International Student

Admission Guide
Office of Admissions
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
www.fgcu.edu
admissions@fgcu.edu
Toll free (888) 889-1095

Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-
4501) to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's and Doctorate degrees.

Revised 07-16-14
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academic Calendar Page 5 & 6

Admission Information Page 3

Credits Page 6

Steps for the International Student Page 4

Estimated Expenses for Financial Support Page 8

Financial Statement Page 6

Financial Support Statement from Sponsor Page 10

Financial Support Verification Letter from Bank Page 9

Housing and Transportation Page 7

International Student Deadlines Page 5

Medical Insurance Page 7

Scholarships and Financial Aid Page 6

Transfer of Academic Credit Page 5

Transfer Students Page 6

Visa Clearance Form Information Page 7

Visa Clearance Form Page 11

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Dear Prospective International Student,

We are pleased to learn of your interest in becoming an international student at Florida Gulf Coast University
(FGCU). FGCU first opened its doors for classes on August 25, 1997 with approximately 2,500 students.
Our student body has grown to exceed 12,000 students today. FGCU is authorized under Federal law to
enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Currently, we have students representing 76 countries from around the
world! We look forward to you becoming a member of our exciting community here at Florida Gulf Coast
University.

Sincerely,

Marc Laviolette
Director of Admissions
Florida Gulf Coast University

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
The term international student refers to any student who is not a permanent resident or naturalized
citizen of the United States.

The admissions process begins with the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions provides
prospective international students with University information and applications. This office also determines
admissibility and issues the I-20 form used to apply for the F-1 student visa.

FGCU international student admissibility is based on:

1. Academic admissibility
2. Financial support
3. Visa and US immigration requirements

If you currently have a visa other than an F-1 visa, you should consult the Office of Admissions to discuss
your immigration status. Each visa category has restrictions on whether or not the visa holder can enroll at
the University. Prospective students who have visas, passports or other immigration documents that have
expired may need to seek the services of an immigration attorney. Florida Gulf Coast University does not
provide legal advice on immigration matters. Prospective students who are determined to be “Out Of
Status” with immigration cannot be admitted to the University.

After your admission is secured at FGCU, the International Services office can assist you with providing
support services specifically designed for international students. These services include orientation to the
University, orientation for living and studying in the US, assistance with cross-cultural adjustment and
transition issues, information and assistance with US Immigration documents and regulations as well as
campus employment and various other services.

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 Steps for International Student Enrollment
For admission to FGCU, you will need to:
1. Apply for admission
2. Submit your $30.00 application fee
3. Submit your academic transcripts (have your transcripts evaluated course by course)
** Information on approved transcript evaluation services is listed below
4. Submit admission test scores (either the ACT or SAT for undergraduate; GMAT, GRE or MAT
for graduate). The writing portion of the ACT & SAT are required.
5. Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL exam: 213 computer based, 550 paper based or 79
internet based minimum or IELTS exam: 6.5 minimum)
6. Submit a financial support statement. For specific guidelines, please refer to:
http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/financialforms.html
7. If you are transferring from a US institution or progressing from an undergraduate to a graduate
program within the US, you must provide a visa clearance form authorized by the appropriate
officials at your current institution. For more information, please refer to:
http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/visa.html
8. Other immigration documents you currently have, such as a copy of passport, visa, /I-94 form,
current I-20, etc.

Important notes:
Once you have been academically admitted and fulfilled the immigration requirements, you will be mailed an I-20 form
from the FGCU Office of Admissions. You will need to take this document to a US Embassy or Consulate to apply for
the F-1 student visa. In your acceptance packet, you will receive information regarding the mandatory University
orientation dates along with health insurance and immunization requirements for international students.

Additional information:
To register for classes at FGCU, you will need to:
9. Provide appropriate immunization information to Health Services 239-590-7966
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/HealthServices/immunizations.html
Additionally, you must provide appropriate insurance information that meets the State of Florida
requirements.
10. Apply for housing if you wish to live on-campus. For more housing information, refer to:
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Housing/

 For academic testing information, refer to http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Testing/

 For scholarship information, refer to

http://www.fgcu.edu/AS/FinancialAid/Undergraduate/scholarships.html

** For international student transcript evaluations, we suggest you contact one of the
international agencies located on the following website: http://www.naces.org/

 A course by course evaluation is required for any college courses taken and is recommended
for high school equivalency unless a GPA is included in the evaluation. If so, then a
document by document evaluation will suffice.

Request that the agency send the results directly by mail to our Admissions Office as an official
document. Should you require any additional information, please contact the Admissions
Office at our toll free number (888) 889-1095 or e-mail admissions@fgcu.edu

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 Completed applications and ALL materials must be received by
the following deadlines

If you are outside the United States:

Deadline for Fall Semester (Begins August) May 1
Deadline for Spring Semester (Begins January) September 15
Summer By special permission only

If you are currently in the United States attending an institution:

Deadline for Fall Semester (Begins August) June 1
Deadline for Spring Semester (Begins January) October 15
Summer By special permission only

Education in the United States

Students who enter a university in the US must complete 12 years (or the equivalent) of preparatory
education. International students applying to FGCU as a first-time-in-college freshman must have
the equivalent of a US High School Diploma.

Bachelor’s Degree
The first university degree awarded is a bachelor's degree, which normally requires four years of study (more
for some programs). This degree includes required general education courses as well as specialization
courses in the chosen field of study.

Master’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required of all students who desire to enter a master’s degree program. The master’s
degree generally requires two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree, depending on the number of
courses a student completes each academic term.

Level of Placement and Transfer of Academic Credits

FGCU does not evaluate foreign credentials or transcripts. Your transcripts and credentials must be evaluated
by one of the aforementioned international transcript evaluators. All foreign transcripts should be evaluated
for equivalency purposes. University-level coursework taken abroad may be transferable if earned at a
recognized institution depending on academic equivalency. International students who have completed
university level coursework and are interested in transferring academic credit to Florida Gulf Coast
University should submit an original evaluation of courses taken and an English translation of course syllabi
for which credit is desired. Undergraduate students are placed at the appropriate level for their educational
background. However, academic departments have the option of denying credit for any coursework not
applicable to that department. The University recommends choosing the course by course evaluation, with
grades or marks and credit hours equated to the system in the US First Time in College or Lower Level
Transfer students may choose the document by document evaluation for their high school courses if they
wish; however, if the evaluation agency does not provide a GPA, the student must meet the minimum
SAT (1450) or ACT (21) requirement. Transcripts and test scores received and opened by the university
may not be transferred to a third party or the applicant.

Academic Calendar
Florida Gulf Coast University operates on a semester calendar. Fall semester begins in late August and ends
in mid December. Spring semester begins in early January and ends in late April or early May. There are
three summer sessions; two that begin in May and one that begins in June. Summer sessions condense an
intensive level of academic study into a short time period. To view the academic calendar and catalog on
line, refer to http://gulfline.fgcu.edu/.

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FGCU strongly advises that international students who are enrolling as first-time-in-college students, or
freshmen, begin enrollment in either the Fall or Spring semester. Beginning during Fall or Spring offers a
better opportunity to become familiar with the University, the pace of academic study, and the ability to
maintain the appropriate course sequence required for the degree. Some programs admit students during
specified terms only. Summer enrollment exceptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis as determined
by the Office of Admissions. Degree program requirements, immigration regulations and other factors may
determine a student’s enrollment term.

Credits
Students may enroll for a particular number of semester hours or credits. Most courses earn three or four
credits. A course that earns three credits means that a student will generally attend that class for three hours
each week. All international students are required to be enrolled full time (12 hours or more for
undergraduate students and 9 hours or more for graduate students) during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Students must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours for most baccalaureate degrees. Graduate degrees vary
in the number of hours required according to the individual program.
Financial Responsibility
For I-20 purposes, international students are required by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service to
show adequate proof of their ability to financially support themselves (and any dependents) for the duration
of their studies in the US. International students are generally not permitted to be employed (except for
restricted on-campus work) while studying in the US, and therefore need to ensure full financial support for
their education. All applicants must submit proof of financial resources in US currency equivalent to the cost
of attending Florida Gulf Coast University for one academic year (refer to the Estimated Expenses
information). The Financial Statement Form must be completed and signed by an official of your financial
institution (such as a bank) where your funds are deposited, or by a sponsor who will be legally responsible
for your financial support. The Financial Statement form must be submitted in its original form. No
photocopies will be accepted. This document should be dated no more than six months prior to the
intended date of enrollment.

Scholarships and Financial Support

International students are not eligible for any State of Florida or US Federal Financial Aid programs.
However, international students may apply for other scholarships through the FGCU Financial Aid and
Scholarships Office. For more information on FGCU scholarships, please visit the financial aid website:
http://www.fgcu.edu/AS/FinancialAid/Undergraduate/scholarships.html or contact the office at (239)
590-7920 or by email at FASO@fgcu.edu, International Students from certain countries may apply for partial
tuition exemptions through Florida’s State University Systems’ Linkage program. Information on these
tuition waivers is available from the FGCU International Services office. For more information on these
waivers, please visit www.fgcu.edu/international or contact the office at (239)-590-7925 or by email at
internationalservices@fgcu.edu.International students may also want to seek scholarships and other forms
of financial support from their home country governments, employers, family, and/or foundations associated
with the student’s selected field of study.

Transfer Students
You are considered to be a “transfer student” if:
1. You are currently enrolled in another US higher education academic institution
2. You are moving from undergraduate to graduate level at FGCU
3. You are seeking a second degree at FGCU

To transfer to FGCU, you should have been pursuing a full course of study (12 undergraduate hours or 9
graduate hours) in your former program or be on authorized practical training. Otherwise, you are “Out Of
Status” and must apply to the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for reinstatement to
F-1status which, if granted, will allow you to request enrollment at FGCU as F-1 status.

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Visa Clearance Form
You will need a Visa Clearance Form verifying your visa status if you are a transfer student currently
attending a US high school, college or university. This form must be signed by the Designated School
Official (DSO) at your current institution and be sent in a sealed envelope to the Admissions Office at
FGCU. To download the Visa Clearance Form, please go to
http://www.fgcu.edu/Admissions/Prospective/visa.html

Medical Insurance
International students are required to carry a personal medical insurance program that meets the requirements
of the State of Florida. Proof of medical insurance is not needed for admission purposes, but must be
provided to the University prior to registration for classes. Information on an approved medical
insurance program can be obtained from the International Services office. Students who currently have a
medical insurance policy must demonstrate to FGCU that the policy meets the requirements of the State of
Florida.

Housing and Transportation

International students are encouraged to consider living on-campus. Living on-campus promotes the
student's involvement in both the academic and social communities of the University. For more information
on living on campus, please visit Housing and Residence Life at www.fgcu.edu/housing/, or contact the
office at (239) 590-1700 or by email at housing@fgcu.edu. International students may also arrange their
own accommodations in area apartments, with relatives or with a US. sponsor. A sponsor who hosts an
international student should sign the Financial Statement Form to verify that they are providing the room
and board as a form of financial support to the student.

Students living off-campus will need to provide their own transportation to the FGCU campus. Public
transportation is available. International students who plan to drive their own automobiles are responsible
for meeting all driver's license, registration, and insurance requirements for the State of Florida.

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 Estimated Expenses for International Students
2014-2015
A certificate of eligibility (I-20) will not be issued until proof of sufficient funds is verified by the
student’s financial institution and/or sponsor.

Note: It is estimated that expenses will increase by 10% each year.

Estimated Expenses for Undergraduate Undergraduate Graduate

2014-2015 living with parent or self- supporting
local sponsor
Medical Insurance 1,331 1,331 1,331
Books and Supplies 1,200 1,200 1,200
Tuition and Fees 20,370 20,370 23,592
Personal Expenses 1,700 1,700 1,700
Transportation 1,700 1,700 1,700
Housing Student 4,712 9,424 9,424
and meals contribution
(Room and SUBTOTAL 31,013
Board) Sponsor* 4,712*

TOTAL (US dollars) $35,725 $35,725** $38,947**

*Submit Sponsor’s Financial Support Statement indicating a maximum of US $4,712 of support by

providing housing and meals. Note: the person sponsoring you must be from our local area, not
abroad.

**International students are required to maintain a full academic course load each semester
(minimum of 12 undergraduate hours or 9 graduate hours.) Estimated expenses are based on the
yearly required course loads.

Additional funds are required for any dependents who accompany you. For a nine (9) month period,
the US requires $6,000 for each dependent. For a twelve (12) month period, the US requires $9,000 for
each dependent.

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 Financial Support Verification Letter from Bank
INSTRUCTIONS:
Please refer to the Estimated Expenses for International Students form for exact costs based on
graduate, undergraduate and sponsor factors. ALL figures MUST be in US (dollars). Foreign currency
figures ARE NOT acceptable. The Financial Support Verification Letter can be submitted instead of
the Financial Support Statement. It must be an original document on a bank or financial firm’s
letterhead. This document should be dated no more than six months prior to the intended date of
enrollment.

The Financial Support Verification Letter must include the following (please use this as a guide):

Date (day/ month/year)

Re: Sponsoring (name of student to attend Florida Gulf Coast University)

To : International Admissions
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

I / We certify that (Name of account holder) currently has a minimum of US $ (total amount of
funds required for you to attend the university for one year) in an account with our firm, to be applied to
educational expenses for (Name of student) to attend Florida Gulf Coast University beginning (date or
term you intend to enroll).

Sincerely,

(Signature of bank/Financial Officer)

(Print Name of Bank/Financial Officer)
(Address and Telephone number)

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 Financial Support Statement from Sponsor

INSTRUCTIONS:
Please refer to the Estimated Expenses for International Students form for exact costs based on graduate,
undergraduate, and sponsor factors. Be certain to enter the correct amount in the spaces provided. All figures
MUST be in US currency( dollars). Foreign currency figures ARE NOT acceptable. This document should be
dated no more than six months prior to the intended date of enrollment, and should include a copy of a bank
statement to verify funds.

The Financial Support Verification Letter must include the information in the form below.

____________________________________________
Date(day/month/year

Re: Sponsoring _______________________________

Name of student

To: International Admissions

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

I / We will financially support ___________________________ for the minimum amount of

Name of student

US $ __________________ to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, beginning

______________________________.
Term Beginning Classes

Sincerely,

_________________________________ __________________________________
Signature of Sponsor Printed name of Sponsor

_________________________________ __________________________________
Street Address Telephone Number

_________________________________
City State Zip

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 FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA CLEARANCE/TRANSFER FORM

To be completed by international students transferring from a U.S. high school, college or university to FGCU.
As a part of the application process to Florida Gulf Coast University, you must show that you are currently in legal
status according to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) regulations. To verify your status, you must:
Step 1: Complete Section I of this form first
Step 2: Your international advisor at your current/previous school must complete Section II
Step 3: Your international advisor must mail or fax the completed form to FGCU’s Admissions Office.

IMPORTANT: We cannot issue your I-20 for transfer until after your release date (the day you will complete your
attendance at your current institution), and without receipt of this completed Visa Clearance/Transfer Form verifying
that you are in status.
Issuing your I-20 after the release date may take several weeks. Please allow ample time.
Section I – TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT
I request and authorize my present international student advisor (or equivalent campus officer) to provide the
information below as part of my application for admission to Florida Gulf Coast University.

_________________ ___________ ____________________ _________________________

Signature Date U.S. Social Security Number Expected FGCU Entry Date
(leave blank if you do not have one)

Student’s Name __________________________________________________ ___________________

(As it appears in passport) Last Name/Family Name/Surname Given Name Country of Citizenship

Present Address _____________________________________________________________________

Street and Apartment Number City and State Zip Code Phone Number

Section II - TO BE COMPLETED BY THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR:

Student’s I-94 Admission Number: ____________________Expiration date __________ or D/S ______

Date of last entry into the United States: ___________

Student’s SEVIS ID Number: _________________ SEVIS Release Date: ___________________________________

Last term student was enrolled full time at your institution ___________ Specify Campus/Branch _______________
(if university has multiple campuses)

To the best of your knowledge, is/was this student in status as an F-1 Student and eligible for notification of
transfer? ____Yes ____No If not, please explain: ______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Has the student ever been granted any kind of practical training? ____ Yes ____ No
If so, please identify kind and duration
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ ___________________________________
Signature of School Official (or DSO) Date Printed Name/Title

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Institution Address/ City/State/Zip Code Telephone Number

UNDERGRADUATE: Florida Gulf Coast University GRADUATE: Florida Gulf Coast University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions Office of Graduate Studies
FAX: 239-590-7894 10501 FGCU Blvd. South 10501 FGCU Blvd. South FAX: 239-590-7843
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
For questions regarding this form, please call:
Office: 239-590-7878 Office: 239-590-7908 11