We are pleased that you are considering applying to Valparaiso University, consistently top-ranked in the United States' Midwest region by U.S.News and World Report!

Admission

In order to be considered for admission to Valparaiso University, you will need to submit the following items at least two months before the term for which you are applying to the Office of Admission.

1. Application — Complete and submit the application for admission in one of the following ways:
   
   • Complete Valpo's online application:
     • Freshman application
     • Transfer application
   • Print and mail or fax Valpo's paper application.
   • Complete the online Common Application.
2. Official Transcripts — Applicants must submit original or certified copies of transcripts from secondary school (high school), college, or university attended. All transcripts must be sent directly from the school to Valpo's Office of Admission in a separate, sealed envelope. If relevant, include a school-leaving certificate.
3. SAT or ACT Test Scores — Official test results must arrive directly from the testing agency. Please note Valpo SAT code–1874, ACT code–1256.  SAT or ACT scores are not required for international applicants, but they are encouraged.
4. Proof of English Proficiency — All applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency may be met by one of the following exams:
   • TOEFL — (550 paper, 213 Computer, 80 Internet)
   • SAT — verbal score of 500
   • ACT — English score of 24
   • IELTS — score of 6.0
   • Passing score in the iTEP Exam.
   • GCE or GCSE English exam — grade of A or B
   • IB Higher Level English exam — score of 5–7 or grade A or B
   • Successful completion of INTERLINK
   • Completion of ELS 112

   Students who do not meet minimum English proficiency requirements are encouraged to attend INTERLINK, an intensive English language program which operates on Valpo's campus.

All of the above items must be received before the Admission Committee will act on your application.

Required Documents

Students who have attended a foreign university must submit the following:

1. Official transcripts from each university attended.  Transcripts are only considered official if they are the original documents in a closed, sealed envelope sent from the University, or the Ministry of Education.  If the official transcripts are not in English, a certified English translation of the transcripts is also required. A certified copy of university transcripts can be used for initial admission, but Valparaiso University will need official university transcripts before credit can be awarded or a student can be enrolled in Valparaiso University courses.
2. All foreign university transcripts must be accompanied by a complete course description for every course taken.  A course description is a short synopsis of what was covered in the course as well as the duration of the course. This is required in order for Valparaiso University to award transfer credit from a foreign university.
3. In lieu of providing course descriptions, students have the option to send their official transcripts to an approved international credential agency for an evaluation of their transcripts.

Other caveats:

1. Valparaiso University will only recognize accredited universities (approved from the Ministry of Education) for admission and the potential for transfer credit.
2. A-level exams and other academic course work taken past the 12th year of study can be considered for Valparaiso University credit on a case by case basis. An outside credential service report may be necessary for these exams.

International Scholarships

International students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and a strong desire to continue their education at Valparaiso University will be considered for an International Scholarship. 

• Scholarships are only offered to students who are admitted to the University.
• Valparaiso University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students.

Affidavit of Financial Support

The University is required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service to determine that you have sufficient financial resources to cover all of your expenses while you are in the United States. Admitted students will not be sent an I-20 without the following information on file:

• A sponsor's original or official bank statement of sufficient funds or official scholarship notification letter from a governmental or private sponsoring agency. Certificates of Eligibility (I-20) will not be issued without the complete and official financial documentation.
• Financial Documentation Form (431 KB)

Costs for 2011–2012

All international students must make their own arrangements for financing their expenses at Valparaiso University before they arrive in the United States. A conservative estimate of expenses, not including travel or vacations, for two semesters is available here.

Health Insurance

All full-time Valparaiso students are covered automatically for emergency medical treatment up to $500. In addition, Valparaiso University requires that all international students enroll in a special policy (limit of $250,000) in case there are major medical expenses. However, if you can document that you have comparable insurance coverage through your parents or sponsor, then you do not need to enroll in the University health insurance policy plan.

Employment

A limited number of on-campus jobs are available for international students each year, and these jobs are usually for no more than 5 or 6 hours per week. Students should not plan on paying for educational costs in this way.

Financial Resources

Click here for information about outside scholarships and other financial resources that may available to international students.

Questions

Contact Tim Tesar, Director of International Admission, at Timothy.Tesar@valpo.edu or 888.GO.VALPO (1.219.464.5011 outside the U.S.)