International Students

Georgia Southwestern State University welcomes students from all over the world and currently represents 37 different countries. We look forward to your becoming part of our academic community. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office at 800-338-0082 or graduateadmissions@gsw.edu.

To Apply:

• Submit your application with the $25 non-refundable application fee, current photograph, and immunization record.
• Submit all information needed for the graduate program in which you plan to participate. 
• Submit Official Transcripts:
  • Students currently in the US:
    • Those enrolled or who have completed a degree in a US college need to submit official transcripts from each college or technical school attended. If currently enrolled, send preliminary transcript now and final transcript upon completion of term. If you also attended a college outside of the US, follow instructions below for sending college transcripts from schools outside of the US.
  • Students currently outside of the US:
    • Submit transcripts to an evaluation service and have an original evaluation sent directly to Georgia Southwestern State University. We only accept evaluations from members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., World Education Services, Inc., and SpanTran: The Evaluation Company are three companies from which we often receive evaluations. Students wishing to use SpanTran are encouraged to use the custom GSW - SpanTran application. This application is designed to streamline the process save students $10 - $20, depending on the service requested.
    • Please send official evaluation report to:
      Georgia Southwestern State University
      Office of Admissions
      800 GSW State University Dr.
      Americus, GA 31709
  • Submit official test scores:
    • If you are attending or have graduated from a secondary school and college outside of the US, please submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report or  IELTS scores. The minimum TOEFL requirement for admission to Georgia Southwestern State University is 523 on the written test, 193 on the computer test, and 69 on the internet based test. The minimum IELTS score is a 6.5 for regular admission.

Applications will not be considered until all of the above items and have been received.  All items must be received before the program deadline for which you are applying. When you have been accepted to the Georgia Southwestern, you will be notified by mail or you may check the status of your application.

Once Accepted:

Incoming students must submit the following items before the SEVIS I-20 will be issued to obtain your student VISA. These items can not be dated more the 12 months before the beginning of the semester for which you are admitted. All documents needed for the I-20 can be received by mail or email.

• Submit an Declaration and Certification of Finances provided by GSW. Included, in this document is a Verification of Support and Bank Certification Letter.  For the Bank Certification Letter you may use the included form or a bank letter/statement that includes the same information. A printed copy of the statement is acceptable if it includes a stamp from the bank.
• Students transferring/graduating from another institution within the US must submit an Transfer Clearance From provided by GSW.
• Students transferring their I-20 from a college or high school in the US must also submit copies of their current I-20, passport, visa, and I-94.

International students are required to purchase health/accident insurance from GSW. View Insurance Rates for the detailed rates and additional information about the insurance program or visit.

Upon receiving your acceptance verification and declaration and certification of finances, GSW's Office of Admissions will create and mail your SEVIS I-20, required for your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. International students and scholars need to be aware that you will be responsible for locating your own housing during vacation periods and breaks between academic terms IF you are not living in one of Southwestern's 12-month residence halls. (Residence Halls DO remain open during the break periods)

PLEASE NOTE: International students enrolling at Georgia Southwestern State University for the first time are required to have a Tuberculosis screening testing and to complete the questionnaire within 10 days of arrival to the GSW campus. Positive PPD tests are required to have a follow-up chest X-ray within 2 weeks.