Learn About the International Student Application Process
Welcome to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas! We welcome international students from all around the world from all faiths and backgrounds. At St. Mary’s, we want you to make the most of your international student experience. We offer quality education that prepares graduates for meaningful careers and a supportive environment to help students meet their personal and professional goals. When you step on campus, you’ll discover a nurturing community atmosphere and vibrant campus life.
Our dedicated staff is here to help with every step of the international student admission process, from applying to submitting visa requirements to transitioning to living on campus. Learn more about your next steps to apply as an international student at St. Mary’s.
Attending college in another country has been incredibly enriching, offering opportunities for growth through navigating cultural differences and adapting to a new environment… The friendships I have made and the supportive community at St. Mary’s have left an indelible mark on my college journey.
Brissa Campos Toscano (B.A. ’24)
International and Global Studies alumna from Lima, Peru
Undergraduate International Student Application Process
Seeking a bachelor’s degree? Apply to St. Mary’s University as an undergraduate international student in just three easy steps.
If you have any questions about undergraduate international student admission, contact Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission, at 210-436-3011 or afaucett@stmarytx.edu.
Apply for admission at St. Mary’s University using our free application.
Step 1: Apply for Undergraduate Admission
International First-Year Students or Freshmen
Official high school transcripts must be submitted directly from the student’s high school. Documents can be emailed directly to the Office of Admission at St. Mary’s University at uadm@stmarytx.edu. Students studying in countries with secondary school exams (e.g., Nigeria and Ghana) must submit scratch card information to verify final scores.
International Transfer Students
If you have attended a university outside the U.S., a credit evaluation will be required. Request a course-by-course evaluation and submit official transcripts to the credit evaluation company. The agency will send the evaluation to St. Mary’s University.
The evaluation agency should be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Some acceptable evaluation agencies include:
- SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.
- They have created a custom application for St. Mary’s University that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate.
This is not a comprehensive list. If you have questions about an agency not listed, contact Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission, at 210-436-3011 or afaucett@stmarytx.edu.
Step 2: Send transcripts or evaluation of international credential
All undergraduate international applicants must demonstrate proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based Test (iBT)®: 80
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0
- Duolingo English Test: 115+
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international curriculums may be considered for substitution of English proficiency tests.
Students who earn a high school diploma, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. high school, college or university have fulfilled the English language requirement.
Countries exempt from TOEFL/IELTS requirements include:
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon – Anglophone
- Canada (Except Quebec)
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Scotland
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Step 3: Submit English Proficiency Scores
Undergraduate international applicants will receive an admission decision within three to four weeks after submitting all application materials (including transcripts and English proficiency scores).
Graduate International Student Application Process
Seeking a master’s or doctoral degree? Apply to St. Mary’s University as a graduate international student in just three easy steps.
If you have any questions about graduate international student admission, contact Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission, at 210-436-3011 or afaucett@stmarytx.edu.
Apply for admission at St. Mary’s University using our free application.
Step 1: Apply for Graduate Admission
International applicants who have attended a college/university outside of the United States must send their transcript to a separate evaluation agency for a detailed, course-by-course evaluation and official translation of the credentials. The agency will send the evaluation to St. Mary’s University.
The evaluation agency should be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Some acceptable evaluation agencies include:
- SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.
- They have created a custom application for St. Mary’s University that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate.
This is not a comprehensive list. If you have questions about an agency not listed, contact Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission, at 210-436-3011 or afaucett@stmarytx.edu.
Step 2: Submit Evaluation of International Credentials
All graduate international applicants (except for applicants to the MBA Program) must demonstrate proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based Test (iBT)®: 80
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0
- Duolingo English Test: 115+
International graduate students applying to the MBA Program must meet the following minimums:
- TOEFL iBT®Test: 87
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 120
Scores must be current (no further back than six months of the student’s application).
Graduate students who score 6.0 on the IELTS exam, 80-82 on the internet-based TOEFL exam, or 115 on the Duolingo English Test will be required to enroll in EN6301 Academic Writing for International Students during the first semester of attendance.
Countries exempt from TOEFL/IELTS requirements include:
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon – Anglophone
- Canada (Except Quebec)
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Scotland
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Step 3: Submit English Proficiency Scores
Graduate international applicants will receive a decision letter after all documents are submitted, processed and reviewed. Typically the review process with completed applications takes 7 to 14 business days.
Transferring to St. Mary’s University
If you plan to remain in the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations permit a transfer of your immigration status to St. Mary’s University provided that you are in a valid F-1 status at the school you are currently attending. You must inform your current school of your intent to transfer to St. Mary’s University as soon as possible but no later than the last day of your final semester at your current school (For example, if spring is your last semester at your current school, then no later than the last day of the spring semester).
Your Form I-20 from St. Mary’s University cannot be issued until your current school has been notified and released your SEVIS record. Please talk to the international student adviser at your current school about the transfer process as soon as you decide you will transfer. More information can be found on the transfer process on the Transfer Admission webpage.
Failure to complete the I-20 transfer process within 15 days of the program state date at St. Mary’s University results in a violation of immigration regulations. Furthermore, you may not work on campus until the transfer of your immigration record is processed. If you are out of status, discuss your options with your current international student adviser or with the Center for International Programs at St. Mary’s University.
Application Deadlines
All items must arrive to the Office of Admission or Office of Graduate Admission by the following dates.
| Academic Term | Application Priority Deadline (if you are outside the U.S.) | Application Priority Deadline (if you are inside the U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester (August to December) | May 1 | June 15 |
| Spring Semester (January to May) | October 1 | November 15 |
After Admission
Next Steps
Once you have been admitted to St. Mary’s University as an international student, you will need to submit additional documentation to meet U.S. visa and immunization requirements. International students are automatically enrolled in health insurance.
Watch your email for your login information for Gateway, the University student portal. As an admitted student, you will need to confirm your enrollment through Gateway, submit your enrollment deposit and secure your place in your class.
You will also want to consider your living options and apply for housing if you choose to live on campus.
Stay tuned to your email for information regarding International New Student Check-In, orientation, the first day of classes and more.
Get to Know the St. Mary’s Student Experience
As a St. Mary’s University student, you’ll have access to international student resources. Plus, you’ll discover why Rattlers love St. Mary’s in San Antonio.
Exciting Campus Life
Life on campus at St. Mary’s University offers a vibrant and supportive community. With more than 100 student events happening each year and 90+ student organizations, you are sure to meet other Rattlers who share your interests.
If you choose to live on campus, you’ll find a wide variety of student housing options and communities.
Dedicated Support
From the moment you’re admitted to the moment you walk across the Commencement stage, you’ll receive dedicated support as an international student. The Center for International Programs will aid in your transition to life as a college student in the United States. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides advice, information and referrals on matters such as immigration, employment and overseas travel.
Living in San Antonio
Situated in one of the largest, most diverse cities in the U.S., San Antonio, Texas, offers access to exceptional internship and research opportunities. The city’s diverse economy includes business services, biotechnology, energy and manufacturing sectors. This area of the Southwest United States has an average annual temperature of 69.5 degrees (F) and 250 days of sunshine a year on average.
Hear from one of our students
International Student Spotlight
Ankita Chabra (B.S. ’22)
Biology graduate from New Delhi, IndiaAttending school out-of-state can be a terrifying experience. Attending school in a new country can be even scarier.
But for Ankita Chabra (B.S. ’22), leaving India to attend St. Mary’s University was an easy decision. Wanting to be a physician like her aunt, who lives in San Antonio, Chabra and her family were soon making their journey to help her get settled in the United States.
Being an only child and moving away from home for the first time made her slightly nervous, but Chabra said having a family member in town made her more comfortable with her decision.
“We’re a small family so we’re pretty close and stay in touch,” Chabra said. “I didn’t have my mom here, but I had my aunt, who I’m super close with, so that really helped.”
Contact us with questions about the international student experience!
For questions regarding the international student admission process, contact:
Anne Faucett
Director of International Admission210-436-3011
afaucett@stmarytx.eduFor questions regarding the Intensive English Program and other international student services, contact:
International Student and Scholar Services
Center for International Programs210-431-5091
isss@stmarytx.edu