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International Applicants at SBU

Important information for international undergraduate students applying to SBU to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree.
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learn more below

Welcome, International Students

Southwest Baptist University is proud to provide an academically and culturally enriching experience for our undergraduate international students who are pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree! We recognize that your application process has its own special circumstances, so rest assured, our individualized attention will help you transition to SBU with ease.

The checklist below will help you navigate the international student admissions process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Denise Emert, admissions counselor for international recruitment, by email at denise.emert@SBUniv.edu or by calling toll-free at (800) 526-5859.

Apply OnlineFrequently Asked Questions

Gabriella Capasso
"There are many international students on campus. If we ever have any problem, we can just go to our professors and they are always ready to help us."
Gabriella Capasso
SBU Student from Italy

Traveling to Bolivar

SBU has an active travel crisis management team and policy and provides support for any kind of travel connected to the University, which includes international students traveling to Bolivar for undergraduate studies. Pre-travel training may be involved, and students must complete a travel registry.

Explore Travel Resources

What is the International Application process?

Get the ball rolling by filling out our online application for undergraduate admission. 

Apply Online

To be considered for admission to SBU, you must submit official academic documentation and standardized test scores. As an international student, you need to have your official secondary school records submitted to the SBU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. These documents must include an English translation if the original document is not in English.

Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Test (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. If you have studied in the United States or an English-speaking country within the last three years, you are exempt from this requirement if you have achieved good academic standing at the school(s) you have attended. You must score one of the following:

79 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT)
6.5 on the IELTS
100 on the Duolingo English test

Additionally, all SBU students must submit scores from the ACT or SAT exam.

Your admissions counselor will contact you with information about your academic scholarship eligibility and any other financial aid for which you might qualify. 

Ready to officially join the SBU family? Send in your enrollment deposit by logging into your SBU application to secure your spot in classes and housing!

Pay Your Deposit Online

Once you have decided to attend SBU, we will work with you to receive the necessary documents to obtain your F-1 student visa. 

Learn More About Our Campuses

A Christ-centered, caring academic community, SBU has five campuses throughout Missouri and online. Each campus has its own unique qualities to meet the needs of thousands of students each year:

  • Bolivar campus: This campus is for students who want the full residential college experience. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available.

  • Mountain View and Salem campuses: These campuses are students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the Howell County and Dent County areas, respectively.

  • Springfield campus: This campus offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, radiography, and health sciences.

  • SBU Worldwide: Select degrees are available online for students who need flexibility completing their degree. High school students can take online dual-credit courses.

Compare SBU Campuses

 

Consider Financial Aid Options

Your admissions counselor will contact you with information about your academic scholarship eligibility and any other financial aid for which you might qualify.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

International students are eligible for the merit-based scholarships, athletic scholarships, and performance scholarships (art, forensics, music, theatre). Your admissions counselor will advise you on which scholarships you are eligible to receive.

Most international SBU students are paying their own way or are receiving very substantial sponsorships from famiy members, organizations, or churches. 

No, it is not an additional fee. The enrollment deposit will go toward the cost of your first year at SBU. The deposit will be applied to your account at SBU. Paying the deposit reserves your spot in classes and housing.

 

Contact


Dr. Kelly Malone
Director of Global Education
Professor of Intercultural Studies
(417) 328-1733
kmalone@SBUniv.edu

Denise Emert, M.Ed
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
(417) 328-5281
denise.emert@SBUniv.edu

 

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