International Student Admission
Middle Georgia State University values the contributions international students make to our campus community. International students provide the University with a diverse population through which differences in race, ethnicity, religious conviction, and cultural background may be celebrated. To learn more about the admission requirements and to access appropriate forms, visit www.mga.edu/admissions.
Because additional processing time is required, international students should submit the admissions application and all supporting documents at least 60 days prior to the desired semester of enrollment. Foreign educational credentials must include English translations.
In addition to satisfying the regular requirements for admission as freshmen or transfer students, international applicants must provide evidence of adequate financial support to meet educational and personal expenses. International students must provide evidence of adequate immunization and have health insurance coverage that meets minimum University System of Georgia standards. Additional information regarding mandatory student health insurance coverage may be found at https://www.mga.edu/health-clinic/student-insurance.php. Middle Georgia State University determines admissibility of international applicants only after all required admissions documents have been received. The certificate of eligibility (Form I-20) cannot be forwarded to an international student until after an offer of acceptance has been extended by the University.
International students without previous records at colleges or universities within the United States must meet the requirements outlined in this catalog for admission as beginning freshmen. International students who have attended colleges or universities within the United States must meet the requirements outlined for admission as transfer students.
Applicants whose first language is not English and whose instruction throughout secondary school was not in English must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency is demonstrated by achieving the minimum scores on one of the following tests:
Test
|
Minimum Score
|
Website
|
TOEFL Internet Based
|
69 |
www.ets.org |
| IELTS |
6.0 |
www.ielts.org |
Cambridge Test
|
169 |
www.cambridgeenglish.org |
Scores from the SAT or the ACT are required for all international students. Students must score at a minimum of 17 English and 17 Math on the ACT or a minimum of 430 Critical Reading/400 Math on the SAT (if taken before March 2016) or 24 Reading/440 Math on the SAT (if taken March 2016 or after).
Once admitted into the University, international students (with F-1 visas) are required to register for and complete a full-time course load (at least 12 semester hours) each academic term, with the exception of summer. International students must be registered for at least 12 semester hours no later than the first day of class for regular session courses during the fall and spring semesters. Middle Georgia State University is required to report international students who drop below full-time status or who do not remain in "good academic standing" to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Such students are considered "out of status" and their F-1 status will therefore be terminated. It is the responsibility of the international student to fully understand and comply with all U.S. immigration laws governing their visa status.
International students are required to pay non-resident tuition. Middle Georgia State University has a limited number of International Academic Waivers. To be considered for one of the Presidential waivers, new applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Beginning Freshmen must have a minimum Freshmen Index of 2500.
- A transfer student with 1-29 transferable credit hours must meet a minimum Freshmen Index of 2500 and a 3.00 college grade point average.
- A transfer student with 30 or more transferable credit hours must have a 3.00 college grade point average. Because the number of international fee waivers is limited, meeting the minimum criteria for consideration does not guarantee award of the waiver. Additional information regarding application for a non-resident fee waiver may be obtained at http://www.mga.edu/admissions/docs/waivers/Presidential_Waiver_Form.pdf. An international student who violates any aspect of their F-1 visa status will not be considered for a non-resident fee waiver. The University reserves the right to rescind fee waivers for international students with F-1 status violations.
All new international students must report to the International Student Admission official within the first two weeks of class and must provide the office with their passport, I-20, and I-94 records. Photocopies of these documents will be placed in the student's admission file and the originals will be returned to the student.
Additional Information for International Students on Maintaining Their F-1Visa Status
- Students must have a valid (unexpired) passport.
- Attend the school that you are authorized to attend based on your I-20. If you are transferring from another U.S. College or University immediately prior to coming to Middle Georgia State University, complete the MGA F1 Student Transfer Form so that both schools are aware of your intent to transfer and update your SEVIS records accordingly.
- Maintain a full semester load with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the fall and spring semesters. This does not apply to summer semester unless it's the first semester you attend. Students may study under 12 credits if it is their last semester and they require less than 12 credits to graduate. See your International Student Admissions adviser regarding any changes to your schedule.
- Dropping a class is not permitted unless a student still maintains 12 or more credit hours each semester.
- Students cannot audit or withdraw from a class without prior permission from their international student adviser.
- Students can only enroll in one online course each semester.
- Be aware of your program completion date on your I-20. An extension to your I-20 will be permitted only once if you are progressing satisfactorily towards your degree.
- Students are limited to 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when school is in session.
- Avoid unauthorized employment. The Department of Homeland Security restricts international students from working off campus.
- Make normal progress toward completing the course of study.
- Notify the International Student Admissions Adviser if you intend to transfer to another school and complete the MGA F1 Student Transfer Out Form.
- Students must report a change of address, name, or phone number to the International Student Admissions Advisers within 10 days of the change.
- Within 60 days of completing the course of study, you must transfer to another school or leave the United States.
- Students must not leave the United States, even for a short time, without making sure that all travel documents are valid and in their possession, and that the International Student Admissions Adviser signs their I-20.
- Please be advised that failure to comply with USCIS regulations will result in loss of F1 status and will require reinstatement by USCIS.