Apply as an International Undergraduate Student

Apply as an on-campus international student if you plan to study in Hays, Kansas. Meet one of the following requirements to qualify for admission:

• I-20 required to obtain a student visa
• 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) from an international high school, college, or university coursework
• 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) with 24 or more completed U.S. college credit hours

Application Deadlines:

• Fall (August start): June 1
• Spring (January start): November 1

Required Documents:

• Passport ID page
• English proficiency documentation
• Official transcripts
• International Student Financial Data and I-20 Request Form
• Certified bank statement

Apply as an online international student if you plan to study online. An I-20 or student visa is not required. Meet one of the following requirements to qualify for admission:

• 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) from an international high school, college, or university coursework
• 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) with 24 or more completed U.S. college credit hours

Application Deadlines:

• Fall (August start): June 1
• Spring (January start): November 1
• Summer (June start): May 15

Application Materials:

• Passport ID page
• English proficiency documentation
• Official transcripts

Apply as a non-degree international student if you plan to take individual classes without pursuing a degree. An I-20 or student visa is not required. Admission is based on your readiness for the course you plan to take.

Enrollment Details:

• Some courses may require proof of completed prerequisites or prior academic coursework
• Courses are not evaluated toward a degree while in non-degree status

Application Deadlines:

• Fall (August start): June 1
• Spring (January start): November 1
• Summer (June start): May 15

Application Materials:

• Passport ID page
• English proficiency documentation
• Official transcripts

Meet one of the following English proficiency requirements to qualify for admission to FHSU.

• TOEFL iBT: 61
• IELTS Academic: 5.5
• ITEP Academic: 3.6
• Duolingo English Test: 95
• The Language Company (TLC) : Completion of Level 9

Test Score Exceptions

You may qualify for admission without submitting an English proficiency test score if you meet one of the following:

• Completed 24 or more U.S. college credit hours with a 2.0 GPA
• Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school with a 2.5 GPA and completion of required academic coursework, including two years of English
• Citizen of a country where English is the primary official language

Scores Not Accepted

The following are not accepted for admission:

• Institutional TOEFL
• TOEFL Essentials
• Institutional completion scores

To qualify for admission, students must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) from an international high school, college, or university coursework
• 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) with 24 or more completed U.S. college credit hours

Submit official transcripts to support your admission review.

• Official transcripts: Sent directly to the FHSU Registrar’s Office by the issuing institution or evaluation company through approved electronic portals or transcript transfer systems
• English translation: Transcripts must be issued or translated in English
• Translation services: NACES member translations accepted

Learn how previous college coursework may be considered for transfer credit and applied toward your degree at FHSU

Transfer Credit Sources:

• U.S. coursework: Credit may transfer from accredited colleges and universities
• International coursework: A NACES-approved course-by-course evaluation is required for transfer credit consideration
• Military training and experience: Evaluated using American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations
• Credit by examination: AP, CLEP, DSST, Excelsior, and ACTFL credits may be accepted based on evaluation
• Credit review: Completed after admission and receipt of official transcripts and evaluation documents submitted through approved electronic portals to the Registrar's Office

Evaluation Services:

While you may use any accredited NACES evaluation provider, the following organizations offer customized opportunities for FHSU applicants:

• World Education Services (WES) - evaluation results sent directly to FHSU
• The Evaluation Company (TEC) - discounted rates available through the FHSU portal
• International Education Evaluations (IEE) - discounted evaluation and delivery options through the FHSU portal

FHSU does not provide unofficial evaluations of international coursework for transfer credit purposes.

Have a few key details ready before you start to help your application move smoothly and save time.

Have Ready:

• Passport (exact legal name)
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number or ITIN
• Personal Email Address (use one you will keep long term)
• Mobile Phone Number
• Permanent Mailing Address
• Partner School or Agent Information (if applying through an FHSU partner or agent)

National ID Information (country of citizenship):

• ID Type
• ID Number

Citizenship and Visa Details:

• Current citizenship status
• Intended immigration status
• Dual citizenship details (if you hold more than one citizenship)

High Schools Attended:

• Location
• School Name
• Graduation Date (expected or actual)

Colleges or Post-Secondary Schools Attended:

• Location
• School Name
• Graduation Date (expected or actual)
• College Transcripts

English Proficiency Test Type (if including scores):

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• iTEP
• Duolingo
• TLC Level 9
• Other accepted tests

Step 1 of 8

Use your personal email address (not a school email). You can save and return to complete your application at any time.

Step 2 of 8

Select your academic level, applicant type, and program to confirm your pathway and start term. This helps ensure you see the correct application and requirements.

International undergraduate students may begin in Fall (August) or Spring (January). Summer (June) enrollment is available only for online and non-degree students.

Make Your Selections:

• Academic Level: Undergraduate
• Student Type: International
• Program of Study: Your intended major (e.g., Management - BBA)
• Program Focus: If your major has specialized areas
• Anticipated Start Term: Fall, Spring, or Summer
• Campus Location: FHSU Main Campus or FHSU Online

Step 3 of 8

Provide your personal information to confirm your identity and match your academic records.

Enter Your Information:

• Legal name (as shown on your passport or national ID)
• Citizenship status (non-citizen)
• Intended immigration status (student visa status)
• National ID type
• Identification number

If you do not have a Social Security Number, select ITIN to ensure your application is processed correctly.

Step 4 of 8

Provide your contact information to ensure you receive important updates about your application and next steps.

Enter Your Information:

• Permanent mailing address
• Personal email address (use one you will keep long term)
• Phone number

Step 5 of 8

Enter your high school and previous college information, if applicable, to help evaluate your academic background for admission.

High School Details:

• School name, city/state, and country
• Dates attended (start and end dates)
• Graduation date (expected or completed)
• Add each school separately if you attended more than one

Previous College Experience (if applicable):

• Institution name, city/state, and country
• Dates attended (start and end dates)
• Credentials earned (certificate, degree, or diploma), if applicable
• Add each school separately if you attended more than one

Can’t Find Your School?

If your high school or previous college does not appear in the search results, you can manually add the institution to the application.

• Select Remove
• Check the box 'If your school does not appear on the list'
• Select Save and Continue
• Return to the Application Overview page
• Open the item labeled Missing Institution Name
• Enter your school's information and continue your application

Step 6 of 8

Enter transcript details for each school you attended to verify your academic record and review your GPA.

Transcript Information:

• Last date of attendance (expected or actual)
• Attendance status (final or in progress)
• Cumulative GPA (unweighted)
• Complete details for each school

Providing accurate transcript information helps keep your admission and credit evaluation moving smoothly.

Step 7 of 8

Complete a brief questionnaire to help us understand your study plans and ensure we have the information needed to support your application.

Complete the Following:

• Study Plan at FHSU
• U.S. School and Visa Information (if currently in the United States)
• Dual Citizenship Information (if applicable)
• English Language Proficiency
• Partner School or Agent Information

Next, complete the Application Details section to select your enrollment level (full-time or part-time) and learning format (online or in person).

Step 8 of 8

Review your information and submit your international undergraduate application.

Application Fee:

• Amount: $50 (undergraduate; non-refundable)
• Payment method: Credit or debit card
• Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, UnionPay

Submit Additional Documents:

After submitting your application, email your required documents to International Admissions:

• Passport ID page: Clear copy of your current passport ID page
• National ID document: English translation accepted if a passport is not available
• Immigration documents: Visa or status documentation, if applicable
• English proficiency scores or approved documentation

Send to the Registrar’s Office:

• Official transcripts
• Transfer credit evaluation: NACES-approved course-by-course evaluation

Review Your Application Status:

• Confirmation email: Includes required documents and next steps
• Application review: International Admissions review of required materials
• Admission decision: Issued after application fee payment and document verification

Review estimated tuition and living expenses to help plan for your education at FHSU.

Find scholarships for international undergraduate students that help support your educational goals and make studying at FHSU more affordable.

FHSU World Ready International Scholarship

Receive automatic consideration for a $1,000 annual scholarship as a new, full-time international undergraduate student studying on campus in Hays, Kansas.

Renewal Requirements:

• Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Continue full-time on-campus enrollment

Learn more about this scholarship to understand award details, eligibility requirements, and renewal expectations.

Stouffer Scholarship

Apply for a competitive, donor-funded scholarship designed for international students studying on campus at FHSU.

Eligibility:

• An international student enrolled in on-campus study
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Review the scholarship details to understand eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and award information.

Featured Scholarship Opportunities 

Find additional scholarships that can help support your educational goals and reduce college expenses while studying at FHSU.

Opportunities Include:

• Department Scholarships
• FHSU Foundation and Donor Scholarships
• External Scholarships

Explore international scholarship opportunities to find awards that align with your educational goals and funding needs.

FHSU partners with Flywire and PayMyTuition to provide secure payment options for international students and families around the world.

Review International Student Payment Information for guidance on paying educational expenses from outside the United States.

Students planning to study on campus must submit financial documentation as part of the I-20 process.

Required Documents:

• International Student Financial Data and I-20 Request Form
• Bank statement that meets the current annual Estimated Educational Expense requirement

Bank Statement Requirements:

• Amount must be equal to or greater than the current annual Estimated Educational Expense
• Original checking, savings, and time deposit account statements are accepted
• Screenshots are not accepted

Your I-20 Form is issued by FHSU for students applying for an F-1 student visa. To support I-20 processing, you may be asked to provide:

• Financial documentation that meets university requirements
• International Student Financial Data and I-20 Request Form
• Additional documentation for dependents, if applicable

Once you receive your I-20, review it for accuracy and keep it with your immigration documents.

After receiving your I-20, complete the steps needed to apply for your F-1 student visa.

• Complete the DS-160 visa application
• Pay the visa application fee
• Review U.S. Visa Requirements for your country
• Schedule your visa interview

The SEVIS I‑901 fee is a required U.S. government fee that must be paid before your visa interview.

• Pay the fee using your SEVIS ID (listed on your I‑20)
• Use the official payment site
• Print and keep your SEVIS fee receipt for your records and visa interview

The SEVIS I-901 fee is separate from the DS-160 visa application fee. Keep multiple copies of your SEVIS fee receipt for your records and visa interview.

Prepare the following required documents for your visa interview:

• Passport (valid at least six months beyond your planned entry date)
• I-20 issued by FHSU
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Financial documents (bank statements and sponsor letters)
• FHSU admission letter

F-1 visas may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.

Prepare for Your Interview

Review these trusted U.S. Government Resources to prepare for your visa interview:

• U.S. Study Visa Overview
• Study in the States

Once your visa is approved, it's time to prepare for your arrival in the United States. Before you travel, make sure your documents are organized and review what to expect upon entering the country.

• Review your I-20 for accuracy (name, date of birth, program start date, SEVIS ID)
• Keep your passport, visa, I-20, and SEVIS fee receipt together
• Review Pre-Arrival Information for Newly Admitted International Students

Entering the United States

When you arrive in the United States, you will complete a brief immigration inspection.

Keep these documents in your carry-on luggage:

• Passport with F-1 visa
• Printed I-20
• Printed SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• FHSU admission letter
• Financial documents (bank statements and sponsor letters)

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may:

• Review your passport, visa, and I-20
• Ask basic questions (school, major, housing)
• Create your electronic I-94 arrival record (confirm F-1 entry status)

Keep your passport, visa, and immigration documents accessible throughout your trip. You may be asked to present them at multiple points during your journey.

After your visa is approved, begin preparing for travel, arrival, and your first semester at FHSU.

Explore Pre-Arrival Information to learn about housing, course registration, orientation, and preparing for your first semester at FHSU.

Learn more about the visa process and entering the United States through Visa Information for International Students.

Applying to FHSU involves a few key steps to help us review your application for admission.

• Complete the international undergraduate application
• Pay the $50 application fee
• Submit required application materials
• Monitor your email for updates from international@fhsu.edu

Review the How to Apply tab to understand each step of the application process.

Admission requirements are based on academic preparation, English proficiency, and required application materials.

• Completion of upper-level high school (or equivalent)
• English proficiency through approved testing requirements
• Required academic records and application materials

Explore the Requirements tab for full admission details.

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.

• Accepted exams include TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and iTEP
• Minimum score requirements vary by exam
• Some students may qualify for an exemption based on previous education completed in English

Learn more about testing requirements and exemption requirements in the English and Transcripts tab.

Required documents vary by student type and may include:

• High school transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable)
• Passport ID page
• English proficiency scores

Students planning to study on campus submit financial documents as part of the I-20 process.

Visit the Requirements tab to understand the documents required for your student type.

Apply as early as possible to allow time for admission review, immigration processing, and enrollment preparation. Application deadlines are the final dates international students are eligible for admission.

• On-campus study: Apply early for immigration planning
• Online study: Applications may be accepted closer to the start of the term
• Non-degree study: Apply early to allow time for application review and course planning

Find application deadlines and important dates in the Requirements tab.

Your total cost depends on how and where you study.

• On-campus study: Includes non-resident tuition, housing, meals, insurance, and personal expenses
• Online study: Uses a flat per-credit-hour tuition rate
• Estimated annual costs: Used for financial planning and I-20 processing

Explore current tuition rates, estimated costs, scholarships, and more in the Cost and Scholarships tab.

Yes. You may be eligible for scholarship opportunities that can help make your education at FHSU more affordable.

• Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process
• Additional awards may be available through academic departments, donors, or external organizations
• Eligibility requirements and award amounts vary by scholarship

View scholarship opportunities and awards in the Cost and Scholarships tab.

Students planning to study on campus must submit financial documentation before an I-20 can be issued:

• International Student Financial Data and I-20 Request Form
• Bank statement that meets the current estimated educational expense requirement
• Documentation that meets FHSU and U.S. government requirements

View financial document requirements and examples in the Cost and Scholarships tab.

If you plan to study on campus, you will complete the following steps as part of the F-1 visa process after you are admitted:

• Receive your admission letter and I-20 from FHSU
• Complete the DS-160 visa application
• Pay the visa application fee
• Pay the SEVIS fee
• Schedule your visa interview

Visit the Immigration Process tab to understand each step of the visa process.

International students studying on campus may be eligible for limited employment opportunities while enrolled at FHSU.

• F-1 students may work on campus while classes are in session
• Employment hours are limited under U.S. immigration regulations
• Employment must be authorized and coordinated through International Student Services

Learn more about employment eligibility and available opportunities on the Employment Opportunities page.