Admission Policy

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Admission Policy

International student applicants are evaluated on the quality, content, and level of previous academic work. Graduates from international secondary schools who have completed the equivalent of at least an American high school diploma may apply for admission to SFASU.

Applications may be obtained here or by writing to:

Office of Admissions
Stephen F. Austin State University
P.O. Box 13051 SFA
Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3051

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit results from the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). Provide an official TOEFL score report to SFA from the Educational Testing Service, Box 6153, Princeton, NJ 08541-6153, USA. SFA requires a minimum composite TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test. Alternatives to TOEFL are (1) successful completion of the American English Language Institute (AELI) at level three; or (2) a score of 80-plus on the Michigan English Language Assesment Battery, University of Michigan. Both of the alternatives are provided by SFA.

Applicants who are graduates from international secondary schools and are transferring to SFA must provide certified copies of official documents from each secondary school, college, university, or technical schools attended. An evaluation of each document by a professional credential service, such as the Foreign Credentials Service of America or World Education Service must accompany the application for admission. The cost of this evaluation will be borne by the applicant. International transfer students are considered eligible for admission if they are not currently on suspension from another educational institution and have a grade point average of at least 2.00 (on a 4.0 scale) in transferable courses.

International students must also satisfy all applicable requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (BCIS formerly INS). Students may complete pages 1-3 of the International Student Application, submit a $50 application fee, all transcripts and evaluations, and test scores to determine admission status. A letter to the student will confirm admission to SFA and provide information on the amount of financial guarantee that must be provided in order for SFA to issue the I-20 for an F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange student) visa. Complete the Statement of Financial Support (mailed to the student with the acceptance letter) showing complete financial verification. The student who wishes may provide this information with the initial application using the International Student Application (pages 1-4). An estimated cost for an academic year of 9 months and a 12-hour academic load each semester is $14,500. This amount includes tuition, fees, housing and food, required student insurance, books and supplies. This estimate may be significantly reduced for those qualifying for various scholarship or incentive programs offered by or through SFA. Students with an F-1 visa are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week; they are not eligible to work off campus.

Upon the issuance of the I-20 the student should present the I-20, the letter of admission and financial documents at the nearest U. S. Embassy consulate to apply for the appropriate F-1 or J-1 student visa. All of these documents will be needed upon arrival in the United States when clearing customs/immigration at the border or airport.

Although not a requirement for admission, all international students are subject to all applicable TSI requirements as mandated by the State of Texas.

Students interested in participating in the AELI Program should consult the AELI website for information on topics, schedules, and costs. Information also may be obtained from the Office of International Studies and Programs, PO Box 6152 SFA, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6152.

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