Florida International University - Latin American Outreach

International Student Admission Requirements
As one of America's most dynamic and fastest growing universities, FIU has achieved many benchmarks in growth and excellence. Located in Miami, the University serves a culturally and ethnically diverse student population from every state in the nation and over 120 countries.

The University has two campus sites: University Park, in the southwest area of Miami and Biscayne Bay, in the northeast area of Miami. University Park is the largest and oldest of FIU's campuses, located on 400 acres. Biscayne Bay is located on 200 acres of natural mangrove preserve. In addition, FIU has two academic centers in nearby Broward County. The University Tower in downtown Fort Lauderdale offers primarily graduate programs and the FIU Broward Center in Davie, located on the campus of Broward Community College, focuses on undergraduate programs.

Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I)
Students who apply as freshman or transfer with less that 2 years of college work (60 semester hours) must submit scores from the College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I). If you have not already done so, register to take the SAT I. Make sure that, when you register to take the SAT I, you indicate on the form that you would like your scores sent directly to Florida International University. The College Board number for FIU is 5206.

Generally, United States embassies and U.S. Information Services (USIS) offices have information on testing dates and places. You may also write to the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 592-R, Princeton, New Jersey 08541, USA.

Other Resources for International Students

Applications

Application Dates
Due to the additional processing time needed for International Students, plan to submit your application and supporting document as early as possible. We recommend no later than February 1st if you are applying for Summer semester, April 1st if you are applying for Fall semester, and September 1st if you are applying for Spring semester.

If the application and documents are not received by the appropriate time, the application for admissions will have to be considered for the following term.

FIU is part of the State University System of Florida, a metropolitan university providing the rare combination of vast resources, personal attention, and affordability. Our world-renowned faculty are dedicated to educating the individual student. Our facilities and equipment are state of the art.

Academic Records
Official transcripts, diplomas, and/or certificates must be sent directly from each previous institution to the Office of Admissions. Documents in a language other than English must be translated by an official translation agency. Notarized translations are not acceptable.
All credentials and documents submitted to the Office of Admissions become the property of Florida International University. Originals or copies of originals will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution, agency, or person.

Declaration and Certification of Finances
Upon receipt of the application for admission, the Declaration and Certification of Finances will be mailed to the applicant. It must be completed and returned to the Office of Admissions. Students with Internet access can complete the DCF form online. Once completed, it must be printed and mailed in. A Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20A) will be issued once the applicant has been granted admission to the University and the Declaration and Certification of Finances has been approved.
The University is required by immigration authorities to check carefully the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20A. Therefore, it is important that applicants are aware of the cost of attending the University and have the necessary support funds for the period of enrollment. Applicants should refer to the Annual Estimate of Cost Chart.

The total funds available for the student for the first or second academic year, or both, must equal the total estimate of institutional costs and living expenses. All items in the Declaration and Certification of Finances must be accurately answered to avoid unnecessary processing delays. This document along with proof of sufficient funds must be received by the Office of Admissions two months prior to the anticipated entry date.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The TOEFL is given worldwide. There is a fee for the examination. A 500 paper-based or 173 computer-based minimum score is required for admission to all undergraduate programs. All graduate programs require a minimum 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based score for admission. See the University Catalog (Undergraduate / Graduate) for specific details.
The following exceptions apply:

Applicants who completed 4 years of high school in the United States or other English-speaking countries.
Applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution within the United States or other English-speaking countries.