International Student Admissions

• Submit your application for admission to Pfeiffer University.  https://go.pfeiffer.edu/apply-now/inquiryform. Expect a decision within a week once all requested application materials have been received.
• Have your official high school transcripts translated and evaluated through one of the following evaluation companies
  • We recommend a course-by-course evaluation through: The Evaluation Company or INCRED
• Submit a photocopy of your passport – this can be emailed to your admissions counselor
• Submit Proof of English Proficiency
  • We recommend taking the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo
    • Score requirements are listed below
• If admitted, a merit-based scholarship will be offered

Pfeiffer is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and must comply with federal regulations when admitting international students. As part of these requirements, Pfeiffer requires international students to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the enrollment process prior to the issuance of an I-20 immigration document.

Proof of English Proficiency

International students may demonstrate English proficiency in the following ways:

• Have citizenship in a country where English is the official language and your school is taught in English.
• Graduation from a high school, attending for a minimum of 2 years, at an international institution or American school where the primary language of instruction was completed in English. The institution must provide a signed letter or official transcript verifying courses were taught in English.
• All other international students seeking F1 visas must achieve a minimum required test score on at least one approved language proficiency exam/test. The scores must be from the last 24 months prior to the time of application to Pfeiffer. The approved exams/tests are as follows:
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 70
    • Subscores must be 4 or higher
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6
  • Minimum Duolingo score of 105
    • Subscores must be 90 or higher
• Successfully complete 60 transferable credit hours at a US university, college or community college with a grade of C or better in English Composition

The Evaluation Company (TEC) is our recommended international transcript evaluation service. They have created a custom application for Pfeiffer University that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: https://app.evalcompany.com/086962f8-1d17-4f6f-80c0-5bcce856d183

INCRED: https://www.incredevals.org/

The following information is not required as part of your application for admission; however, it is required to be eligible for an I-20 in order to obtain a student visa if you are accepted and plan to enroll at Pfeiffer University.

• Acceptance to Pfeiffer University
• Payment of the $150 Enrollment Deposit. The Enrollment Deposit is non-refundable after May 1^st for Fall applicants and November 1^st for Spring applicants.
• Complete Pfeiffer’s Financial Sponsor Support Form (form is emailed to student upon acceptance)
• Submit proof of funds with an original bank statement.
  • The bank statement should include: account holder name, bank logo, currency symbol or name, total amount, date of document (within the last 12 months). No IRAs, tax returns, or business account statements are accepted.

Please note that Pfeiffer is unable to begin the I-20 process until after the $150 enrollment deposit.

Once all items are received and the I-20 process is completed, you will receive your I-20 from Abbi Wiles, Associate Director of Admissions. After receiving your I-20, you may schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy most convenient to you.

After all paperwork has been submitted and you have been accepted to Pfeiffer University, we will send you an I-20. Read this document carefully and Alert Pfeiffer if it is not correct because an error may affect your visa application. (Note: Page 3 outlines responsibility for F-1 students.)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires a $350 SEVIS fee before applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. This fee must be paid three business days prior to applying for a visa. Discover your payment options here.

After paying the SEVIS fee, you will then take the fee receipt, the I-20 Pfeiffer sent you, your passport, and all proof of financial ability to the U.S. consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over your place of residence abroad. Learn about the interview process and required documents here.

Next, you must apply at a port of entry for admission to the U.S. by presenting a passport valid for at least six more months, your F-1 visa (does not apply to Canadians), your I-20 issued by Pfeiffer and signed by you, and evidence of financial support. 

If the immigration inspector approves your entry into the U.S., the inspector will stamp an I-94 in your passport, which indicates:

• The date and place of entry
• Your status (should be F-1)
• A unique 11-digit identification number
• D/S (This means you are admitted to the United States for the length of time required to complete a specific program; this completion date is indicated on the 1-20. If your 1-94 does not have D/S, contact someone in the International Center immediately.)
• The immigration inspector will stamp the top page of your 1-20. (Note: this is a very important document. You will need your 1-20 anytime you travel outside the United States. Page 2 of this form must be signed by a DSO in the International Center at least every 12 months, preferably every 6 months, especially if you will be traveling outside the US.)

When you arrive on campus, bring the I-94, I-20, and SEVIS fee receipt and your passport to the International Center so that we can make copies for your student file.