International F-1 students are generally subject to the same admissions procedures as American students. For English language programs, these requirements tend to be minimal. For university studies programs, F-1 students must apply through the offices of international admissions and submit the same documentation as an American (completed and signed application, admissions processing fee, original and translated high school and/or university transcripts, letter from bank showing a university determined amount of money in the bank, generally between $14,000 – 26,000 U.S., letters of reference, etc.). Most universities- but not all- apply the same criteria to international student applications as they would in the case of American students.

Incoming applicants must provide official transcripts or grade reports from all previous institutions abroad and in the United States. Please note that applicants must provide a copy of your high school diploma, Ordinary levels (OI's) certificate, or other evidence of completion of secondary education. All transcripts and records must bear the seal/stamp of the issuing institution (although an unofficial copy can start the process, but an applicant will be only "conditionally admitted" until the official copy is received.
It is also important to provide evaluation of all transcripts and grade reports issued by institutions outside the United States or Canada. This is particular relevant for students who wish to transfer credit to SHU.  Siena Heights University uses the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers. 

Translation of all non-English language transcripts and grade report should be signed by the translator and the name of the company or governmental organization making the translation. The translation should include contact information for the translator including address, phone, and fax number.

TOEFL, IELTS, and MELAB (Michigan Test) test scores are not required for students who will be studying at the Siena Heights University English as a Second Language program, or for students who graduated from schools in countries where the language of instruction is English. Prospective International students applying to the undergraduate and graduate general studies program who have no TOEFL, IELTS,TWE or MELAB score or a lower than acceptable score will be given conditional acceptance and tested for English language proficiency upon arrival to Siena Heights University. International students who place out of the English language proficiency examination may begin their general studies programs immediately. Students who do not pass the proficiency examination will be required to take English language courses at Siena Heights University (for university credit) in preparation for their general studies experience.
TOEFL, TWE, IELTS, and MELAB scores required for unconditional acceptance:

Undergraduate	Graduate
500 TOEFL paper based	550 paper based
63 TOEFL iBT	78 TOEFL iBT
6.0 IELTS Academic module	6.0 IELTS Academic module
70 MELAB	80 MELAB
5 (76 Internet based)	5 (76 Internet based)

In order to be awarded an F-1 international student visa, an international student must first be accepted by Siena Heights University and issued a valid I-20 document from this institution. The student must then pay a SEVIS fee of $100.00 to Homeland Security (the payment may be made on-line, information for making the payment is included with the Siena Heights I-20 and letter of acceptance). Then, with a printed receipt of SEVIS fee payment, the international student must contact a United States Consulate in his or her country to make a visa interview appointment,

There may be an additional fee payable to the United States Consulate for this appointment, consular officials will provide this information by phone. At this point, the international student has:

• A valid I-20 from Siena Heights University
• A letter of acceptance/admission to Siena Heights University
• A receipt for the SEVIS ("Student and Exchange Visitor Information System") fee payment
• A paid appointment receipt for a visa interview with United States consular officials in a United States Consulate abroad
• An original bank statement (the same admissions procedure bank statement on file with Siena Heights University demonstrating financial solvency) showing that the student or student sponsor has the required amount of money on deposit.

The prospective international student then takes all of these documents to the consular interview where consular officials will decide whether or not to grant the student visa. If the visa is granted, the international student typically leaves his/her national passport with consular officials following the interview and come to pick it up with student visa seal affixed that same afternoon. HOWEVER: not all consulates follow the same procedures. Consular officials will provide you with complete information. Note that the consular officials will have all of a prospective student's visa application information available to them in their computers when the candidate arrives for the interview. The Consular officials will notify Siena Heights University admissions officials when the student visa is awarded. Homeland Security will also notify Siena Heights University the moment the international student enters the country.

IMPORTANT!

• - Bring your approved I-20 and your passport with student visa seal with you when you come to the United States. DO NOT leave your I-20 or any portion of your I-20 at home in your country. You will not be allowed to enter the United States without your I-20. If for some reason you lose it, please contact Siena Heights University for a duplicate copy BEFORE YOU COME TO THE UNITED STATES.
• If for some reason you miss your consular appointment, contact Siena Heights University immediately so that we may defer your acceptance in the SEVIS (government student tracking) information system.
• Report to Siena Heights international admissions officials WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF YOUR ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES. Otherwise YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED IN THE SEVIS STUDENT TRACKING SYSTEM. Preferably, report in person to the admissions office. If you have a problem, you may also report by telephone or e-mail.