FAQs

International students are often confused about the difference between universities and colleges in the United State. Some use the terms interchangeably, since both refer to institutions of higher learning where students complete four-year programs leading to an undergraduate degree. Historically, universities have also offered graduate and doctoral degree programs, while colleges have not. However, many colleges have added graduate programs to their academic offerings. We offer several graduate programs in addition to more than 70 majors.

No. International students should follow regular admission procedures for first-year students or transfer students.

If you have finished secondary school and have not attended university, please submit:

• The application for admission
• A high school transcript and/or GSE results (if your transcript is not in English, we also require a certified translation)
• Official ACT or SAT scores
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

If you have attended a university already, please submit:

• The application for admission
• A high school transcript and/or GSE results. If your transcript is not in English, we also require a certified translation.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• A course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators or World Educational Services.

Optional: You may submit syllabi or course descriptions in English for all courses taken at a non-United States institution.

If you have university-level credit from another U.S. institution, you do not need to send those transcripts through WES or ECE. You should send official transcripts and syllabi to transcripts4ec@elmhurst.edu.

For Fall Term: Apply between July 1 and April 15, or until all spaces are filled.

For Spring Term: Apply between July 1 and Dec. 1.

Questions about applying to Elmhurst as an international student? Contact the Office of Admission.

Elmhurst University requires international students to meet English proficiency using one of the following methods:

We highly recommend that you contact our local U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate/Office of Public Affairs for referral to an overseas educational advising center near you, or consult the list available at the web site of the U.S. Department of State’s Education USA website.

If you are transferring from another college or university, please contact an Elmhurst University admission counselor as soon as possible. General information, as well as information specific to international students, can be found on the Elmhurst University Admission website.

Refer to the admission requirements for international students based on application type (First-Year, Transfer, or Graduate) for English proficiency requirement information.

Yes. Ask your secondary school to send either the original or a certified copy of your transcript, as well as your leaving/national exam certificates, directly to Elmhurst University. These should be in their original language, accompanied by a certified English translation, and should bear the school’s official stamp or seal. The secondary school credentials list included in the International Guide for Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions provides a list of the credentials required as part of your application to Elmhurst. If you currently attend a secondary school in the United States, you can send official transcripts to transcripts4ec@elmhurst.edu.

If your country of origin is not listed, or if you have special needs, please contact Kimberly Davis.

If you have attended university already, please submit:

• The application for admission
• A high school transcript and/or GSE results (if your transcript is not in English, we also require a certified translation)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• A course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators or World Educational Services.

Optional: You may submit syllabi or course descriptions in English for all courses taken at a non-United States institution.

If you have university-level credit from another U.S. institution, you do not need to send those transcripts through WES or ECE. You should send official transcripts and syllabi to transcripts4ec@elmhurst.edu.

If your country of origin is not listed, or if you have special needs, please contact Kimberly Davis.

Please submit official certified copies of your transcripts/ leaving exams/certificates/mark sheets. If these records are not in English, also include a certified English translation. If you have questions, please contact Kimberly Davis.

Yes. Although Elmhurst University cannot offer need-based aid to international students, those who are academically well-qualified are eligible for a limited number of merit-based scholarships. For a complete listing of available opportunities and deadlines, visit financial aid.

Yes. While on-campus employment is not guaranteed, international students who maintain F-1 status are eligible to apply for on-campus employment. They are not eligible for work/study positions. For a more detailed explanation of employment opportunities and regulations, visit the employment page.

Yes.

• A $100 non-refundable advanced tuition deposit must be paid before you can register for classes
• A $150 non-refundable housing deposit is required if you plan to live on campus
• A $200 non-refundable graduate tuition deposit is required of graduate students only

You should receive your first bill within a few days after you register for courses. Once ready, bills are viewable using TouchNet Connect on the myElmhurst Portal. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services. International students who do not maintain their account in good standing risk violating their F-1 status. It is your responsibility to see that all charges at the University are paid in a timely manner.

• You can pay via an international wire transfer. Contact Student Financial Services.
• You can pay online on TouchNet with Discover, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
• You can pay in person by cash or check at Student Financial Services.
• You can mail your payment by check or credit card to Student Financial Services.

Most international first-year students live in residence halls on campus. International transfer students can also live in campus housing if they notify the Office of Residence Life in a timely manner, or they can arrange for private housing.

If you indicated on your application that you want to live in campus housing, you will receive information from the Office of Residence Life on how to apply. Housing fills up quickly, so be sure to send your housing deposit and application as soon as possible.

Residence halls open approximately one week before the first day of classes. However, arrangements can be made for earlier and weekend check in. Please contact the Office of International Student Services to make these arrangements.

Campus housing is available one week prior to the international student welcome. Some campus housing remains open during holidays and breaks for international students who need it, but food service is limited at those times.

You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. You should plan to arrive at least a day or two before the international student welcome that is held at the beginning of orientation week so that you can rest from your trip.

Education USA provides helpful information for your preparation to study in the U.S.

Most international flights arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, though Midway International Airport also serves the Chicago area.

Once admitted to Elmhurst University, you will receive detailed information about arrival days and campus transportation arrangements.

Immigration Issues

• ACLU Know Your Rights
• City of Chicago
• City of Elmhurst
• Metra Commuter Railroad
• Chicago Transit Authority

Office of Student Financial Services
Elmhurst University
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296

Goebel Hall, 108
(630) 617-3015 phone
(630) 617-3487 fax
E-mail: sfs@elmhurst.edu