admission may be submitted by those who are not United States citizens or United States permanent residents. The application priority date for students applying for an international scholarship for the fall semester (beginning in August) is February 1.

Required Documents

  • A completed application.
  • Personal statement of faith submitted in English.
  • Official transcripts and/or certificates from all secondary and post-secondary schools. Students must complete the secondary level (equivalent to high school in the United States) prior to beginning classes at Bethel and must submit an official transcript of their courses.
  • All academic transcripts must be submitted in their original language along with official certified translations in English. Official certification and a comprehensive course-by-course evaluation must be completed by an approved accredited agency for students transferring. Bethel University recommends using World Education Service, www.wes.org or Incred, www.incredevals.org, for transcript translations.
  • Affidavit of Support: This form is required for the first year of entry to the university and does not need to be renewed each year. The affidavit of support is designed to provide financial information to Bethel University so that we may better assess your financial needs. No application for admission will be considered until the affidavit of support is received, fully completed and signed by the student and parent.
  • Official score reports from the SAT, ACT, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo and/or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) should be sent directly to Bethel University. Only one of the tests is required. Students pursuing athletics should take an SAT or ACT exam to assist in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) eligibility.
  • Transfer students only - If you are transferring from a college or university within the United States, please have the international advisor at your school complete the Transfer Student information form (available upon request from the Bethel Office of Admission) and provide a copy of your current I-20 and I-94 card.

Admission Process

When all required materials are on file, a decision regarding the applicant’s enrollment and academic scholarship is made by the admission committee and the student is notified by the Office of Admission. All students must show ability to meet financial costs to travel to the United States, complete their education and return home. Additional financial assistance may be awarded by the International Committee after the February 1 deadline and the student’s acceptance to the university.

I-20 Form

The I-20 form for obtaining an F-1 student visa will not be issued to an admitted student until the student has submitted their first-time enrollment payment to Bethel University. The first-time enrollment payment is equal to the student's enrollment deposit, housing deposit, medical fee and SEVIS fee. The student's full remaining balance after all Bethel financial assistance has been applied, is due before classes start each semester. All but $350 of the deposit may be refunded after an I-20 has been issued if a student cancels or has their visa denied before they enroll at Bethel.

Procedures for Visa Application

For incoming international students, Bethel will issue the I-20 form and pay the SEVIS fee from the student’s funds. The I-20 and receipt of payment will be mailed to the student. Once those documents have been received, the F-1 student visa application process can begin. Detailed visa application procedures can be found online at www.travel.state.gov. Students must complete an online visa application (DS-160) and make an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate. Students are required to take several pieces of documentation to this interview (valid passport, visa application fee in cash, confirmation sheet of application form DS-160, self-addressed SMART envelope for return of passport, photograph, I-20, fee receipt and proof of funds). Once the visa has been received, a student can enter the United States no sooner than 30 days prior to the start date listed in the I-20.