International Students – Admissions – Calvin University
Your Calvin education will inspire awe, broaden your perspectives, and prepare you to change the world.
Team up with professors on cutting-edge research.
No matter your major, you can take part in the arts at Calvin.
Fearlessly pursue excellence on the field and the court; in the gym and the crowd.
Our vibrant community embraces your curiosity and supports you as you grow into the life that God wants for you.
International students are at the center of our community! Over 14% of our students are international, and many US students grew up abroad, making Calvin a truly international university.
Calvin provides excellent support for international students through various offices on campus, and services available. While there are no full scholarships, significant scholarships and guaranteed aid are available for international students.
The admissions process for international undergraduate students is broken down into four phases. Learn the details of each phase below.
Looking for admissions details for international graduate students? Visit our Graduate admissions page.
You can fill out either the Calvin application or the Common App.
Apply with the Calvin application or Apply with the Common App
Get tips on your application
We know international students have unique questions about admissions. It’s a big decision for you and your family!
Our team hosts weekly webinars on topics like academics, financial aid, student life, and Calvin’s faith community. These live sessions include plenty of time for your questions, and families are welcome to join!
View upcoming webinars or Visit Calvin in person
After you submit the application, check your email for a link to your New Student Portal, where you will upload your materials and find additional instructions.
Financial documents are required by the US government for visa processing, and by Calvin for scholarship purposes. These documents are kept private. Calvin is need blind for admissions purposes.
The high school transcript must be sent by your high school directly to intladm@calvin.edu or to your admissions counselor.
If you have attended university, they must also send an official transcript.
Transcripts sent by the student cannot be accepted; they must come directly from the institution you attended.
Test results are considered in addition to your grades from high school. Information about your country’s grading system will be considered when we assess your transcript. We will usually consult with you and the Educational Advising Center nearest your home if there is a need for clarification.
Calvin University is now test optional, with the exception of the English Proficiency requirements.
These guidelines are for international undergraduate students only. Graduate students should refer to international graduate information.
International/national exam results are required (IGCSE, AS/A-Levels, IB, WASSCE, etc.), if applicable to your school’s curriculum. If you have not yet taken the exam, we can determine an admission decision with your official transcript. The results must still be submitted after you complete the exam.
Results and transcripts submitted by the student cannot be accepted. Your exam results must be sent directly from your school or the testing company to your Calvin admissions counselor. In the case of online exam verification, please send your credentials (i.e. WAEC scratch card) to your admissions counselor.
Calvin grants course credit for high school level exams with qualifying scores through advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and A-level Cambridge exams.
We strongly encourage all students to consult their local EducationUSA advising center as they begin the application process, as they can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid, and immigration issues.
International applicants whose first language is not English should meet one or more of the following English proficiency requirements for regular admission to Calvin University.
See complete information about English Language Proficiency.
You must have a valid passport in order to start the visa application process.
If you do not have a valid passport, we recommend starting the application as soon as possible.
After we receive your application and all supporting materials, we’ll review your file.
F-1 visa processing time varies be country. We strongly recommend applying, submitting materials, and depositing as early as possible to ensure you can get your visa on time.
The Knight Promise is financial aid you can renew for up to five years, based on your academic achievement and initiative.
It includes merit-based scholarships, as well as other awards like the $2000 Out-of-State or International Grant.
You don’t have to go through the list and figure out what you’re eligible for.
Admitted students submit one application and be automatically considered for scholarships you qualify for!
After you get your financial aid award, you’ll need to go through financial verification, which is required by the U.S. government before you can start your visa application.
Our team will guide you through the process. Keep an eye on your emails for next steps and important information.
Once you clear financial verification, pay your enrollment deposit as soon as possible to save your spot! Complete instructions for payments are on your New Student Portal.
Pay your deposit
Tips for paying your deposit:
Our team will send you an email for each step in the immigration process, which will go in this order:
After the immigration questionnaire is received, you will receive your form I-20 and full instructions on applying for an F-1 visa.
We will send the I-20 to you as quickly as possible, but it can take 1–2 weeks after your immigration questionnaire is submitted.
Phone: 1-616-526-6106 | Toll free: 1-800-688-0122 | Fax: 1-616-526-6777 | Email: intladm@calvin.edu
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