International applicants must have a bachelor’s degree equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and meet the admissions requirements for acceptance. The following items must be submitted before admission is considered:
- A completed application form and nonrefundable application fee.
- Official or attested university records, including proof of all degrees received, with certified translations and evaluations (see International Evaluations).
- Certification of English proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (written test) or 173 (computer test); TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the Oakwood University Office of Graduate Education. TOEFL information and registration are available online at www.ets.org/toefl.
- Documented Affidavit of Support along with documents of financial resources to support first calendar year, in addition to an international student deposit of $3,000 (USD).
- Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), if required.
- Letters of recommendations or rating forms.
After admission is granted and financial documentation and degree confirmation are received, Oakwood University issues the I-20 Form for obtaining a visa. Only students approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may enroll at Oakwood University. The University issues a letter of acceptance and the I-20 Form, which are to be presented to the U.S. consular officer when applying for a student visa.
International students admitted to graduate study are encouraged to arrive on campus two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. They should contact the international student adviser as soon as they arrive. Graduate Studies must be notified of any change in the entering date after admission has been granted. All international students with student visas are required by current immigration laws to be enrolled in a full course study (a minimum of nine graduate credit hours) for each semester in attendance.
According to current immigration laws, international students with student visas may work on campus if employment is available and provided that the student is enrolled in a full course of study, nine (9) graduate hours for each semester in attendance and is making progress to the completion of a degree. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in sessions and 40 hours per week during university vacation days.
International students should not leave their homeland until they have in their possession:
- An admission letter of acceptance from Oakwood University.
- I-20 Form issued by Oakwood University.
- A valid passport.
- A valid visa to travel to the United States.
- Sufficient funds for the first year at Oakwood University.