International Student Admissions
Belmont welcomes international students into its undergraduate programs and is authorized to issue F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) documentation for obtaining visas.
International Applicants Seeking Non-immigrant Visas [F-1 student visa]
International students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree from Belmont University should follow the steps outlined in the catalog for Degree Seeking Admission with the following additional requirements:
- International applicants must submit a $50 application fee.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by meeting any one of the following: minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based test (PBT) or 80 internet-based test (iBT); minimum IELTS score of 6.5; minimum SAT Critical Reading score of 530 or ACT English subscore of 23; successful completion of ELS Language Center Level 112.
- All applicants with college level coursework from a foreign institution, must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved foreign credential evaluation organization, such as World Education Services (WES) or Joseph Silny and Associates or an evaluation service currently listed as a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Other evaluation services will not be accepted.
- In order to be issued an I-20 for the desired entry term, international applicants must be admitted by October 1, March 1, or June 1 in order to enroll for the spring, summer, or fall terms respectively.
International students are required to submit the notarized Sponsor Statement indicating the individual responsible for financing the student’s education. (Note: A bank statement is NOT sufficient.) After being offered admission to Belmont, the student must complete the Enrollment Confirmation Form and submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $3,000* payable to Belmont University which will be applied to the first semester charges. Upon receipt of the completed Enrollment Confirmation Form and nonrefundable enrollment deposit, Belmont will issue an I-20. Students requesting to live on campus must complete the housing portion of the Enrollment Confirmation booklet. A $250 housing deposit will be deducted from the tuition deposit. After receipt of the I-20, students should apply for a visa by taking the Belmont University offer of admission letter and I-20 to the nearest American embassy or consulate. Please check with the U.S. Department of State, www.unitedstatesvisas.gov, for specific information about obtaining an appointment for a visa interview and paying the appropriate fees.
*Students who do not enroll as scheduled, due to failure to obtain a visa, may request a $2,900 refund of the tuition deposit, if requested within 30 days after the close of registration.
International Students Seeking Exchange Visitor Visas [J-1 Exchange/Visitor visa]
International students interested in attending Belmont through one of its established exchange programs may be considered for admission by completing the Exchange Application available online at www.belmont.edu/ie. A student must be nominated by his or her home institution in order to participate and be issued a J-1 visa.
International English Competency for Resident Aliens or Permanent Residents
Applicants who are permanent residents or resident aliens may follow the application instructions for domestic students with one exception. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (written), or 80 (internet based), minimum IELTS score of 6.5; minimum SAT Critical Reading score of 530 or ACT English subscore of 23; or through successful completion of ELS Language Centers Level 112.