Back toTop
Menu

International Students

 

Thinking about coming to BSC from outside the United States?

We want you to feel at home on the Hilltop. Several offices on campus work directly with international students, and there's an International Student Services Coordinator trained to help answer your questions.



Why Birmingham-Southern College?



DiversityByTheNumbers-Cropped

As an international student at Birmingham-Southern College, we know you will bring a unique view to our community. Here at BSC, you'll get special attention from professors who will be your mentors, participate in programs designed to offer you research and internship opportunities rarely available to undergraduates, and interact with staff who will make sure you're comfortable here on the Hilltop.

In addition to many organizations and resources on campus, the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion works to make international students feel at home at BSC and assists with the immigration process, orientation, and support throughout your time on the Hilltop.

Specific programs available to international students include:

  • Advice regarding immigration compliance and visa status maintenance
  • An introduction to the BSC community and assistance regarding cultural adjustment to the U.S. through our International Student Orientation and regular one-on-one advising sessions
  • Advocacy on BSC’s campus
  • Opportunities to make connections with faculty, students, and community members both on and off-campus
  •  

Experience BSC!

We offer several ways to experience the Hilltop, from virtual information sessions that you can view anywhere to on-campus tours (complete with a $300 travel voucher if you visit and are admitted!).

find out more ways to connect with us and see how we can support your Hilltop journey!


Application Resources

  •  

    How to Apply: Degree-Seeking Students (First Year)

    At BSC, you are considered an international student if you are not a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States. First-year students are students who have completed secondary school and who have NOT been enrolled in higher education.

    International Student Application Requirements

    1. Complete the BSC Online Application or Common Application for International Admission
    2. Official secondary school transcripts translated into English
    3. Essay or Personal Statement written in English
    4. Letter of Recommendation written in English
    5. Official English Proficiency Test Scores (one of the following):
      • Duolingo (100 Minimum)
      • TOEFL (81 Minimum)
      • IELTS (6 Minimum)
      • Pearson Test of English (53 Minimum)
      • SAT (510 Minimum Critical Reading)
      • ACT (22 Minimum English)
    6. International Student Certification of Finances

    While you are completing the BSC Online Application, you will have the opportunity to submit these documents online. However, you may also submit your forms and documents via email to: [email protected]

     

  •  

    Application Deadlines

    Early Decision: November 1 (Notifed by November 15)
    Early Action: November 15 (Notified by December 15) 
    Regular Decision Priority: February 1

    To receive full consideration for admission and scholarships, all applications materials including application fee, transcripts, test scores, etc. must be submitted by February 1. Students that have already started the application process can view their application portal to see application status. 

    After February 1, applications will be reviewed on a space available basis. 

  •  

    How to Apply: International Graduate Students

    BSC offers several graduate programs designed to advance your career and education.  Learn more about our programs and the application process.

     

  •  

    How to Apply: International Transfer Students

    1. At BSC, you are considered an international students if you are not a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Transfer students are students who HAVE been enrolled in higher education.

      Transfer International Student Application Requirements

      1. Complete the BSC Online Application or Common Application for International Admission
      2. University Transcripts translated into English
      3. Essay or Personal Statement
      4. Letter of Recommendation
      5. Official English Proficiency Test Scores (one of the following):
        • Duolingo (100 Minimum)
        • TOEFL (81 Minimum)
        • IELTS (6 Minimum)
        • Pearson Test of English (53 Minimum)
        • SAT (510 Minimum Critical Reading)
        • ACT (22 Minimum English)
      6. International Student Certification of Finances

      While you are completing the BSC Online Application, you will have the opportunity to submit these documents online. However, you may also submit your forms and documents via email to: [email protected]

       

  •  

    How to Apply: Exchange Students

    We look forward to receiving applications from exchange students coming to us from our partner universities in

    • England (University of Birmingham)
    • France (University of Tours)
    • Germany (Erfurt University)
    • Hong Kong (Hong Kong Baptist University)
    • Japan (Kansai Gaidai)
    • Netherlands (HvA International Business School)

     

    Exchange Student Application Process

    1. Complete the BSC Online Application for International Students
    2. Provide a university transcript (translated into English, if necessary)
    3. Provide one of the following official English Proficiency Tests:
      1. Duolingo (100 minimum)
      2. TOEFL (81 minimum)
      3. IELTS (6 minimum)
      4. Pearson Test of English (53 minimum)
      5. English Certificate – Proof of University Level English Class or Certification
      6. Language proficiency letter from your university
    4. Letter of Recommendation
    5. An essay or Personal Statement
    6. Copy of a Valid Passport

     

    Documentation of Financial Support (Signed Affidavit and a bank statement showing a minimum balance of the cost of attendance) These funds cover all costs for housing, meals, insurance, and student fees.

    While you are completing the BSC Online Application, you will have the opportunity to submit these documents online. However, you may also submit your forms and documents via email to: [email protected] 

  •  

    How to Apply: International Special Circumstances

    DACA Students: Undergraduate students who hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) status granted by the federal government will be considered domestic students by Birmingham-Southern College for purposes of admissions and financial aid, and thus are eligible for need-blind admissions and need-based financial aid like any U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They should complete the regular undergraduate application.

    Green Card Holders, Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Undergraduate students who hold Green Card, Asylum or Refugee status granted by the federal government will be considered domestic students by Birmingham-Southern College for purposes of admissions and financial aid, and thus are eligible for need-blind admissions and need-based financial aid like any U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They should complete the regular undergraduate application.

  •  

    SEVIS Requirements

    • The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information regarding visa immigration and status. Students who are coming to the United States on a visa must complete the SEVIS requirements before being allowed to enroll in Birmingham-Southern College.

      1. Valid Passport that good for the next 4 years
      2. Documentation of financial support
      3. Completion of SEVIS Visa Requirements
  •  

    Scholarships: International Degree-Seeking Students

    When you apply to Birmingham-Southern College, you will automatically be considered for a renewable merit scholarship, whether you are a first-year or transfer student. Our application process is need-aware, meaning that we will deny an application if you cannot provide the documentation of financial support, which is required to get your visa, OR if your financial documentation indicates greater need than we will be able to provide through merit-based scholarship.

     

    We are unable to give our international students a full tuition or full cost of attendance scholarship. On average, international students receive scholarships ranging from $5,000-$16,000 USD per year.


connect

have any questions about applying, scholarships, resources on campus, living in Birmingham and more?

Reach out to our international admission Staff.