Expand your world at CSU

Voted the best city in the United States 10 years in a row by Travel + Leisure, Charleston has it all. That includes one of America’s leading Christian universities: Charleston Southern. Discover a place where you will gain critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills — all while finding your purpose in this world. Your purpose is our mission.

Here’s what you need to know before applying to Charleston Southern University.

Undergraduate Requirements

Official transcripts from all institutions attended should be sent directly from the school or government agency.

Official English translations must accompany any document in a language other than English.

Any transcript from a non-American school should be evaluated by a NACES member. We prefer that students choose WES or ECE.

SAT or ACT scores are optional for international students.  However, these test scores can be used to meet the English proficiency requirement.  Scores should be sent from the respective testing agency.  Charleston Southern University’s SAT code is 5079; ACT code is 3833.

Confirmed English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers and can be met in the following ways:

A clear copy of the identification page of your passport is needed. The copy should show all four edges of the document.

If you are already in the United States, copies of your visa, I-94 with travel history, and I-20 may be required.

If you will be applying for a F-1 student visa to study in the United States, you are required to submit financial documentation to prove that you have sufficient funds for your study.

If you or your parents are providing your support you should submit the International Student Financial Statement accompanied by a bank statement or letter showing availability of funds for the required tuition and costs amount. Bank statements must not be older than 180 days (6 months).

If the student’s studies will be supported by a private sponsor, an Affidavit of support and bank statements are needed that show availability of funds for the required tuition and costs amount. Bank statements must not be older than 180 days (6 months).

An International Student Eligibility Form should be completed by the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official. The student must also provide copies of a current visa, I-20 and I-94 with travel history.

If you plan on living on campus in a dormitory room, you will be required to submit an immunization form in order to be assigned to a room on campus.  It can take some time to get all the required immunizations, so it’s recommended to start as soon as possible.

All international undergraduate students are eligible to receive a merit scholarship.  Scholarships are automatically awarded at the time of admission to the university and there are no additional application items required.

General international student scholarships:

  • International students who have attended schools outside the US are eligible to receive an International Student Scholarship of $10,000 to $12,000 per year.  Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and no additional application or information is needed.
  • International students who have attended US schools or international schools with US curriculum are eligible for academic merit scholarships of $5,000 to $19,000 per year based on GPA.  Scholarships are automatically awarded when admitted to the university.

Special scholarship opportunities:

  • Global Dreamer Scholarship—Two full tuition scholarships are awarded each year to students who do not qualify for federal or state aid due to their immigration status in the United States.  These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on financial need and academic merit. They are renewable for up to four years.  Students in F student visa status are not eligible for this scholarship.
    • To apply for this scholarship you must be an admitted student and submit all application requirements.  Priority is given to applications that are complete by March 15th.  To begin the application process, please complete the online form to confirm your interest.
  • Global Ambassador Scholarship—One full tuition scholarship is awarded each year to an international student whose parents serve in a Christian ministry position outside the United States.
    • To apply for this scholarship you must be an admitted student and submit all application requirements, which includes a resume listing your activities and accomplishments, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay describing your family background in ministry.  Priority is given to applications that are complete by February 15th.  To begin the application process, please complete the online form to confirm your interest.
  • Global Refugee Scholarship—One full tuition scholarship is awarded each year to an international student who is a refugee or displaced from his or her home country.
    • To apply for this scholarship you must be an admitted student and submit all application requirements.  Priority is given to applications that are complete by March 15th.  To begin the application process, please complete the online form to confirm your interest.
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Graduate Requirements

Official transcripts from all institutions attended should be sent directly from the school or government agency.

Official English translations must accompany any document in a language other than English.

Any transcript from a non-American school should be evaluated by a NACES member. We prefer that students choose WES or ECE and request a course-by-course evaluation that includes GPA.

Some programs may request that GRE/GMAT scores are submitted.

Scores must be sent directly from the respective testing agency. Charleston Southern University’s school code is 5079.

Confirmed English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers and can be met in the following ways:

A clear copy of your complete identification page of your passport is needed. The copy should show all four edges of the document.

If you are already in the United States, copies of your visa, I-94 with travel history, and I-20 may be required.

If you will be applying for a F-1 student visa to study in the United States, you are required to submit financial documentation to prove that you have sufficient funds for your study.

If you or your parents are providing your support you should submit the International Student Financial Statement by a bank statement or letter showing availability of funds for the required tuition and costs amount. Bank statements must not be older than 180 days (6 months).

If the student’s studies will be supported by a private sponsor, an Affidavit of support and bank statements are needed that show availability of funds for the required tuition and costs amount. Bank statements must not be older than 180 days (6 months).

An International Student Eligibility Form should be completed by the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official. The student must also provide copies of a current visa, I-20 and I-94 with travel history.

Note: Online programs are not available for F-1 student visas. 

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Admissions Deadlines

The deadline for admission for international students is 60 days prior to the first day of classes of the academic term of entry. If you have questions about the admission deadline, please contact the Enrollment Services Office at 843-863-7050 or international@csuniv.edu.

Once You Are Accepted

When an applicant has been accepted by Charleston Southern University, and financial documentation has been submitted, a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status will be mailed along with an acceptance letter. This form will need to be taken to the American Consulate or Embassy in the student’s home country for the F-1 visa to be issued.

We look forward to your application!