Prospective International Student - Why UTB/TSC
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC), welcomes international students from other countries to our university community. We value the culture, knowledge, and experience they bring which greatly enrich our campus life.
We know that in many cases moving to another country to attend school is very expensive and requires a great deal of personal and family commitment. Therefore, it is important for international students to begin early to comply with all the admission and immigration requirements prior to enrolling in classes.
UTB/TSC offers a wide range of programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor's, and graduate levels. UTB/TSC serves more than 13,000 students at its main campus in Brownsville, Texas. Located in the southern-most point of Texas, the campus boasts a semitropical climate, and is just 20 miles from the popular beaches of South Padre Island and a few steps from the U.S.-Mexico border. UTB/TSC is set amid palm trees and resacas (little lakes) on a 380-acre campus that was originally home to the historic Fort Brown.
At UTB/TSC, we are committed to providing future students with assistance throughout the enrollment process. We are eager to answer questions about admissions, help with testing, programs of study, campus life, registration, financial aid, or any other area important to beginning your college education. To get started, apply early for admission. This will ensure you meet deadlines and avoid late fees.
Contact the International Student and Scholar Services in the Office of Global Engagement for international admission assistance and general inquiries. Below are the application and registration steps for international students:
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
We will need the following from you:
- International Admission Application
- TOEFL Score
- ACT or SAT (requirement effective for Fall 2013 admissions)
- TSI Exam
- Immunization records
- Valid Passport
- Evaluated Transcripts
- Affidavit of Support
- Bank Statement
STEP 1: INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION APPLICATION
There is a convenient and easy way to apply for admission to UTB. You can apply online through UTB/TSC’s online admission application. If you have any questions, you can contact the Office of Global Engagement in the Student Lightner Center 104 at (956) 882-7298.
STEP 2: TOEFL TEST
Submit your TOEFL score. Please visit www.toefl.org for more information on test dates, sites, and registration. UTB CODE FOR TOEFL IS: 6588
You don’t need to provide your TOEFL score if you are coming from the English speaking countries. Please check this list to make sure you are exempt from submitting your TOEFL score.
Minimum required TOEFL test score is 61.
If you score less than 61 (59, 60) your application will be reviewed by the International Student Admissions Committee.
STEP 3: ACT or SAT EXAM(effective for Fall 2013 admissions)
Submit your official ACT or SAT scores. For more information, please click on the following links: SAT, or ACT. SAT UTB CODE: 6825, ACT UTB CODE 4218.
The required scores are:
ACT: 18
SAT: 860
STEP 4: TEXAS STUDENT INITIATIVE
First-time freshmen who are not exempt from the state-required assessment must take one of the state-approved assessment tests, such as COMPASS, THEA, ACCUPLACER or the ASSET Writing Skills Test. For more information about requirements and exemptions, call the Testing Office at (956) 882- 8875, visit Tandy Hall 216, or visit their website. Click here for TSI Exemptions. COMPASS, or THEA, or ACCUPLACER. International students who are overseas, will need to take the TSI examination upon arrival to the U.S. to be able to register for classes.
STEP 5: IMMUNIZATION RECORD
You must provide UTB/TSC with one of the following as proof of the required immunization.
- A certificate from a health care practitioner stating that the student has received the vaccination or booster for bacterial meningitis five (5) years prior to enrolling in the University, and at least ten (10) days before the first day of class. Complete the following Immunization Record for International Students, or
- A certificate from a health care practitioner stating the vaccination for bacterial meningitis would be harmful to the health and well-being of the student; or
- An affidavit signed by the student indicating the vaccination for bacterial meningitis has been declined for reasons of conscience.
For additional information on immunization information, please click here
STEP 6:COPY OF VALID PASSPORT
Send a copy of your passport valid for at least six months at the time of the consulate appointment.
STEP 7:EVALUATED TRANSCRIPTS
A foreign credential evaluation is required for all foreign high school or university transcripts. UTB/TSC recommends the following agencies. We understand that the evaluation may take some time to be processed. We will accept proof of evaluation request while the evaluation is being processed. You will have to turn in the evaluation no later than the first day of classes.
STEP 8:AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Complete and notarize the “Affidavit of Financial Support”. Students with assistantships/scholarships from UTB covering all educational and living expenses are not required to provide an affidavit, only the award letter indicating the amount of the scholarship offered. If the scholarship does not cover all the expenses, you will have to provide an affidavit of support for the remaining amount. If there are no Notary Services available in your country, you can notarize the affidavit upon arrival only if you are the person on the form, and you are financially responsible for your educational and living expenses.
STEP 9:BANK STATEMENT
Submit an original bank statement or an original signed letter on the bank’s letterhead indicating the minimum financial funds available (statement should be not older than 90 days as of the first class day). A bank statement will not be required if you provide an assistantship/scholarship award letter covering the required amounts to pay for your educational and living expenses. If the scholarship does not cover all the expenses, you will have to provide a bank statement for the remaining amount.
Send all the documents to:
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College Office of Global Engagement, Camille Lightner Center 104 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, Texas 78520, attention to: Jessica J. Cantu. (956) 882-8298.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
To view our UTB/TSC Tuition and Fees Table please click here.
|
UNDERGRADUATE |
GRADUATE |
|
In-State
Tuition |
Out-of State
Tuition |
In-State
Tuition |
Out-of State
Tuition |
|
Tuition |
$5,200 |
$13,600 |
4,600 |
10,800 |
|
Books/supplies |
$900 |
$900 |
$900 |
$900 |
|
|
Health Insurance |
$924 |
$924 |
$924 |
$924 |
|
|
Student Housing |
$4,200 |
$4,200 |
$4,200 |
$4,200 |
|
Living Expenses |
$3,200 |
$3,200 |
$3,200 |
$3,200 |
|
TOTALS |
$14,424 |
$22,824 |
13,824 |
20,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
The funds shown in the table above reflect one (1) academic year of expenses (excluding summer sessions). Depending on your classification and your residency status, you will have to show the total amount at the bottom of the table in your bank statement.
State law allows students who are citizens of Mexico and who document financial need to pay the same tuition as residents of the state of Texas (in-state tuition). To be eligible for this waiver, students must complete all admission and registration requirements. You can apply for the Mexican National Tuition Waiver at the Office of Global Engagement Office. For more information call 956.882.8298 or 882.7092.
Note: Students qualifying for tuition waivers continue to be classified as non-resident or foreign for residency purposes.
The following visa holders are eligible to establish a domicile in the United States and have the same privilege as those U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents who qualify for in-state tuition rate in the state of Texas.
The following visa holders are eligible to establish a domicile in the United States and have the same privilege as those U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents who qualify for in-state tuition rate in the state of Texas. Please click on this list to see if you are eligible to establish domicile as Texas resident.
Make sure you qualify for in-state tuition and send the required financial support documents for a full academic year.
ATTEND ORIENTATION
International Students are required to attend two orientations:
- Orientation
Orientation is a two-day immersion into the UTB/TSC life and culture. During this orientation, you will get to explore the campus, meet student leaders, faculty and staff, get first-hand insight from current students and get a glimpse of what’s to come. Attendance is mandatory in order for students to register for classes. Academic Advising and Registration for classes will take place during orientation. Click here to sign-up for Orientation. For more information call the Office of the Dean of Students at (956) 882-5141. If you are arriving late to the U.S. and there is no more on-campus orientation sessions available, please let us know so that we can make proper arrangements, and you can take it online.
- International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is a mandatory program. During this orientation, you will learn about immigration rules and regulations, academic requirements, employment, healthcare, and other related topics.
Spring International Student Orientation – Friday before the 1st day of classes.
Fall International Student Orientation - Friday and Saturday before the 1st day of classes.
This orientation is MANDATORY. If you fail to attend, OGE will not be able to register your student record on SEVIS.
We look forward to receiving your application for admission! Come join us and become an Ocelot!
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Disclaimer: The University of Texas at Brownsville has been authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
The University of Texas at Brownsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificate, associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Texas Southmost College is part of The University of Texas at Brownsville and is currently seeking separate accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. |