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 these steps in addition to the steps outlined in the catalog for Degree Seeking Admission.

1. Submit the $50 application fee.

2. International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English 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.

3. 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.

4. In order to be issued an I-20 for the desired entry term, international applicants must be admitted and pay their $3,000 enrollment deposit 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 submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $3,000* which will be applied to the cost of first semester. At this point, the Director of International Student Services will issue an I-20 and provide the student with instructions for obtaining a Visa.

*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 (for one semester or one year) must be nominated by their home institution in order to apply to Belmont 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.