International application process
We are pleased that you are considering applying to Valparaiso University, consistently top-ranked in the United States' Midwest region by U.S.News and World Report!
Admission
In order to be considered for admission to Valparaiso University, you will need to submit the following items at least four months before the term for which you are applying to the Office of Admission.
- Application — Complete and submit the application for admission in one of the following ways:
- Print and mail the paper application
along with a check for $50, payable to Valparaiso University. - Complete the online Common Application.
- Common Application Supplement — After completing the Common Application, please be sure to also submit Valpo's online Supplement form or print and submit the Common Application Supplement PDF. (120 KB)
- Official Transcripts — Applicants must submit original or certified copies of transcripts from secondary school (high school), college, or university attended. All transcripts must be sent directly from the school to Valpo's Office of Admission in a separate, sealed envelope. If relevant, include a school-leaving certificate.
- SAT or ACT Test Scores — Official test results must arrive directly from the testing agency. Please note Valpo SAT code–1874, ACT code–1256.
- Proof of English Proficiency — All applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency may be met by one of the following exams:
- TOEFL — (550 paper, 213 Computer, 80 Internet)
- SAT — verbal score of 500
- ACT — English score of 24
- IELTS — score of 6.0
- GCE or GCSE English exam — grade of A or B
- IB Higher Level English exam — score of 5–7 or grade A or B.
Students who do not meet minimum English proficiency requirements are encouraged to attend INTERLINK, an intensive English language program which operates on Valpo's campus.
All of the above items must be received before the Admission Committee will act on your application.
International Scholarships
International students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and a strong desire to continue their education at Valparaiso University will be considered for an International Scholarship. International students are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores to be considered for scholarship.
- Scholarships are only offered to students who are admitted to the University.
- Priority is given to those who complete their application before November 1.
- Valparaiso University does not offer full-tuition international scholarships or need-based financial aid to international students.
Affidavit of Financial Support
The University is required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service to determine that you have sufficient financial resources to cover all of your expenses while you are in the United States. Admitted students will not be sent an I-20 without the following information on file:
- A sponsor's original or official bank statement of sufficient funds or official scholarship notification letter from a governmental or private sponsoring agency. Certificates of Eligibility (I-20) will not be issued without the complete and official financial documentation.
- Financial Documentation Form (431 KB)
Costs for 2008–2009
All international students must make their own arrangements for financing their expenses at Valparaiso University before they arrive in the United States. A conservative estimate of expenses, not including travel or vacations, for two semesters is as follows:
| Tuition and Fees * | $26,070 |
| Living Expenses | $7,620 |
| Health Insurance (see below) | $556 |
| Other (books, supplies, personal expenses, etc.) |
$3,000 |
| Total cost of attendance for two semesters * | $37,246 |
* College of Engineering cost of attendance for sophomores, juniors and seniors is $37,946.
Health Insurance
All full-time Valparaiso students are covered automatically for emergency medical treatment up to $500. In addition, Valparaiso University requires that all international students enroll in a special policy (limit of $250,000) in case there are major medical expenses. However, if you can document that you have comparable insurance coverage through your parents or sponsor, then you do not need to enroll in the University health insurance policy plan.
Employment
A limited number of on-campus jobs are available for international students each year, and these jobs are usually for no more than 5 or 6 hours per week. Students should not plan on paying for educational costs in this way.
Questions
Contact Jennifer Smolnicky, Associate Director of Admission and Counselor for International Admission, at Jennifer.Smolnicky@valpo.edu or 888.GO.VALPO (1.219.464.5011 outside the U.S.)
