International Student FAQ Sheet
This page is a supplement to the information provided on the rest of our website. Please look through the website for more comprehensive information. If you have questions that are not answered on this page or on our website, please contact the Academic Programs Office at gradbusi@samford.edu.
Do I need to send you my official transcript scores of my university to your graduate office? And what is the address?
A NACES approved course evaluation is required for all applicants who have a degree from a non-U.S. institution. WES (www.wes.org) is the recommended or preferred evaluation agency. A separate copy of the transcript is not required.
Applicants with a degree from a U.S. institution should send official transcripts directly from the college or university. The correct address is:
Graduate Programs
Brock School of Business, Samford University
800 Lakeshore Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35229, USA
What are the GMAT and TOEFL institution codes for the Brock School of Business?
GMAT –
MBA, full time – M7Z-ZR-69
MBA, part time – M7Z-ZR-94
Masters in Accounting – M7Z-ZR-82
GRE – 0393
TOEFL – 1302-02
Does Samford require the GMAT or other test scores for graduate students?
The Brock School of Business does require the GMAT or GRE for admission into graduate programs. The minimum score is GMAT or GRE equivalent* of a 480. Meeting this minimum score does not guarantee admission. In the fall of 2012, the average total GMAT score for admitted international applicants was above 570. The verbal score must be at least the 20th percentile for diret admission. The TOEFL or IELTS is also required for all international students unless they speak English as their native language or have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States. The TOEFL or IELTS score is required to help in determining an applicant’s overall fit for the program. The minimum requirement for direct admission is a TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS score of 7.0.
*GRE equivalent scores are determined using the GRE Comparison Tool for Business Schools provided by ETS.
What if I do not meet the minimum stated requirements for the verbal portion of the GMAT or GRE or for the TOEFL or IELTS?
Students who do not qualify for direct admission may defer admission until they complete courses through the ELLI program. Students in the ELLI program must meet all English proficiency requirements before being admitted to the MBA or MAcc program. See English Proficiency Requirements for details.
How do I attain a student visa?
Once you have been formally accepted to the Brock School of Business at Samford University and your financial documentation has been approved, the International Studies Office will issue your I-20/DS-2019 form. You must take the I-20/DS-2019 along with your Letter of Acceptance, financial 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). SEVIS
For more information regarding attaining a U.S. visa you may also go to 10 Tips on Getting a U.S. Visa
When will I receive my I-20 / DS-2019?
Upon formal acceptance into your program of study and approval of your financial documentation, your I-20/DS-2019 will be created. You will receive your I-20/DS-2019 via FedEx to the mailing address listed on your Application Addendum. Please note that these documents may not be sent to you electronically.
Does the Brock School of Business provide scholarships and/or assistantships to international students?
At this time, the Brock School of Business does not offer scholarships or assistantships to international students.
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. 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 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 documentation provided in your application.
A J-1 visa holder must also provide evidence of having additional funding to support the immediate family member(s).
Can I defer my start term?
You may. However, if you defer, you must notify the Brock Academic Programs Office and the International Studies Office after you have been accepted. 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 Academic Programs Office immediately by email at gradbusi@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.