International Admission Requirements
Thank you for considering Santa Clara University. We understand that applying to school can be overwhelming and traveling abroad for school can be a difficult adjustment. We want to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Santa Clara defines an international applicant as someone who is a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than the United States, and who will be studying in the United States on a temporary visa. If you fall within this category, you should follow the guidelines for an international student.
Santa Clara offers a direct exchange program as another option for students wanting an immersion experience.
Tips for getting started
- Transcripts must be reviewed by an outside evaluation agency. We recommend NACES services for credential evaluation. Provide SCU with the a complete course list and detailed course description.
- It is very important that the name used on your application, test scores, and supplemental materials is identical to the name on your passport. This will eliminate confusion in processing your application.
- Keep all mailing and e-mail addresses current and consistent with the admission office records.
- Documents should not be in notebooks or binders. Make sure supporting materials and test scores are labeled with the same name and address.
- Do your research; all schools are different and have different requirements.
- Download our Application Check List to ensure you have supplied SCU with all the required information.
How to apply
We prefer that you apply to Santa Clara online by completing the Common Application and SCU supplement. Download our application checklist to ensure you have sent all required documents.
To be considered for admission, you must submit the following items:
- A $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- The Common Application and SCU supplement
- Secondary school report (freshman applicants)
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or instructor
- Transcripts from all schools and colleges attended, professionally evaluated
- SAT or ACT test results (for transfer students with 30+ semester or 45+ quarter units, you do not have to submit test results)
- TOEFL test results or accepted equivalent, if your native language is not English. If you are attending an American school, you are not required to take the TOEFL.
Important dates
| November 1 | Freshman Early Action admission deadline |
| January 7 | Freshman Regular Decision admission deadline |
| January 7 | Engineering Transfer Express deadline |
| April 15 |
Regular transfer deadline |
Cost, payment & financial aid
If you are an international student planning to enroll at SCU, you and your family must assume the total cost of a Santa Clara education. Financial aid is not available to undergraduate international students.
Costs: 2009-10 academic year
| Tuition | $36,000 |
| Room and board |
$11,400 |
| Books | $1,638 |
| Transportation | $792 |
| Personal | $2,250 |
FAQ
Does SCU offer a orientation program for international students?
Yes, we offer a mandatory orientation program for all incoming international (F-1) students each quarter. For details about the orientation and to see photos from past orientations, visit International Student Services.
Who should review and evaluate my transcripts?
NACES is the service we suggest. In addition to your transcript review and evaluation, we recommend that you supply SCU with a course-by-course evaluation list and detailed description of the classes.
Does SCU offer an ESL Program?
No, Santa Clara does not offer any ESL programs.
Can I attend a community college in the U.S. and transfer to SCU?
Yes, Santa Clara works with and enrolls students from 19 of the community colleges in California. We suggest you review the lists of required and recommended courses if you are thinking about transferring to Santa Clara from a local community college. These lists are available in our transfer guides.
What are the advantages of attending a community college prior to applying to SCU?
If you wish to enroll in an ESL program, community colleges offer several programs to help you prepare for Santa Clara. There is also a financial benefit, if you are concerned about saving and paying for college.
Can I transfer to SCU after completing an ESL program at a local community college?
Yes; you will have to achieve a letter grade of B or higher to be considered for admission into Santa Clara.
Are there any scholarships or grants I can apply for?
Yes; although SCU does not award financial aid to international students, there are various resources available to help with the cost of education. Below are some sites we recommend.
What are SCU's TOEFL requirements?
International applicants and permanent residents must submit the results of the TOEFL exam if English is not their first language. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 (computer-based), and 550 (paper-based). Applicants whose native language is English do not need to submit TOEFL scores. For complete information on the TOEFL, visit the TOEFL Web site or contact TOEFL via mail or telephone:
TOEFL
CN 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154
U.S.A.
Phone: 1-609-771-7100
Resources
SCU orientations for international students
Orientation dates change every quarter. Visit this site and mark your calendar - this orientation is mandatory.
Adjusting to life at SCU and the U.S.
The adjustment process can be overwhelming. This page addresses topics you may have questions about, even questions you didn't know you had.
Exchange programs
For students interested in a direct exchange program, this site can answer all your questions and help you make the most of your time at SCU.
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