International Students

DEADLINES FOR NON-CANADIAN APPLICANTS

• Fall Semester (August): all required application materials listed below in steps 1-5 must be received no later than July 1st.
• Spring Semester (January): all required application materials listed below in steps 1-5 must be received no later than November 1st.

DEADLINES FOR CANADIAN APPLICANTS

• Fall Semester (August): all required application materials listed below in steps 1-5 must be received no later than August 1st.
• Spring Semester (January): all required application materials listed below in steps 1-5 must be received no later than December 1st.

STEP 1: APPLY FOR ADMISSION

• Click here for the online Application for Admission.
• You must select a major. For issuance of a SEVIS I-20, international students cannot choose “undeclared” as their major.
• Be sure to provide a physical home address (not a PO box).

STEP 2: SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS AND PERSONAL STATEMENT

• TRANSCRIPTS: Official secondary school (high school) transcripts (grade report) with English translation are required for admission. Please email official transcripts to admissions@finlandia.edu. Grade point average and eligibility for scholarships will be calculated and determined by admissions staff at Finlandia University.
• TRANSFER STUDENTS: All official post-secondary (university, college, tertiary, institute, certificate school, etc.) transcripts must be sent by the school directly to Finlandia University electronically, by email (admissions@finlandia.edu), or mailed (Finlandia University Admissions, 601 Quincy St, Hancock, MI 49930) in a sealed envelope. A grade key should be printed on the transcript. Official (English) translation should be certified and included, if necessary. Grade point average and eligibility for academic scholarships will be calculated and determined by admissions staff at Finlandia University.
• PERSONAL STATEMENT: Explain your career goals and your reasons for choosing Finlandia University. Discuss your work, volunteer experience, sport(s), theater, music, art, or hobby interests (1 typed page maximum). If you have been out of school for more than 10 months, please include at least two reference letters from employers, volunteer supervisors, former instructors, coaches, and/or advisors. Please write your full name and date on the personal statement and email it to admissions@finlandia.edu.
• The admissions staff will review your application, transcripts, and personal statement. We will notify you by email regarding your admissions determination. If you are accepted, you will receive your acceptance letter via email, and you will move on to step three below.

STEP 3: RECEIVE YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER AND FINANCIAL AID ESTIMATE

• The admissions staff will email your acceptance letter and your Financial Aid Estimate which will include all of the entrance and institutional scholarships for which you qualify. (When you apply to Finlandia University, you are automatically considered for these scholarships. There is no need to submit separate scholarship applications.)
• In addition, the admissions staff will email your Affidavit of Financial Support, which is required for issuance of your SEVIS I-20.
• After reviewing your Financial Aid Estimate, if you decide that you would like to attend Finlandia University, please move on to step four below.

STEP 4: SUBMIT REQUIRED SEVIS I-20 DOCUMENTS

• AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT: This will be emailed to you by the admissions staff along with your acceptance letter and Financial Aid Estimate. Be sure to fill in all information on the affidavit, affix signatures of applicant, sponsor/parent, and/or bank official (if you don’t have a sponsor/parent listed), then scan and email the completed form to admissions@finlandia.edu. 
• FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: You must provide official bank statements that show total available funds equal to or greater than the amount shown in the top section of the Affidavit of Financial Support. Acceptable accounts include liquid deposit accounts (checking, savings, and certain certificates of deposit), college savings plans, and student loan approval or pre-approval letters. Retirement accounts, investment accounts, and available credit lines are not acceptable for this purpose. Please email copies of these financial statements to admissions@finlandia.edu.
• PASSPORT: Copy or scan the entire picture page of your passport and email it to admissions@finlandia.edu.
• ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST SCORES: Finlandia University requires international applicants to send one of the following official scores for admission to degree programs: DUO LINGO, TOEFL, SAT 1, IELTS, PTE, or 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., the U.S, or other English speaking countries.).

+ English Proficiency Score Requirements:

STEP 5: MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT AND RECEIVE YOUR SEVIS I-20

• The admissions staff will notify you via email once all SEVIS I-20 documents have been received, reviewed, and approved.
• Pay your non-refundable $200 (USD) deposit. This is not a fee. It will be applied to your student account. This is your official commitment to Finlandia University and will reserve your spot for the term for which you applied.
• Receive your SEVIS I-20. The admissions staff will email this to you.
• Pay the fee for the SEVIS I-901.
• NON-CANADIANS: complete your F-1 Student Visa Application (this is not required for Canadians)
• CANADIANS: to cross the border, Canadian citizens will typically need:
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • Signed SEVIS I-20 document
  • Passport
  • Finlandia University Acceptance Letter
  • Copies of your financial documentation (affidavit, bank statements, financial aid estimate)

Book your flight or plan your drive and email admissions@finlandia.edu with your arrival plans (date, time, flight number, etc.)

STEP 6: UPON ARRIVAL

• Student Health Form is required for student-athletes, but it is optional for non-athletes. If you are considering playing any sports or joining a team, please complete this form upon (or before) arrival.
• Check in with the admissions department when you arrive. This is required for all international students.
• You will be contacted by Finlandia University’s PDSO in order to schedule your SEVIS I-20 check-in meeting. This is required for all international students.