Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my I-20 / DS-2019?
Upon formal acceptance into your program of study your I-20/DS-2019 will be created. You will receive such via FedEx to the mailing address listed on your Application Addendum. Please note that these documents may not be sent to you electronically.
How to I attain a student visa?
Once you have been formally admitted to Samford University the International Studies Office will issue your I-20/DS-2019 form. You will then take the form you receive along with your Letter of Acceptance, financial affidavit documents and your valid passport to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. You will then apply for a student visa (F-1 or J-1 depending on your status) so that you may study at Samford University. Prior to your visa appointment you must pay your SEVIS fee (I-901 fee). You may find information regarding such at www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm. For more information regarding attaining a U.S. visa you may also go to “10 Tips on Getting a U.S. Visa”.
Can my family come with me to the U.S. during the course of my study?
Only immediate family members may accompany you to the U.S. during the course of your program. According to the U.S. government an immediate family member is either a child under the age of 21 or a married spouse of the F-1/J-1 visa holder. In order for an immediate family member to accompany you at Samford they will (each) have to apply for an F-2/J-2 visa. They should not enter the country on a tourist visa. Each family member will receive an I-20. In order to attain such from the International Studies Office the F-1 student must provide evidence of having at minimum $3,000 per immediate family member in additional funding to support them. This is done via the Financial Affidavit of Support. A J-1 visa holder must also provide evidence of having additional funding to support the immediate family member(s).
What are the English proficiency requirements at Samford?
All non-native English speakers who have not earned a degree from a U.S. English-speaking institution are required to provide evidence of English proficiency. Samford University only accepts the TOEFL test. Minimum scores are as follows:
Computer Based 213
Paper Based 550
Internet Based 80
Please be aware that graduate requirements may vary depending on the program. Please contact the specific program to verify minimum acceptable scores for that particular graduate program.
Where can I take the TOEFL?
Test centers are located worldwide. To find the nearest location you may go to www.ets.org/toefl
Does Samford require the GMAT or other test scores for graduate students?
This depends on the graduate program which you are applying to. Please contact the individual program for specific requirements.
How do I submit foreign high school/college records?
All high-school transcripts must be translated to English and evaluated prior to being submitted. All submissions must come directly from the evaluation service. There are two services which you may use for evaluation purposes.
WES- You may submit your application online at www.wes.org. You will need to request a detailed course-by-course evaluation.
AACRAO- You may access their site at www.aacrao.org/international/foreignEdCred.cfm
Address for all undergraduate evaluations to be mailed to (from the evaluating agency) is
Samford University
Office of Admissions
ATTN: David Conrad
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama, 35229, USA
All evaluations for entrance into a graduate program should be mailed to that particular graduate program. Please the graduate program for a specific address.
Is medical insurance a requirement for study?
Yes, per University policy, all international students (as well as their dependents coming with them) are required to carry sufficient medical coverage during the entire course of their program. Upon admission to the University you should complete the insurance application and submit to Mrs. Ashley Gassner at 205-726-4341 (fax), jawells@samford.edu or mail to:
Samford University
International Studies Office
ATTN: Mrs. Ashley Gassner
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama, 35229, U.S.A.
Insurance will be ordered for you with the cost being placed on your student account. Please arrive to the University financially prepared to bear this cost.
Can I defer my start term?
You may, however, you must notify the International Studies Office should you do such after you have been admitted. Your I-20/DS-2019 will need to be updated with a new program start date.
What should I do if I decide not to attend Samford following acceptance?
You must notify the International Studies Office immediately by email at jawells@samford.edu. You must then return the issued I-20/DS-2019 to our office. You may not use such for entrance into the U.S. to study at a University other than Samford University.
