International Admissions

Required Steps for International Applicants

In addition to meeting admissions requirements, international applicants must take the following steps:

1. Complete the Application

International applicants outside the U.S.

For admission for the fall semester, apply by April 1
For admission for the spring semester, apply by November 1

International applicants currently studying in the U.S.

For admission for the fall semester, apply by May 15
For admission for the spring semester, apply by December 15

2. Meet the Immigration Requirements for an F-1 Visa
Applicants must be cleared by the International Student Advisor before an I-20 will be mailed. International transfer students who are currently attending a school in the United States must also submit a copy of their current I-20 and a copy of their valid F-1 Visa. International students on F-1 Visas are not eligible for admission as a non-degree students.

3. Submit Official Transcript(s)
Provide official transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended. Transcripts may be submitted electronically at admissionsdocs@bowiestate.edu or mailed to the Office of Admissions, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

If the transcript is in a language other than English, the applicant must submit a certified English translation of the transcript. All international applicants must also submit an evaluation of their foreign transcripts showing the U.S. equivalent of any coursework taken outside of the United States. BSU accepts evaluations from the following organizations:

4. Submit Proof of English Proficiency

If the applicant's native language nor language of instruction is not English, they must also provide evidence of English language proficiency by taking one of the following exams:

The Test of English and Foreign Language with a minimum score of 500 (173 for the computer-based test) and (73 or higher for the internet test). The score report must be sent directly from the Education Testing Service to Bowie State.
The International English Language Testing System with a minimum score of a 5.
The Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 105.

Test scores must be submitted by all international students, except the following:

Graduates of high schools within the United States
Students whose native language or language of instruction is English
Students transferring to Bowie State University after at least one year at another English language college or university

5. Submit Financial Documents
Provide documents from one (1) of the following options as sufficient evidence that the applicant will be financially supported throughout his/her studies in the United States.

Personal – Current letter from applicant verifying the amount of applicant’s funds in U.S. dollars and the date the bank account was opened. The letter must be on official bank letterhead and include the signature of an authorized bank representative.
Parent, Spouse, or Sponsor in the United States – A notarized affidavit of support AND a letter from parent, spouse, or sponsor’s bank with the date the account opened and the signature of an authorized bank representative.
Parent, Spouse or Sponsor Outside of the United States – A notarized letter in English indicating the relationship and the amount of money that will be made available in US dollars AND a letter from parent’s, spouse’s or sponsor’s bank indicating the current balance and the date the account opened.
Government, Employer or International Organization – An official letter from the sponsor addressed to Bowie State University and signed by an authorized representative of the agency or organization. The letter must indicate the amount of the award in U.S. dollars and detail the terms of the award.