International Students

Admission Requirements for International Students

Buena Vista University issues I-20s on a limited basis for international and international transfer students. To be considered for an I-20, applicants must complete all general admission requirements, which include but may not be limited to the following: 

1. A completed online application  Apply Here >

2. Official academic records with English translations from secondary school and any other post-secondary institution you have attended. Records must include date of entry, date of completion, name of certificate/diploma received, dates of examination, and certified copies of supporting documents (marks reports).

3. Proof of English proficiency. See below for more information.

4. A copy of your personal date page of your passport to ensure accuracy in preparing your admission and immigration documents.

5. A completed Financial Statement and Certification form

6. A copy of the student’s financial sponsor’s financial statements for the past six months stating the starting and ending balance for each month. 

All documentation must be original or a certified/attested copy.

It is very important that you forward all of your documentation prior to the deadline in order to receive admission and immigration documents in a timely manner. 

Deadlines

• October 15 for Spring (January) Admission
• June 1 for Fall (August) Admission 

The following are accepted by Buena Vista University as measures of English proficiency for international undergraduate applicants:

1. Obtain a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, iBT paper-based and TOEFL Home edition for unrestricted admission.   TOEFL Essential (8.0) and Home Edition also accepted.  
2. Obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum overall band score (academic track) of 5.0 for unrestricted admission.  IELTS Indicator also accepted.  
3. Obtain a score of 4 or 5 for unrestricted admission of 3 for restricted admission on the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam.
4. Obtain an ACT Assessment English Test minimum score of 20.
5. Obtain an SAT I Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 480.  
6. Obtain an SAT Literature Subject Test minimum score of 460.
7. Obtain an International Baccalaureate (IB) grade of 4, 5, 6, or 7 in English A1 or A2 at the Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
8. Complete 12 or more semester hours of transferable credit with the required grade point average from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. 

Students can apply to transfer to Buena Vista University from any recognized U.S. or foreign post-secondary institution.

• Transfer courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
• A maximum of 60 semester hours of transfer credit will be accepted from a two-year or four-year college. There is no minimum number of credits needed to transfer.
• Students with less than 12 semester hours of acceptable transfer credit will be considered for admission on the basis of their high school records and college work.
• Transfer credit can only be awarded on the basis of detailed course descriptions (syllabi) in English. A Degree Audit, with transfer credit results, will be sent to students as soon as the evaluation is complete.
• All transfer credit from international institutions is brought in on a pass/fail basis.
• Upon receipt of the application for admission, transcripts, and course descriptions, an evaluation will be completed of all work. Academic departments will be consulted on major credit.
• Final credit will not appear on a student’s record until the final, official transcript is received from the issuing institution.
• Please have your U.S. institution complete BVU's International Student Advisor Transfer Report form.