The following requirements must be met before being fully admitted to a graduate program at Hope International University:
- Academic Standing - US equivalent of a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
- Official university transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. Original documents must be in English. We accept translations from any recognized official translation agency with their seal of authenticity and accuracy. Personal translations will not be accepted. All foreign transcripts must be sent to an agency for evaluation according to the United States grading system. We recommend World Education Services (WES). Fees for transcript evaluation will be paid by the student.
- English Language Proficiency - Students must meet one of the following:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 86 (Internet based test). Hope's school code is 4614 or
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5 overall score band, with 6.0 minimum sub-score.
- The student is from a country or region which as English as its official or educational language.
- The student has successfully completed higher education studies in an English-speaking country or institution.
- Financial Statement - Students must be able to verify that they have the financial ability to support their stay in the U.S. An Affidavit of Financial Support and a current bank statement or official letter from the bank verifying the minimum balance as stated on the Affidavit of Financial Support.
If you can meet these requirements and are interested in applying to Hope International University, please begin the application process by completing the following documents:
- Application for Admission
- Official transcripts that are sent directly from the undergraduate college or university
- TOEFL or IELTS score (see above for minimum requirements)
- SEVIS Application Form
- Affidavit of Financial Support
International students may be eligible for departmental assistance or scholarships. These awards do not cover the entire cost of the program and one must be fully admitted to be considered.
Hope reserves the right to require one full academic year of tuition before issuing an I-20 document. At a minimum, as part of funding verification, an initial deposit of the total first semester's tuition must be paid in full to obtain the I-20. This advance payment will remain on the student account until the student arrives at Hope and will be used towards the first semester of tuition, room, board and fees. If the student is unable to attend Hope due to visa denial or some other reason, the money will be refunded after the arrival date on the I-20 has passed AND the original I-20 has been returned to Hope. In this case, immigration officials will be notified that the student's I-20 has been terminated.
When the student arrives on campus, he or she will be required to pay the remaining balance for the current semester of tuition, room, board, and fees prior to enrollment for classes. Following the required deposits and payments within the first semester, international students are to pay tuition, room, board and fees in full for each subsequent semester in order for registration to be processed.
After you have been accepted to Hope and made your deposit...
You will receive your I-20 (for F-1 students) from Hope
- The Designated School Official (DSO) will issue your SEVIS Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
- We cannot send you an I-20 until you are accepted and make your deposit. Hope International University is required by U.S. Federal law to determine through written application that you, the student, are qualified academically, linguistically, and financially to pursue an academic program at the University. Please allow 3 weeks from the time you have been accepted and made your deposit to receive your I-20.
- Please allow 3 weeks from the time you have been accepted and made your deposit to receive your I-20/DS-2019.
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- Be sure to print your receipt as proof of payment. You will need the receipt to schedule your student visa interview.
Complete the Online Visa Application.
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You must complete the online visa application and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Photo requirements are shown here.
Make an interview appointment with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your area.
- You will need your SEVIS ID number and the receipt for your I-901 fee. Your SEVIS ID number is located on the first page of your SEVIS Form I-20.
- If you are curious as to how long it may take you to make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy, see Visa Wait Times website.
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt.
- Photo (If the photo upload failed in your online Form DS-160).
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
- Additional documentation may be required such as evidence of academic preparation (transcripts, diplomas, degrees, proof of English proficiency), your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the program, and how you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
Contact the International Student Programs Office to let us know the result of your visa interview. If you are arriving in the United States for the first time, please send a request to International Student Programs for airport pick-up service. E-mail your name, date of arrival, and a copy of your flight itinerary to [email protected].
Once you arrive at HIU, contact the International Student Programs office at [email protected] to report your arrival. International students must report their arrival so that their SEVIS record can be activated at the beginning of the semester.
