International Students

An International application for admission may be submitted by those who are not United States citizens or United States permanent residents. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.  Once an admission decision is rendered, a university committee will evaluate a student for scholarship.  All students must show ability to meet financial costs to travel to the United States, complete their education and return home..

• Affidavit of Support: This form is required for the first year of entry to the university and does not need to be renewed each year. The affidavit of support is designed to provide financial information to Bethel University so that we may better assess your financial needs. No I-20 will be issued until the affidavit of support is received, fully completed and signed by the student and parent.
• I-20 Form:  The I-20 form for obtaining an F-1 student visa will not be issued to an admitted student until the student has submitted their first-time enrollment payment to Bethel University. The first-time enrollment payment is equal to the student's enrollment deposit, housing deposit, medical fee and SEVIS fee. The student's full remaining balance after all Bethel financial assistance has been applied, is due before classes start each semester. All of the deposit minus the SEVIS fee may be refunded after an I-20 has been issued if a student cancels or has their visa denied before they enroll at Bethel.
• Visa Application:  For incoming international students, Bethel will issue the I-20 form and pay the SEVIS fee from the student’s funds. The I-20 and receipt of payment will be emailed to the student. Once those documents have been received, the F-1 student visa application process can begin. Detailed visa application procedures can be found online at www.travel.state.gov. Students must complete an online visa application (DS-160) and make an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate. Students are required to take several pieces of documentation to this interview (valid passport, visa application fee in cash, confirmation sheet of application form DS-160, self-addressed SMART envelope for return of passport, photograph, I-20, I-901 fee receipt and proof of funds). Students must also be prepared to bring evidence of transcripts, degrees, test scores and proof of funds/Affidavit of Support.  Once the visa has been received, a student can enter the United States no sooner than 30 days prior to the start date listed in the I-20.