International Student Admissions 

Welcome to Columbus State! Below, you will find the steps and required documents to apply as an international student (F1 visa holder/status). Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth application process.  

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Who is an International Student? 

International students include those who:

• Are seeking an F1 visa for study in the United States.
• Are in the U.S. on F1 status and wish to transfer their SEVIS record to Columbus State.
• Are currently in the U.S. under a different visa type (e.g., B1/B2) and wish to change their status to F1. 

Different immigration status or visa type? Visit the global student admissions page for instructions for different immigration statuses and visa types.  

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Please note: Columbus State accepts F1 students for associate degree programs only, and F1 students are not eligible for all degree programs.  We do not accept F1 students for ESL programs or certificates. Online programs are not eligible for the F1 visa.

Applicants should be aware of competitive and selective admission programs, where prerequisites and additional admission processes will be required. (Ex. Nusing applicants are accepted under the Pre-Nursing major and will be required to complete additional steps with the Nursing department before being admitted into the Nursing program.)  

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Admission Requirements 

To receive an acceptance letter and Form I-20, you must upload the documents listed below to an online International Student Admission Form. A link to this form will be emailed to you after you complete the standard application. 

1. Passport: A clear copy of the biographical page of your valid and unexpired passport 

2. Proof of Completion of Secondary Education: A copy of your high school diploma or certificate. If it is not in English, include a certified translation. 

• If you have a bachelor’s degree, you may upload a copy of your degree or transcripts instead. 
• If you have not yet graduated, upload a letter from your school stating the expected graduation date and diploma award. The final diploma must be submitted before classes begin. 

3. Test results, US college transcript or degree audit:  
All international students are required to submit one of the following:

• Official test results from an approved standardized test: 
  • TOEFL: 79+ overall score with 20+ in reading and writing
  • IELTS: 6.5+ overall score with 6.0+ in all bands
  • SAT: 480+ in Evidence Based Reading & Writing
  • ACT: 18+ English
• Official US college transcript with completed course equivalent to English Composition I (ENGL 1100)

Only the exams/documents listed above with the minimum score achieved will be accepted. Waivers are not given to students whose first language is English.

We do not accept Duolingo English Test for admission purposes. 

Don’t have test scores? Contact a testing company of your choice to reserve your test appointment. Most exams are administered worldwide and have at-home testing available where your results are ready within 1-2 weeks. 

• TOEFL: TOEFL At-Home Testing  
• IELTS: Ways to Take IELTS
• SAT: SAT Test Center Search
• ACT: Reserve your ACT test (USA only)  

4. Financial Affidavit: Signed and completed by the student and their financial sponsor (if applicable). Must be submitted even if you are self-funded. 

• The financial affidavit breaks down the cost of tuition and living expenses for one year at Columbus State. It can be downloaded here.  
• Submit a financial affidavit for each sponsor you have. 
• Download the financial affidavit here.

5. Evidence of Financial Ability (bank statements): A recent bank statement showing the ability to cover the cost of attendance for one year. The amount to be shown in the bank statements is listed on the financial affidavit and is subject to change without notice. 

6. Additional Documentation (if applicable): 

• I-94 Arrival and Departure Record 
• F1 visa or I-797A
• Current I-20
• DSO contact information
• F2 dependent(s) passport and visa/I-797A  

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Deadlines & Important Dates

The International Student Admission Form must be submitted by the dates below to be considered for the semester for which you are applying. 

.	Applicants outside the US	Students inside the US
Autumn Semester	June 1	July 15
Spring Semester	October 1	November 15
Summer Semester	Not available	Not available

Columbus State does not issue I-20s for the summer term.

https://www.cscc.edu/academics/calendar/