International Students
Welcome!
International students are an important part of Seattle Pacific University. If you have any questions along the way, contact our Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Jobe Korb-Nice.

Who qualifies as an international student?
Anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Typically, these students attend college on an F-1 student visa.
How do you apply?
- Apply online using the Common Application. Application requirements for international student can be found clicking here.
- English Proficiency: Seattle Pacific University does not offer a program in English as a second language. Students who are non-native English speakers
must demonstrate English proficiency regardless of English language studies and academic history.
English proficiency must be established by submitting the official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The other option is to complete the A.C.E. Language Institute. Students must receive a full recommendation from A.C.E. Language institute for admission to the University. Students who receive a full recommendation from A.C.E. are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
The chart below outlines the necessary score requirements for general admission to SPU.
| |
SPU Undergraduate Admission Score Requirements |
| TOEFL (Internet) |
79 |
| TOEFL (Paper) |
550 |
| TOEFL (Computer) |
213 |
| IELTS |
6.0 |
| ACE |
Completion of Level 6 |
- Transcripts: Arrange to have official transcripts of all the coursework completed at the secondary and/or university level forwarded to the SPU Office of Admissions. All transcripts must have the official stamp or seal from the issuing institution and must be sent directly from the institution to SPU in a sealed envelope. Transcripts must be in English. We are not able to accept copies of transcripts or certificates issued to the applicant.
- Teacher or Instructor Evaluation: This document is completed by a high school or college instructor who can recommend you to colleges based on observing you in an academic setting. The evaluation can be sent to SPU by mail or submitted digitally through the Common Application.
- International Student Financial Statement: Fill out and submit the Declaration of International Student Finances form (PDF). To satisfy visa application requirements, international students must demonstrate adequate funds to cover their educational and living expenses for their intended period of study at SPU. Your financial sponsor(s) must submit an official copy of his or her bank statements, verifying the student has $46,094 (U.S. funds) available for the first year of study at Seattle Pacific. The Declaration of International Student Finances Form and bank statement are not necessary to complete your application. However, we will need those documents to issue a Form I-20 necessary to apply for a F-1 student visa. Financial assistance is available only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens.
- Government Scholarships: If your government is sponsoring you, please include letters from your embassy confirming this sponsorship. The letter must not be more than one year old.
SAT/ACT exams
Seattle Pacific University does not require the SAT or ACT for international freshmen. However, scores do enhance an application and sufficiently high verbal scores may exempt you from completing the TOEFL exam.
Application Deadlines
International student applications should be submitted three months in advance of the quarter you intend to enter SPU. Please see our application deadlines below:
| Student Status |
Autumn |
Winter |
Spring |
| Freshman |
November 15 Early Action
(February 1 Final Deadline) |
November 15 |
March 1 |
| Transfer and Post-Baccalaureate |
April 1
(July 1 Final Deadline) |
November 15 |
March 1 |
|