Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is proud to have a growing international student body from over 33 foreign countries. Our campus provides a safe, friendly environment for foreign students to experience a new culture, make new friends, and achieve academic goals. We welcome you to our caring community of learning!

The English Language Institute is designed for students planning to enter an American college or university and for professionals and visitors who need improvement in English. When students arrive, they are placed in the appropriate level of instruction according to their abilities. Qualified advanced students may have the opportunity to enroll in regular university classes during fall and spring semesters. Click here to learn more.

GSW is also proud to offer a number of undergraduate  and graduate  degrees. Click here to learn more about our degree programs.

Admission:

As you are probably aware, there are many requirements for foreign students studying in the U.S. Each admission office ELI, Undergraduate, Graduate has its own admission requirements. However, depending on your immigrant or non-immigrant status, you may be required to provide additional documentation. Click here to view our general admission requirements for international students.

• Permanent Residents and Resident Aliens must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident or Resident Alien card to the admissions office.

• All visa types (except F-1 or F-2) must submit a copy of the non-immigrant visa. Each applicant is responsible for knowing the restrictions imposed by his/her visa type. Please be aware that many nonimmigrant classifications prohibit holders from enrolling in an academic program. Failure to complete a necessary change-of-status before enrolling as a GSW student, may result in a violation of the student’s current visa type. Additional documentation may be required based on the student’s current immigration status.

F-1 International Students

There are many requirements and restrictions for students studying on an F-1 visa. Click here to learn more about studying on an F-1 visa.

Click here to view the F-1 Student Orientation PowerPoint.
Need an F-1 Form? Click here.

Need an I-20? All students wishing to obtain or currently in possession of an F-1 Student visa, must submit the following before an I-20 will be issued:

• Foreign Student Financial Statement with accompanying documents.

• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report. (ELI students are excluded from this requirement unless they have taken the TOEFL.)

• NOTE: Please check with your admissions office (ELI, Undergraduate or Graduate) for any additional documents required by that level.

• All F-1 applicants are encouraged to visit our F-1 Student  website.

International Life:

Georgia Southwestern State University offers a variety of opportunities for students to be involved with campus life. We encourage you to visit Campus Life for a schedule of campus activities and a list of campus organizations. Many international students quickly become a member of the International Student Association (ISA).

Click here to learn more about campus life from a few of our current international students.

GSW/Habitat for Humanity International Study Opportunity

You may prepare for your Habitat for Humanity Global Village experience and receive three semester hours of college credit by taking an on-line course through Georgia Southwestern State University. Click here to learn more.

Looking for something particular

Use the Search feature for quick access by key word, use the main navigation menu on the left, or use links to all units on campus listed on the drop down box on the Main page.