International Students Admissions

Fisk is authorized under Federal law to enroll non- immigrant students. International students should follow regular admission procedures for new freshmen or transfer students. In addition, international freshmen applicants should submit both secondary school academic records, including all grade reports (transcripts), and leaving/national examination certificates. These records must be in both the original language and certified English translation. Official transcript evaluations can be obtained through Joseph Silny & Associates at www.jsilny.com. The original language records must be official school records, sent directly to Fisk University by the school, and must bear the official stamp or seal of the school. Certified copies, sent by the school and bearing the stamp or seal of the school, are acceptable. Photostatic copies are acceptable providing an official of Fisk University makes those copies from the original. International transfer applicants should submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended or currently attending. The records must be official school reports, sent directly to Fisk University by the school, and must bear the official stamp or seal of the school. Certified copies, sent by the school and bearing the stamp or seal of the school, are acceptable. A syllabus for each course taken may also be required for transfer credit to be awarded.

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English by scoring a minimum of 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer version on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students not able to meet these required TOEFL scores should upgrade their English language proficiency at an English as Second Language (ESL) center, where they must complete the certificate for ESL level 112. Upon admission to the University, international students pay a $300 enrollment deposit (which is applied toward tuition).

In addition, international students need to show evidence adequate financial support and a Declaration of certification of Finances Form must be submitted before a Form 1-20 will be issued. A parent’s, guardian’s or a sponsor’s bank statement is usually required. If the student is to be supported by scholarship funds from his or her country of origin, Fisk will accept official certification of the amount and stipulations of the scholarship, sent directly from the appropriate government official, in lieu of the enrollment deposit. It is only upon satisfaction of this financial requirement that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I- 20 (the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic and Language Students) will be sent to the applicant. The student is then officially admitted to the University. The University requires that international students pay the semester's tuition, room, board, and general fees at the time of registration or submit concrete evidence of support adequate to meet financial obligations to Fisk. Students must provide proof of health insurance in compliance with the International Education Enrichment and Exchange Center (IEEEC).

While international students may qualify for some scholarships based on academic merit, need-based financial aid is not available. Application deadlines for international applicants are March 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term.