international student

International Applicants

With over 100 years of heritage, we welcome you to join Tarleton State University and take part in continuing the legacy. A 123-year-old institution that offers 100+ programs of study, Tarleton is full of opportunities that await you.

Freshmen Admissions Requirements

Please review score requirements, as they will be evaluated to determine your admission decision.

What You Need To Apply

Please submit the following documentation to apply (additional information in separate sections below):

  • Online application
  • A U.S. $50 non-refundable application fee
  • Official domestic high school transcript or official international transcript evaluation
  • Official SAT or ACT test scores (optional)
  • Any other items requested by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions based on application answers
  • Proof of English fluency (scores cannot be more than 2 years old as of the first day of the term you are entering)

Applicant type: International Freshman

Official SAT and ACT test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Tarleton will not accept test scores from the high school. Tarleton’s SAT code is 6817. Tarleton’s ACT code is 4204.

What You Need to Submit After You Are Accepted

  • Affidavit of Financial Support
  • Bank Letter or Statement
  • Copy of Valid Passport
  • Any other document(s) as requested by International Programs – Immigration

SAT & ACT Test Score Requirements (optional)

TestScore Requirement
Old SAT950
New SAT1030
ACT20

Old SAT total consists of Critical Reading (Verbal) + Math only. New SAT total (March 2016 forward) consists of Evidence Based Reading and Writing + Math. The writing component can be submitted but it is not required.

Official SAT and ACT test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Tarleton will not accept test scores from the high school. Tarleton’s SAT code is 6817. Tarleton’s ACT code is 4204.

International Freshman Students from International Institutions

In order to be considered for admission, you must submit the following item:

  • Transcript evaluation (in English) by a NACES or AICE member. Once evaluated, the agency must then forward their evaluation report to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Official translated transcripts must be sent to the evaluation company.

English Proficiency Test Score Requirements

TestScore RequirementAccepted English Testing Services
TOEFL (Essentials)7TOEFL
TOEFL (internet-based)69TOEFL
IELTS6IELTS
PTE50PTE
TOEFL ITP Plus for China460TOEFL
DuoLingo100DuoLingo

Test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to Tarleton by email at [email protected] or by notification from the company for Tarleton to download.

English Proficiency Exemptions

  • A citizen of one of the following countries:
    • American Samoa
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua & Barbuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Canada (except Quebec)
    • Cayman Islands
    • Dominica
    • Ghana
    • Grenada
    • Guyana
    • Ireland
    • Jamaica
    • Liberia
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Saint Kitts & Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Trinidad/Tobago
    • Turks and Caicos
    • United Kingdom
  • 6 hours of college-level English, which must include 3 hours of English composition, taken at a U.S., Canadian (non-Quebec), British, or Australian institution with minimum grades of C or better; the other 3 hours can be a sophomore-level English course that is academic in nature
  • A minimum SAT Critical Reading (Verbal) score of 550 (500 old SAT)
  • A minimum ACT English score of 21
  • Two years of study and graduated (or will graduate) from an accredited U.S. high school
  • Students who have completed all secondary education entirely in English may submit a letter from the school administration verifying the language of instruction is/was English. This request for a waiver of the language requirement will be reviewed by Admissions.

International students should allow at least 60 days for processing of documentation.

Transfer Admissions Requirements

Admission to Tarleton State University will be evaluated based on transfer requirements. In addition, please review the information below for instructions on scores and transcripts from previous institutions.

What You Need To Apply

Please submit the following documentation to apply:

  • Online application
  • A U.S. $50.00 non-refundable application fee
  • An official college transcript from every U.S. institution attended and an official college course-by-course transcript evaluation from every international institution attended
  • Any other items requested by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions based on application answers
  • Proof of English fluency (scores cannot be more than 2 years old as of the first day of the term you are entering)

 Applicant Type: International Transfer

What You Need To Submit After You Are Accepted

  • Affidavit of Financial Support
  • Bank Letter or Statement
  • Copy of Valid Passport
  • Copy of Valid F-1 Visa (not applicable for Canadian or Bermudian transfer students)
  • Transfer your valid SEVIS record to Tarleton State University. We will not accept your SEVIS record if it is out of status.
  • Any other document(s) as requested by International Programs – Immigration

What is Considered Transferable Credit?

Transferable credit is college-level academic credit completed at a regionally accredited institution. Credits considered developmental, remedial, technical, or vocational will not transfer for admission purposes. Students wishing to utilize technical or vocational courses should consult an advisor.

Credit completed at a non-regionally accredited institution may be reviewed for articulation at the student’s request. Credit must be considered academic and the instructor is required to hold a minimum of 18 graduate credits in the course discipline. The student will be required to submit the following information:

  • Documentation from the institution stating the instructor of the course as well as their curriculum vitae/educational background.
  • Contact information of who provided the above documentation.
  • Any additional documentation requested by Transfer Services.

Documentation may be delivered via the following methods:

  • Emailed to [email protected]
  • Mailed to Transfer Services Box T-0030 Stephenville, TX 76402
  • Delivered in person to any campus.

International Transfer Students from International Institutions

In order to be considered for admission, you must submit the following item:

  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation (in English) by a NACES or AICE member. Once evaluated, the agency must then forward their evaluation report to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Official translated transcripts must be sent to the evaluation company.

English Proficiency Test Score Requirements

English Fluency Test Score Requirements

TestScore RequirementAccepted English Testing Services
TOEFL (Essentials)7TOEFL
TOEFL (internet-based)69TOEFL
IELTS6IELTS
PTE50PTE
TOEFL ITP Plus for China460TOEFL
DuoLingo100DuoLingo

Test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to Tarleton by email at [email protected] or by notification from the company for Tarleton to download.

English Proficiency Exemptions

  • A citizen of one of the following countries:
    • American Samoa
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua & Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Canada (except Quebec)
    • Cayman Islands
    • Dominica
    • Ghana
    • Grenada
    • Guyana
    • Ireland
    • Jamaica
    • Liberia
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Saint Kitts & Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Trinidad/Tobago
    • Turks and Caicos
    • United Kingdom
  • 6 hours of college-level English, which must include 3 hours of English composition, taken at a U.S., Canadian (non-Quebec), British, or Australian institution with minimum grades of C or better; the other 3 hours can be a sophomore-level English course that is academic in nature
  • A minimum SAT Critical Reading (Verbal) score of 550 (500 old SAT)
  • A minimum ACT English score of 21
  • Two years of study and graduated (or will graduate) from an accredited U.S. high school
  • Students who have completed all secondary education entirely in English may submit a letter from the school administration verifying the language of instruction is/was English. This request for a waiver of the language requirement will be reviewed by Admissions.

International students should allow at least 60 days for processing of documentation.

International Application Deadlines (All Application Types)

SemesterEnforced Deadline
SpringNovember 1
SummerMarch 15
FallJune 15

Fall and Spring admission are available for Undergraduate International applicants. Because of the more limited availability of face-to-face courses in the summer session, international student applications will generally not be accepted except for those majoring in Medical Laboratory Science (where face-to-face summer course availability is assured). Students other than MLS majors may request approval from their departmental advisor if summer courses are available for the required 12 hours of total enrollment and 9 hours of face-to-face enrollment, as required by Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). It is not recommended that international students begin classes during summer as they will struggle to find course offerings and might struggle academically due to the course demands during shorter terms. Contact [email protected] to discuss the summer admissions approval process.

Document Authentication

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions performs authentication of student admissions materials and required identification. Immigration documentation is reviewed by the Office of International Programs. A primary Restricted Party Screening (RPS) is performed by the Office of International Programs for all foreign nationals seeking enrollment to the university with a secondary screening by University Compliance (UC), as needed. UC will seek guidance from the empowered official (EO) and/or System Research and Security Office (RSO) as needed for resolution of concerns and for decision-making regarding admission approval. Foreign persons will not be enrolled in the university until they have been cleared through the export control screening process.

Transcripts

Domestic (United States and territories) Transcripts

The student is responsible for having official transcripts sent from every domestic institution they have attended.

Official domestic transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed by your high school, college or university.

Tarleton State University
Undergraduate Admissions
Box T-0030
Stephenville, TX 76402

If the institution sends it electronically, send it to [email protected].

International Transcripts

All international transcripts (even if the courses were taught in English) must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE evaluation company. 

  • Please review the company for their specific requirements before your school sends your transcript.
  • Official translated transcripts should be sent from your school to the evaluation company
  • If it is not translated, there could be an additional cost.
  • College transcript evaluations must include a course-by-course evaluation.

International evaluation reimbursement opportunity:

  • Select any NACES or AICE evaluation company to order your evaluation.
  • Register for and attend classes at Tarleton State University through the 12th class day
  • Tarleton will issue a reimbursement, of up to $250 per student
  • Student must submit, by the 12th class day, a copy of their evaluation receipt to [email protected].

Emailing the I-20

The I-20 will be emailed to the email address provided on your application. Contact [email protected] if you would rather have your I-20 mailed to you.

Newly Admitted Students

If you have been recently admitted to Tarleton State University, go to International Next Steps to learn what your next steps are after admission. The International Next Steps page provides important immigration information for newly admitted F-1 students.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

To obtain a Form I-20 for your studies at Tarleton, you must demonstrate that you have the ability to pay for the cost of school plus living expenses for a full academic year. You will be required to submit our Affidavit of Financial Support and a currently dated bank statement or letter to prove that you can fund your studies.

If you will reside with a US sponsor near one of our campuses, please also submit our U.S. Provider’s Living Expenses Affidavit. If approved, this affidavit will substitute for showing evidence of the amount of funding required for the student’s living expenses (i.e., room and board).

Estimated Cost of Attendance for the Fall 2023 Semester:

 Estimated Cost of Attendance Undergraduate
(12 Hours)
Tuition, Fees, and Insurance$21,201
Room & Board$13,332
Other Costs (books, transportation, personal/miscellaneous)$5,064
Total$39,597

 The financial section on the I-20 is an estimated cost of 9 months of study; it is not a reflection of an actual tuition bill. For more information please visit Business Services.


Please submit all financial documents to:

International Programs – Immigration
Box T-0490
Stephenville, TX 76402
[email protected]  

Sponsoring Dependents

If you are planning on sponsoring your spouse and/or children, you must demonstrate that you have additional funds to support their living and personal expenses. Your financial documents must show that you have at least $12,282 per dependent in addition to the estimated cost of attendance listed above.

Additional Information