International

Special admission procedures are required of international students. For purposes of admission, an international student is defined as a student who is studying or wishes to study in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa. This definition does not include permanent residents (who can supply a copy of both sides of the resident alien card) or refugees. For additional information please email us at admissions@ric.edu. International applicants who are transferring from another U.S. college or university must notify the registrar of the “sending” institution of their plans to transfer to Rhode Island College.

Required Materials

• Completed application and $50 application fee – international students currently living or studying in the U.S. must also supply a home country address on the application
• Official copies of all academic records with a certified English translation and evaluation.
• English language proficiency test scores.
• TOEFL minimum score of 213 computer based or 550 written.
• Declaration and Certification of Finances Form (see attached) is required before final acceptance. Students must show funds available to cover the cost of one year’s tuition, room and board, fees and books. 2004-2005 total cost: US $18,550

Deadlines

Fall Admission

• Freshman Deadline: May 1
• Transfer Deadline: June 1
• Student seeking on campus housing should have all materials in prior to March 1.

Spring Admission

• Freshman Deadline: November 15
• Transfer Deadline: November 15
• On-campus housing is rarely available for the spring semester.

Financial Guarantee Statement

The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before a formal letter of admission or the forms needed for obtaining a visa will be issued. International students are also required to have health and accident insurance. The cost of university-provided insurance will be added to the student’s fees.

Each applicant relying on personal or family support must furnish, at the time of application, an original financial-guarantee letter - preferably a bank letter - indicating the sponsor’s name and address and verifying the ability to pay the annual cost in education-related expenses for the first academic year. This document must be verified by bank seal. It is crucial for students to submit their financial-guarantee letters with their applications if they wish to receive notification of admission in the most timely manner possible.

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service rarely allows students to work off-campus, and employment opportunities are further limited by legislation that requires holders of student visas to be full-time students (minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students each semester). International students may be eligible for on-campus employment.

Rhode Island College International Student Office

The Rhode Island College International Student Office is a most important official resource for international students who are currently attending or applying to Rhode Island College. The International Student Office will help you find answers to your specific questions about U.S. government forms, the process of entering and leaving the country, employment requests, Practical Training, financial needs, taxes, health, housing, academic and personal problems.

The International Student Office is located in the Faculty Center and the advisor is Dr. Audrey Olmsted.

Where to Have Credentials Evaluated?

Rhode Island College requires all students to have any coursework completed outside the U.S translated and evaluated by an approved agency. This is a very important step in the application process and does require a significant amount of time (generally 4-6 weeks). You must contact the agency directly. In the past, Rhode Island...

Center for Educational Documentation
PO Box 231126
Boston, MA 02123-1126
(617) 338-7171
FAX (617) 338-7101
info@cedevaluations.com
http://www.cedevaluations.com

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
(212) 966-6311
FAX 212-966-6395
Toll Free 800-937-3895
info@wes.org
http://www.wes.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc
PO Box 514070
Milwaukee WI 53203-3470
(414) 289-3400
Fax 414-289-3411
http://www.ece.org

Declaration and Certification of Finances Form

For non-United States citizens and non-Permanent Residents of the United States only

In order for you to enter the United States on a student (F-1) visa, you must obtain a completed Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) form from the college or university you plan to attend. To complete the I-20 form, Rhode Island College must have on file the appropriate documentation required by the U.S. State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). If you are currently in the United States on an F-1 visa, you still must complete a Declaration and Certification of Finances Form.

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