International Students

As an international student, you can complete the free Alma College application or apply through the Common Application.

After applying, you’ll need to take a couple of additional steps:

• If you will be a first-year student, official secondary school transcripts in English should be sent to admissions@alma.edu directly from your school.
• If you’re a transfer student, official transcripts, in English, of all college coursework must also be sent directly to admissions@alma.edu from the institutions attended.
• Complete the International Student Declaration of Finance Form. All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide evidence of sufficient finances to support their U.S. education. Sources of funding may be from parents, guardians or a sponsor.
• Meet English language proficiency requirements (see below).
• Provide a valid passport copy (photo & F-1 visa pages only).

Once accepted to Alma, students must download and complete the I-20 Transfer Form if already studying in the U.S.

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Overseas Course Credentials

For applicants seeking possible transfer credit for coursework taken at other universities, class syllabi for each course must be obtained and sent to Alma College. These will be evaluated to determine if transfer credit may be offered.

Alma College can evaluate most overseas course credentials. However, an independent course credential evaluation may be needed in some unique cases. The College will notify applicants if a professional evaluation is required.

As an international student, you’ll need to provide official test score reports to demonstrate your language proficiency. These can be emailed to admissions@alma.edu. Alma accepts the following:

• TOEFL iBT score of 79 (school code: 1010)
• TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5
• IELTS score of 6.5
• ACT score of 18 (school code 1958)
• ELS Language Center Level 112
• Grade of C or higher in English Composition from an accredited U.S. college/university
• An SAT Reading score of 510 or an ACT English score of 20
• Michigan English Test (MET) score of 57
• Examination for the Certification of Competency in English (ECCE) score of B2
• Examination for the Certification of Proficiency in English (ECPE) score of C2
• Duolingo English Test score of 105
• Successfully earned a high school diploma at an international high school where the only language of instruction is English

Applicants deemed to be academically admissible who do not meet Alma College’s English proficiency requirements may be eligible for conditional admission. This offer would be changed to regular admission once the English proficiency requirement is met.

Once accepted to Alma College, a Form I-20 (for an F1 Student Visa) or DS 2019 (for a J1 Student Visa) will be emailed directly to you along with your official acceptance letter.

You must schedule an appointment in your home country’s U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate Office to obtain your student visa. Be sure to pay your I-901 SEVIS fee and carefully review the visa application processes within your home country before your appointment at the U.S. Embassy. We also recommend that you pay your $300 commitment deposit early!

Per the Department of Homeland Security, the I-901 SEVIS fee for F and M international students is $350. The full I-901 SEVIS fee for J exchange visitors — excluding those in the au pair, camp counselor and summer work or travel program participant categories — is $220.

Alma College offers generous financial assistance for international students. Merit scholarship and need-based aid decisions are made at the time of admission — no need for a separate application!

International Merit Scholarships

Consideration for academic scholarships, which range up to $32,000 per year (Fall 2023 and later), is based on documentation provided as part of the application process. Grade point averages are converted to a U.S. 4.0 scale.

• <3.00 GPA: $25,000/year
• 3.0 – 3.24 GPA: $26,000/year
• 3.25 – 3.49 GPA: $28,000/year
• 3.50 – 3.74 GPA: $30,000/year
• 3.75 – 3.99 GPA: $31,000/year
• 4.00 + GPA: $32,000/year

Other Available Scholarships and Opportunities

• Legacy Scholarship ($1,500): If your parent, grandparent or sibling graduated from Alma College, you automatically qualify for this renewable scholarship.
• Performance and Fine Arts Scholarship ($1,500): Awarded annually to students accomplished in art, dance, music or theatre, regardless of intended major or minor. Audition or portfolio required.
• Scottish Hospitality Scholarship ($2,000): We understand that getting to campus for an in-person visit may be challenging, so we offer virtual options for international students. To schedule a virtual visit, please reach out to admissions@alma.edu. Just by visiting virtually, you’ll earn a $2,000 scholarship!

Alma College’s costs are determined annually by the Alma College Board of Trustees. Find the latest information on tuition and fees.

In addition, there are some other expenses that international students should budget for, including airfare, F-1/J-1 visa and SEVIS I-901 fees. Alma College student health insurance is also required.