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International Admission Requirements
The Office of Admissions also serves as the Office of International Students at Baptist University of the Américas.
There are approximately 50 international students representing over 16 countries enrolled at Baptist University of the Américas. The Office of International Students is available to assist international students and their families in matters related to their immigration status, employment, social security, ministry opportunities, and other personal concerns.
APPLICATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Application
International Admission Requirements
International students are highly valued by Baptist University of the Américas, and the multicultural influence they bring to the student body promotes a holistic educational experience for all members of the university community.
BUA has much to offer an international student and welcomes international student applications. International students applying to university must:
- Student Visa: Hold student visas issued by the U.S. government.
- School diploma: Hold a secondary diploma equivalent to the U.S. high school diploma if planning to enroll in the degree program. A high school diploma is not required for the ESL program.
- Application for admission: Complete an application for admission online at "international application" or request a paper application at mranjel@bua.edu. Applicants must submit an Application for Admision and a nonrefundable $25.00 application fee. (This may be paid by check or money order). All required documents and all test scores must be on file no later than the international admission deadlines:
July 15 (for the fall semester)
November 15 (for the spring semester) - Three Personal Recommendation Letters: Recommendation letters must come from individuals who have had personal contact with the applicant. One of the letters must come from a member of the local congregation where the applicant attended
- A Brief Essay: The applicant must write a brief essay describing his/her personal goals and how Baptist University of the Américas would contribute to the accomplishment of those goals. A written testimony of a calling to church-related ministry may also be included in the essay.
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from each high school, college or university attended with English translations attached. Transcripts should be evaluated and be submitted with an evaluation report from a foreign credentials agency such as the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA), 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, Texas 78757-2411, 512-459-8428 info@fcsa.biz or other approved evaluation service.
- TOEFL: Submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report with a minimum score of 500 on paper-based, 61 on internet based and 173 on computer based for full admission into the degree programs. Students with lower scores may receive provisional admission with scores not lower than 400 on the paper-based; 32 on the Internet-based; and 97 on the computer-based TOEFL. Provisionally admitted students will receive full admission if they maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above during their first year at BUA.
- Applicants from English-only speaking countries or a graduate from a high school in the U.S. or in an English-only speaking country will receive a waiver of the TOEFL.
- Test scores must be received directly from a national testing agency.
- Funds: Submit proof of sufficient funds to pay for one year of educational and living expenses. The proof must be provided through the submission of financial documents and bank statements to the Office of Admissions as well as the deposit of the first full year’s expenses into the student’s account. Confirmation of financial resources does not determine acceptance; however, it must be on file before an admission decision can be made and an I-20 can be issued or a transfer of schools can be accomplished. The bank statement must be an original computerized financial record of the account and it must have the signature of the appropriate bank official or the original stamp of the bank.
English as a Second Language – Applicants not meeting the English entrance requirements may be admitted to the university as Second Language Learners and enroll in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. However, they will not be admitted into college-level coursework until having satisfied the TOEFL requirements.
International students may apply directly to the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Application requirements for the ESL program include all requirements for international students described above. However, ESL students are not required to provide official transcripts from the schools previously attended. ESL students who want to enroll in the degree programs must satisfy all the requirements for degree-seeking students.
The university will not issue the form I-20AB Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student – for academic or language studies, until all requirements for full or provisional admission to the University have been satisfied
International Transfer Students. In addition to the requirements previously listed for international students, international transfer students must submit the following:
- Official transcripts: Official transcript (in English) of the school where the student is presently attending and official transcripts (in English) of all work taken at other institutions of higher education
- Copy of the current I-20 AB
- Copy of a valid passport, visa and I-94
- A clearance form from the University will be sent to the International Student Advisor at the last school attended which must be signed and returned to the University indicating that the student was in good standing, maintained student status while attending the school and verify the student’s eligibility to transfer.
After admission to the university, international students must maintain a minimum of 12 (twelve) semester hours each fall and spring semester to remain in good standing. Also, they must maintain a valid Passport and I-94 at all times during their course of study in the U.S. Communication must be maintained between the international student and the International Student Office regarding foreign-travel, employment, curricular practical training, optional practical training, and any other issues pertinent to their status.
Health certificate. A current health certificate from a medical doctor in the country of origin is required.
Health Insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory. Health insurance is required of all international students. Purchase of this health insurance through the university is mandatory unless a waiver has been obtained showing that the student has insurance coverage. A new waiver is required at the beginning of each semester.
Student Orientation
University orientation is required of all first-time college students and must be completed prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment. The purpose of orientation is to equip new students with information that will enable them to be more successful in college-level work.
Applications, transcripts, and documents can be dropped at the Admissions/International Student Office at any time. No appointments are necessary. If you wish to set an appointment for an interview with an academic advisor or to take a campus tour, please call the office at (210) 924-4338 extension 202 or email at mranjel@bua.edu.
The Admissions/International Student Office is located in the Administration building room # A105.
International Student Office
8019 S. Pan Am Expressway
San Antonio, Texas 78224-1397 Telephone: (210) 924-4338 ext. 202
FAX: (210) 924-2701
mranjel@bua.edu
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