International Students

Welcome, international applicants!

We are excited that you are considering The King’s University for your international education. We have received international students from all over the world including China, Australia, Netherlands, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Please see the information below and follow the instructions to provide all required documentation.

For additional information on studying in the United States as an F-1 international student, please visit the official website of the Department of Homeland Security below.

STUDY GUIDE TO THE STATES

2024-25 APPLICATION DEADLINE

Fall 2024: May 31, 2024

APPLY NOW

International Students are neither U.S. citizens nor U.S. permanent residents, and have graduated high school or obtained college credit. 

International Student Admission Process

Program Information
  • International students may request an F-1 visa for all on-ground programs, except for programs with a Messianic Jewish Studies concentration. We are currently not issuing I-20’s for undergraduate or graduate programs with a Messianic Jewish Studies concentration.
  • For cohort-based programs (Master of Organizational Leadership and Doctor of Ministry), a student may obtain an I-20 for their week of residency. A student may not pursue a cohort-based program and reside full-time in the US; they are only eligible to obtain a visa for the one-week residencies and then must return to their home country.

 

Step 1: Apply for admission
  1. Submit online application.
  2. Request official transcripts.
    1. If you attended a non-US school, please submit your transcripts for evaluation by a foreign credentialing service. You must have a course-by-course evaluation to transfer credits. If you are submitting undergraduate transcripts for graduate admission, a document-by-document evaluation is sufficient.
  3. Submit proof of English language proficiency through the TOEFL test.
    1. Minimum TOEFL scores for paper-based version: 550
    1. Minimum TOEFL scores for iBT (internet-based testing) version: 79-80
    1. TOEFL school code: 1641
    1. In additional to the TOEFL test, an oral interview may be requested by the Admissions Review Committee.
    1. You may request a waiver with the Office of Admissions if you are from a country where English is the primary language or if you have graduated from an English-speaking school.
  4. For undergraduates, submit standardized test scores. If unavailable, submit supplemental documentation as required by the Office of Admissions.
  5. International students are not eligible to begin in the summer semester; they can only begin in the fall or spring terms.

 

Step 2: Immigration Verification
  1. Submit a copy of your passport.
  2. Apply for an F-1 visa (if needed)
    • Note: USCIS requires students to have enough funding to meet the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses of the program for one full academic year to be issued an I-20.
    • Complete the financial statement form to determine the cost of attendance and submit proof of funds for the first year of your study. You may use your own personal funds, or you may have a financial sponsor. You can also combine different income sources to meet the total needed for proof of funds (i.e, personal funds, sponsor funds, and a scholarship).
      • If you are using your own funds, submit documentation from the bank(s) where your funds are held that includes the following:
        • Be dated and reflect a balance within the previous 6 months
        • Translated in English
        • Show current balance in USD
        • Account holder’s name
        • Date of issue
        • Currency type
        • Must be issued directly from the bank
        • Funds must be in an account that is easily liquidated; investment or retirement accounts are not accepted
      • If you are using a sponsor’s funds, your sponsor must complete the Sponsor Statement form and submit documentation from the bank(s) where the funds are held to demonstrate sufficient funds for the first year of study. The documentation must include the following:
        • Be dated and reflect a balance within the previous 6 months
      • Bank statements, or letter from the bank, must include the following:
        • Be dated within the previous 6 months
        • Translated in English
        • Show current balance in USD
        • Account holder’s name (if using sponsor funds, account must be in sponsor’s name).
        • Date of issue
        • Currency type
        • Directly issued from the bank
        • Funds must be in an account that is easily liquidated; investment or retirement accounts are not accepted.
      • If you are bringing dependents, you must demonstrate additional proof of funds for $6500 for each dependent for undergraduate and graduate programs. For cohort-based programs (Master of Organizational Leadership and Doctor of Ministry), you must demonstrate an additional $500 per dependent.
    • Pay tuition and fees in full for the first semester in the Student Portal through Transact.
    • Once confirmation has been received for the tuition deposit payment, TKU will issue you an I-20.
    • Pay the I-901 fee. Beware of fraudulent I-901 sites. Ensure that the website is the official Department of Homeland Security website.
    • Make an appointment at the nearest US consulate or embassy to apply for your visa.
  3. If you plan to bring dependents, you must fill out the dependents form and include the following:
    • Spouse: submit a copy of your spouse’s passport and your marriage certificate. A translation of the marriage certificate must be provided if it is not in English.
    • Children (must be under 21): submit a copy of each child’s passport and birth certificate. A translation of the birth certificate must be provided if it is not in English.
    • Please note: USCIS requires proof of funds for each dependent you plan on bringing. See financial information section for more information.
  4. If you are on another non-immigrant visa:
    • Certain non-immigrant visa classes permit study at a university. Check this list to see if your visa class permits you to take classes.
    • If you are in the process of a change of status, contact your immigration attorney to see if you are permitted to study.
  5. Documents Note: TKU requires a certified English translation from a certified translator if an original document is not in English. TKU does not offer translation services.
Step 3: Prepare for arrival
  1. Secure housing. TKU does not have on-campus housing available, so all students are responsible for finding their own accommodations.
  2. Secure transportation. Public transportation in the area surrounding TKU is very limited, so it’s important to explore options for how you will get around. You may need to purchase a vehicle to drive while you’re living in the US.
  3. Book your flight to the US. You may arrive in the US up to 30 days before the start date listed on your Form 1-20.
  4. Meet with your advisor to register for classes.
  5. Submit proof of immunization for meningitis if you are under 21.
Step 4: Arriving in the US
  1. When you arrive at border control and customs, make sure you have your I-20 and all other entry documents in your carry-on with you when you arrive in the US. Do not pack them in your suitcase.
  2. If you need someone to pick you up from the airport when you arrive in the US, email international@tku.edu at least two weeks prior to your arrival to schedule transportation.
  3. Schedule an in-person appointment with the international student office/PDSO to check in during the first week of class. Failure to check in with the PDSO within 30 days of the start of your program will cause you to be out of status with your visa requirements. Email international@tku.edu to schedule your appointment.
FAQ
  1. What scholarships are available for international students?
    • International students are eligible for the Blessed Life scholarship.
    • After initial enrollment, students can apply for available scholarships.
    • Students with extensive ministry experience may qualify for a ministry scholarship. Talk with your admissions counselor for more information.
  2. Is housing available?
    • TKU does not have on-campus housing available, so all students are responsible for finding their own accommodations.
  3. Is public transportation available?
    • Public transportation in the area surrounding TKU is very limited, so it’s important to explore options for how you will get around. You may need to purchase a vehicle to drive while you’re living in the US.
  4. Can I work?
    • F-1 students may work part-time on campus but are not authorized to work off campus, unless approved to work by USCIS due to unforeseen economic hardship.
  5. If I have another visa, can I attend classes?
    • Certain non-immigrant visa classes permit study at a university. Check this list to see if your visa class permits you to take classes.
  6. Can I study part-time?
    • F-1 students are required to register for a full-time course load every semester in order to maintain their visa status. Students are only allowed to reduce their course load in extraordinary circumstances or during their final semester.
  7. Can I take online classes?
    • F-1 students are eligible to enroll in one, 3-credit hour online course. All other classes must be taken on-ground and in-person.

All documentation should be sent directly to your admissions counselor.

Transcripts for all undergraduate applicants should be issued to the undergraduate admissions counselor, Bianca Lee, in the original envelope sealed by the issuing institution at:

The King’s University Office of Admissions
ATTN: Bianca Lee
2121 E Southlake Blvd
Southlake, TX 76092

Official eTranscripts only (sent from prior institution):
transcripts@tku.edu

Transcripts for all graduate applicants should be issued to the graduate admissions counselor, Kaci Smith-Lopez, in the original envelope sealed by the issuing institution at:

The King’s University Office of Admissions
ATTN: Kaci Smith-Lopez
2121 E Southlake Blvd
Southlake, TX 76092

Official eTranscripts only (sent from prior institution):
transcripts@tku.edu

If you have any questions regarding the application process or do not meet regular admission criteria, please contact us at info@tku.edu or 817.722.1710, and we will connect you to your admissions counselor.

The King’s University admits students without regard to race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, handicap or disability, age, or veteran status. Applicants are assessed according to academic background, the potential for academic success, moral behavior and character, and alignment with the spirit and mission of The King’s University.

International Students are not U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents. This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students at the Southlake campus location. 

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