International Students
Welcome!
International students are an important part of Seattle Pacific University. If you have any questions along the way, contact our Assistant Director for International Students Jacqueline Hawkins.
     
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 can be found clicking here.
- Demonstrate your English proficiency.
Students who are non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Applicants must score 80 or higher on the Internet-based test (iBT), or 550 or higher on the paper based test
(pBT), or 213 or higher on the computer-based test (cBT). The other option is to complete the American Cultural Exchange Language Program (ACE) Students must receive a full recommendation from the ACE Language Program for admission to the University. Students who receive a full recommendation are not required to submit a TOEFL score.
- Send official transcript(s) to SPU.
We need certified, official transcripts from all the courses you’ve taken at secondary schools and universities. All transcripts must have the official stamp or seal from the issuing institution and must be sent directly by the school to SPU in a sealed envelope. Transcripts must be in English.
- 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 $43,453 (U.S. funds) available for the first year of study at Seattle Pacific. Financial assistance is available only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens.
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.
Conditional Admission
Seattle Pacific University offers conditional admission to international applicants currently enrolled in the American Cultural Exchange Language Program (ACE). To be eligible for conditional admission, applicants must submit all of the required application documents, including a letter from ACE indicating your enrollment in their language program and your interest in being reviewed for conditional admission.
Transferring International College Credits:
International students interested in transferring college level coursework from foreign universities are encouraged to have their college or university transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency. SPU accepts professional transcript evaluations from agencies such as World Education Services or American Associate of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
Application Deadlines
International student applications should be submitted six 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 |
|
