SMU Welcomes International Students!
International students find SMU offers an outstanding faculty and challenging academic programs which help prepare them for life and leadership in a global society. SMU offers small classes, personal attention, and a wide variety of support resources, many tailored especially for international students. It’s no wonder that students from 90 countries around the world call SMU home!
Opportunities for Involvement
SMU’s International Center provides a wide range of services to help international students transition to the University and find opportunities for involvement and community. The center sponsors various events that celebrate the myriad cultures and contributions of the SMU International population. It also offers matches with international student mentors who help new arrivals navigate their lives here. In addition, the International Center provides information on and help with exploring Alternative Breaks - opportunities for service and involvement during school holidays.
Services Provided
The International Student and Scholar Services Staff provides immigration help to students, scholars and professors on F or J visas. Our office staff coordinates pre-arrival information, current compliance issues and data management. It also sponsors immigration presentations designed to walk students through important paperwork and processes. We are committed to enhancing the experiences of our international community by continuing to provide superior customer service and by reporting to the U.S. Federal Government.
International Transfer Admissions
International transfer students apply to SMU using the same application as domestic transfer students. The transfer application and other information about transferring are available from the SMU Admission Office. Part of the application includes a sealed, official transcript from the transferring institution.
Foreign Transcript Evaluations
International transfer students who have completed coursework at foreign institutions must also provide a professional evaluation of their transcripts to the University Registrar. This evaluation of the foreign transcript must include:
- An English translation (if it is not in English)
- Confirmation that the institution is recognized by the ministry of education in the home country and is generally considered to offer at least the equivalent of U.S. higher education credit
- An explanation of the credits
- An explanation of the grading system
- An explanation of course levels
- Course-by-course descriptions and evaluations
- Syllabi
Transfer applicants are responsible for procuring this evaluation, and assuming financial responsibility for it. Students should request one transcript be sent directly to the Evaluation Service of their choice. Keep in mind that SMU requires an official transcript for its records, as well.
SMU accepts evaluations primarily from these institutions of proven reliability:
International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.
E-mail: staff@iacei.org
http://www.iacei.net
Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
E-mail: info@jsilny.com
http://www.jsilny.com
World Education Services, Inc.
E-mail: info@wes.org
http://www.wes.org/
Other Documentation
A new I-20 document is also required prior to the start of classes. After paying the SMU tuition deposit, please contact the International Center for instructions on obtaining the I-20.
Apply Now!
Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.