Before you Apply
Are there other international students at Georgia Southern University?
Yes, hundreds of students from around the world apply to study at Georgia Southern each year. Currently, there are students from 85 countries enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Georgia Southern. In addition, students from all 50 U.S. states study at Georgia Southern.
Is there special assistance for international students?
Georgia Southern University greatly supports international students. Many professors, staff, and students at Georgia Southern have international experience and are happy to assist international students. The Center for International Studies hosts many programs throughout the year just for international students.
What majors do you offer?
There are around 120 undergraduate majors and over 40 graduate programs at Georgia Southern University. These majors are offered through eight academic colleges - Business Administration, Education, Graduate Studies, Health and Human Sciences, Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Public Health, and Science and Technology.
How big are the classes?
Georgia Southern University enrolls almost 17,000 students. However, the average undergraduate class size is only around 20 students. Graduate classes are usually even smaller. These small classes allow for individual attention and greater interaction with the professor.
What are the professors like?
Professors at Georgia Southern are know for being friendly and helpful. Georgia Southern professors enjoy teaching and interacting with students. Students are often surprised at how helpful and caring the professors are.
Where is Georgia Southern University?
Georgia Southern is located in the southern part of the United States, in the state of Georgia. This part of the country is known for its warm climate, hospitality and friendly nature. The campus is located in the small town of Statesboro, about an hour’s drive from Savannah and Tybee Island beach, 3-hours from Atlanta, and 2-hours from Florida.
What is the campus like?
Georgia Southern students live and study on a traditional university campus surrounded by
21st century technology. The campus is considered to be one of the most naturally beautiful in the state, spreading over an expansive 675-acre landscape of lawns, lakes, and trees.
Where do students live?
Students may live on-campus in university residence halls or rent a nearby apartment. Many international students live on-campus. Residence halls are affordable, convenient, well-maintained and a great way to make friends. Not all residence halls have kitchens.
How much does it cost?
The cost of attending Georgia Southern is around $28,000 per year. This includes expenses for tuition and fees, housing and food, and other personal expenses. These costs are lower than many other U.S. universities of comparable size and facilities.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes, Georgia Southern offers many scholarships just for international students. In addition, international students are eligible to apply for academic based scholarships. International graduate students may also apply for graduate assistantships.
Does Georgia Southern have sports teams and facilities?
The University has 16 men’s and women’s sports teams competing at the top level of collegiate athletics. Georgia Southern is especially recognized for its national champion American football team. In addition, there are club and intramural sports for all students, along with one of the best student Recreation Activity Centers in the country.
The Application Process
How do I apply for admission?
International students need to submit an application for admission, a $30 application fee, official transcripts, a WES evaluation, and other supporting documents. Please visit http://admissions.georgiasouthern.edu/international.htm, for specific information.
When should I apply for admission?
As the application and student visa process involves many steps, international students should apply as early as possible. We recommend applying one year prior to expected enrollment.
Why do I have to submit documents to WES?
WES, or the World Education Services, is a professional agency that evaluates international academic credentials. As academic systems vary by country, Georgia Southern requires a WES evaluation so that we can make appropriate and fair admission decisions.
Do I have to take the SAT or ACT?
Only international students whose first language is English or who have studied exclusively in English are required to take the SAT or ACT exam. International students whose first langue is not English and who have not studied exclusively in English are not required to take the SAT or ACT.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
International students whose first language is not English or who have not studied exclusively in English must take the TOEFL and have the scores sent to Georgia Southern.
What if I don’t meet the minimum TOEFL score?
International undergraduate students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL score may still be admitted into Georgia Southern but will be required to take English as a Second Language courses at Georgia Southern.
How do I get an I-20 form?
The I-20 form is used to apply for an F-1 student visa and is issued only to accepted international students. In order to apply for the I-20, you will need to complete the SEVIS Data Form and provide financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover at least one-year’s educational and living expenses.
After You Are Accepted
How will I know if I have been accepted?
If accepted, you will receive an e-mail notification. Following this e-mail, an official acceptance letter along with other important documents will be mailed to you.
How do I apply for a student visa?
After being admitted into Georgia Southern and qualifying for the I-20 form, the Center for International Studies will advise you on how best to apply for or transfer F-1 visa status.
When will I register for classes?
Undergraduate students register for classes during campus orientation, with the assistance of an academic advisor. Graduate students receive instructions on how to register for courses prior to arriving at Georgia Southern.
When will I need to pay for tuition and fees?
Tuition and fees are due by the first day of classes. You will be charged tuition and fees only after you have registered for courses.
How do I apply for university housing?
Information on housing and how to apply will be sent to you after being accepted to Georgia Southern.
When should I arrive?
International students must attend international student orientation, generally held a few days prior to the beginning of classes. Specific information with dates will be mailed to you.
Can I change my acceptance to another term?
If you are unable to attend Georgia Southern for the semester you were admitted and wish to attend Georgia Southern the following semester, it is important that you notify us at intladmissions@georgiasouthern.edu so that we can advise you appropriately.
