International Students

STEP 1: APPLY

The first step is to apply for admission. Applying for admission at Finlandia University is free. Self report your academic record to get conditionally accepted within 3-days. We’d suggest sitting down at a computer, laptop or tablet, but you can also do it on your cell phone in a pinch.

Online International Application

DEADLINES

Finlandia accepts applications and admits students on a rolling basis, but to be considered for Fall (August) Semester enrollment, all required application materials must be received by Finlandia University Admissions by June 15. Students should plan to arrive on campus the third week of August. To be considered for Spring (January) semester enrollment, all required application materials must be received by Finlandia University Admissions by October 15. Students should plan to arrive on campus in early January.

STEP 2: SUBMIT ALL INFORMATION

1. AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT (PDF): Print this form, fill in all information, affix signatures of applicant AND sponsor (and bank official), and then send original. Canadian students use this form.
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Send original or certified copies of a notarized or certified letter of support from the student’s sponsor AND recent, official bank statement showing sponsor’s available funds.
3. PASSPORT: Copy or scan the picture page of your passport (may be sent to international@finlandia.edu).
4. TRANSCRIPTS: Official secondary school transcripts (grade report) and Certification of Secondary School Completion (or final state exam scores) with English translation. (Certified copies are acceptable, but original final transcripts with English translation must be brought or sent to Finlandia before enrollment can be completed).
5. TRANSFER STUDENTS: ALL official post-secondary (university or tertiary, institute, certificate school, etc.) transcripts must be signed by the school official and sent by the school directly to Finlandia University in a sealed envelope. See address below. Grade Key should be printed on transcript. Certification of Secondary School Completion should be included. Official (English) translation should be certified and included, if necessary. Grade point average and eligibility for academic scholarship will be calculated by international admissions staff at Finlandia University.
6. PERSONAL STATEMENT: Explain your career goals and your reasons for choosing Finlandia University.  Discuss your work and volunteer experience, and any sport, theater, music, art or hobby interests (1 typed page maximum). If you have been out of school for more than 10 months, include reference letters from employer, volunteer supervisor, and/or former instructors or advisors. Send with your other application materials. Please write full name and date on statement.
7. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST SCORE: Finlandia requires international applicants to send ONE of the following official scores for admission to degree programs: (TOEFL, SAT 1, IELTS, PTE, STEP-Japan only). Scores must be fewer than two (2) years old. (Exceptions may be made for students attending schools in Canada, The Bahamas, Barbados, The U.K., or the U.S.).

TOEFL  minimum 550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 iBT

SAT 1 minimum 420 writing, 500 critical reading, (Finlandia University Institution Code Number for submitting TOEFL and SAT test scores: 1743)

IELTS minimum 6.0 overall band score (minimum 6.0 writing and speaking portion) (IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.)

PTE minimum 53 (NOTE: score reports available in 5 days)

STEP (Japan only) “STEP Pre-1st” allows for admission to any undergraduate degree program; “STEP 2A” allows for conditional admission to degree program (ESL or English language program required).

If your score is below the minimum required, or if score is not available before enrollment, you will be considered for admission to our on-campus English Language Program and conditional admission to your chosen degree program. In order to begin your degree program following the English language program, you must achieve a passing score on one of the official tests listed above, or on Finlandia’s English Placement test. A minimum of one semester of ESL classes may be required for international students who do not submit a standard English test score with their application.

Please arrange for your score report to be sent directly from testing service to:

Finlandia University
International Admissions
601 Quincy Street
Hancock, MI 49930 USA

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STEP 3: AFTER YOU’RE ACCEPTED

• Work with your Enrollment Officer to receive your Financial Aid package
• Pay Deposit
• Receive acceptance package and I-20 Form
• Pay the fee for the SEVIS I-901
• F-1 Student visa application
• Canadian citizens (no need to obtain U.S. visa ):
  • Sevis I-901 fee receipt
  • Signed Sevis I-20 document
  • Passport
  • Finlandia University Acceptance Letter
  • Copy of your financial documentation ( bank statement, award letter)

• Book your flight and contact international@finlandia.edu about arriving(date, time, flight number)

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT EVALUATION

Finlandia University requires that transcripts from international institutions be evaluated – and, if necessary, translated to English – by an academic credential evaluation service before transfer credit is evaluated and posted. If you would like to know what courses will transfer before attending Finlandia, you can request an evaluation prior to enrolling. This option will make registration easier and faster. We recommend you use World Education Service (WES) for this evaluation.

You are responsible for supplying the correct academic records and paying for the evaluation. Please note that credential evaluations can be used for transfer credit purposes only.

STEP 4: HEALTH FORM

OPTIONAL HEALTH FORM

This form is REQUIRED for Student-athletes. If you are considering playing any sports or joining a team, please complete this form before arrival.  Most students find it much easier to complete the health requirements and obtain the required signature in their own country.

• Student Athlete Health Form