Villanova University welcomes students from around the world. An international student is one who is not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and requires a student visa to study in the United States.
To be considered for admission, international students will follow all our general admission processes and in addition all non-native English speakers must take an English language proficiency test (such as the Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test, IELTS, Pearson PTE, TOEFL iBT) with official results sent directly to the University.
Academic Records
All documents must be official and submitted by the secondary school in the original language. An official copy is one that bears the original signature of the Registrar or other designated school official, an original impression of the institution's seal and/or the signature or seal of the examining board. In certain cases, certified or notarized copies may be submitted. Documents not in English must be accompanied by an official translation.
Transcripts of course work and grades/marks are required for the equivalent of secondary school study, including IGCSE results prior to GCE, IB, 'A' levels, etc. Records should list subjects studied each year and the grade/mark of proficiency earned in each. A key to the marking system with minimum passing mark should be included. Students in countries where a national secondary school leaving examination is administered (i.e. Standard XII and WAEC results) or students who pursue a Cambridge Certificate, are required to provide the official results of the examination or predicted marks if the exams have not yet been administered.
Financial Documentation
Admission review for non-U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents is need-aware. All international applicants are required to submit the Certification of Finances Form and a recent bank statement or bank letter at the time of application. This is separate from any financial assistance requirements.
The Form I-20, which is required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be issued to enrolling students in the spring prior to fall enrollment so they may apply for the F-1 visa.
International Transfer Students
The above requirements are also mandatory for international transfer applicants, and additionally college-level courses taken outside of the United States must be sent with an evaluation of academic credentials. It is important to note that Villanova does not offer need-based financial assistance for international transfer students.