International Students

What you need to know

• Are International Transcripts Accepted?

  International credentials from an educational system other than the United States must be evaluated by a foreign credential evaluator who is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation must be “course-by-course with GPA,” and sent directly from the evaluating agency to Barry University. For a list of NACES members, please visit www.naces.org/members.

  Although you may use any NACES member agency, these two agencies provide a specific application designed for Barry students:

  • Josef Silny & Associates | Download Form
  • Spantran Evaluation Company | (Form specific to Barry Applicants)

• How can I Show Language Proficiency if my Degree was not in English?

  Applicants who do not give evidence of being native English speakers, including those applying for transfer from U.S. institutions, or who have not graduated from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must submit test scores from one of the English language proficiency tests accepted by Barry University:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL): paper-based and internet-based test (iBT)
  • International English Language Testing System(IELTS)
  • Duolingo English Test
  • Pearson PTE Academic

  The English proficiency requirement may be waived for applicants with a minimum of 24 college-level academic credits earned from an institution in which English is the basis of instruction and classroom interaction.

• What English Proficiency Tests does Barry accept?

  The below tests and scores are accepted for admission for Barry University graduate school*:

  • TOEFL internet-based:79 or higher
  • TOEFL paper based:550 or higher
  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test:95 or higher
  • PTE Academic Score:53

   

  IMPORTANT: *The minimum acceptable score may be higher for some programs. Scores are only valid for two years.

• Do I Need to Provide my Green Card?

  If you have permanent resident status, a copy of both sides of your Alien Registration Receipt Card ("green card") must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

• I’ve Been Admitted! Now what?

  Your next step is to secure your seat in the incoming class. You will do this by submitting an enrollment deposit through your myBarry portal. You also need to begin submitted the needed financial documents. Once your deposit has been submitted and financial documents received, you will be issued an I-20.

  The I-20A form allows you to apply for your student visa. To obtain the I-20A, you must be admitted and have paid your enrollment deposit. Furthermore, the United States Federal Government requires that international students prove that they have sufficient funds to live and study in the United States. This is not a requirement for admission to Barry University, but is a requirement to receive the I-20A, enter the country, and enroll in the University.

• When do I Receive my I-20 so I Apply for my F-1 student visa?

  Once your deposit has been submitted and financial documents received, you will be issued an I-20. You will need the Form I-20A provided by Barry University to apply for the student visa. Most international students coming to the United States will be required to obtain an F-1 Student Visa. The visa is issued by the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship.

• What do I Need to Submit to Receive my I-20?

  You must submit a financial statement and Financial Verification Form.

• What Types of Financial Statements are Needed?

  Once you have been accepted for admission to Barry University, a financial statement must be submitted to obtain the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20A). There are two types of financial statements:

  1. A bank letter addressed to Barry University stating that you or your sponsor have the funds available to pay the total cost associated with attending Barry University for one year (see sample below). The University determines the required amount.
  2. Government or institution-sponsored international students must submit a government sponsorship letter or a notarized letter of support guaranteeing payment of tuition and fees, books, room and board, medical insurance, and personal expenses for one academic year (two semesters).

  As an international student, you should be familiar with the regulations of your government regarding sending money to the United States and you should make arrangements to have the necessary funds available at the designated times of enrollment. Documentary evidence of a means of financial support must be attached to the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20A) when applying for the student visa at the United States Embassy or Consular Office.

• What should be Included on my Bank Letter?

  You may submit a bank letter addressed to Barry University stating that you or your sponsor have the funds available to pay the total cost associated with attending Barry University for one year (Sample Bank Letter). The letter must be on bank letterhead. Funds must be liquid (for example, checking or savings), not time deposits or stocks. The required amount will be included in your admission letter if you are accepted.  The letter must include:

  • The name of the person/account holder that is supporting the expense for attending Barry University.
  • The name of the student.

   

   

  Documents must be dated no earlier than six months before your first day of class. (For example, if your classes begin on August 27, 2022, your documents must be dated February 27, 2022, or later.) You may submit these documents before an admission decision has been made; this may expedpdite the visa process, but your I-20A cannot be issued until you are admitted.

• What Should be Included on my Government/Institution Letter?

  Government or institution-sponsored international students must submit a government sponsorship letter or a notarized letter of support guaranteeing payment of tuition and fees, books, room and board, medical insurance, and personal expenses for one academic year (two semesters).

• Where Can I Get the Financial Verification Form?

  • Financial Verification Form - Graduate- Must be submitted by international graduate applicants requiring the I-20.

   

  • Financial Verification Form - Doctoral- Must be submitted by international doctoral applicants requiring the I-20.