ADMISSIONS: International Students

WELCOME TO TEXAS BAPTIST!

Bienvenido.  Yokoso.  Maligayang pagdating.

Welcome to our international students on behalf of the staff and students at Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary.  We look forward to serving you and making every effort to help you have a great educational experience in your service to the Lord.  If you have any questions, please contact me to help you find the answer.

Brother James Roney, Dean of Students
jroney@tbi.edu

WELCOME TO TEXAS BAPTIST!

Bienvenido.  Yokoso.  Maligayang pagdating.

Welcome to our international students on behalf of the staff and students at Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary.  We look forward to serving you and making every effort to help you have a great educational experience in your service to the Lord.  If you have any questions, please contact me to help you find the answer.

Brother James Roney, Dean of Students
jroney@tbi.edu

You will find information such as:

• How to obtain a form I-20
• Financial Ability
• Maintaining your F student status
• Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee
• Preparing for your arrival to the US
• Guidelines for traveling back home

Applying to Texas Baptist

All the items listed below must be returned to Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary before we can issue your I-20.  We must receive original copies of everything.

• International Student Application submitted online.
• Complete the Background Check – a link will be sent to your email. Make sure to choose International Student Application Form.
• Certification of Financial Responsibility (this will be sent to you as a .pdf once you apply) along with appropriate documents. You must be able to provide financial proof that you will be able to continue at Texas Baptist for one year.
• Official Transcripts of all high school and college credits
• A copy of your passport biographical page

Academic Documents

Submit official transcripts either by email or mail to the address listed below.  All official transcripts must be sent directly from your high school or university.  If you have completed high school or university-level coursework outside the U.S., please have your foreign university transcript evaluated by one of the following approved credential evaluation companies:  SPANTRAN,  INCRED  or  WES

SpanTran has created a custom application for Texas Baptist Institute that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate.  You can access their application here:

High School/Secondary School use:

• Document-by-Document Evaluation (WES)
• Basic Evaluation (INCRED)

University Level Coursework use:

• Course-by-Course Evaluation (WES)
• Course by Course Evaluation (INCRED)

Once all required documentation has been received and your application has been approved, check your mail for hard copies of the I-20 along with your acceptance letter.  Your next steps will be to:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
• Make Visa Interview Appointment
• Prepare for your Visa interview at the Embassy.

After receiving your visa, plan to arrive in the US 10 days prior to the start of the semester, but no more than 30 days prior to the first day of class.  Information regarding travel arrangements will be emailed to you once you have received your I-20.

Once you arrive on campus, report to the DSO.  Bring your Passport, I-94 and F1 Visa.

International Student Insurance

All international students are required to have insurance during their time of study at Texas Baptist.  In addition to providing some assistance with injury, illness, and hospitalization, the policy must also cover:

• Medical Evacuation back to your home country in case of serious injury or illness requiring long-term care.
• Repatriation of Remains to provide coverage for the transportation of your remains back to your home country in the event of death.

ISO International Student Insurance has policies that meet these requirements and are reasonably priced.  Their policies can be found on their website at:  ISO International Student Insurance

You may select your own insurance company if you prefer.  However, the policy you select MUST pay in the US and MUST have the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains clauses.  Coverage documents must be in English.  A copy of your insurance coverage must be provided to Texas Baptist prior to your arrival in the US.  You must carry insurance the entire time that you study at Texas Baptist.  Proof of coverage will be required prior to registering each academic year.

Financial

International Student Deposit:  In order for students to be successful academically at Texas Baptist, they must have a solid financial plan.  All international applicants are required to deposit $3,000 in an escrow account at Texas Baptist after they are notified of their admission.  $1,500 will be used towards the first semester tuition/fees/housing expenses.  The remaining $1,500 will be held in an account for an emergency return flight home, or to be used at the end of your studies for a return flight home.  Student’s visa paperwork will be initiated after the deposit has been paid. 

Financial Responsibility:  If you are accepted to Texas Baptist, you’ll be required to provide proof of financial information (estimated amount of funds required for one year of study and living at Texas Baptist).  Students must provide a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (this will be sent to you as a .pdf once you apply) along with appropriate documents.

Appropriate documents include:

• Original bank statement verifying the amount you indicate.
• A statement from your sponsor (parent or individual) verifying his/her ability to provide you with the funds you indicate, along with an original bank statement.
• If you are receiving support from a church/churches, provide a statement on the church’s letterhead verifying their ability to provide you with the funds indicated.

The total estimated cost for international students will depend upon the program you are accepted to and any dependents you plan to bring with you to the US.  For more information regarding tuition and housing costs use the tuition-calculator and the housing-calculator