International Students
Please read each step carefully. If you miss a step it will slow down the admissions process and may cause you to delay the starting date for your studies.
If you are transferring from another school in the Unites States and already have an F-1 or J-1 Visa, please contact iso@tiu.edu before beginning the steps below.
Step 1: English Requirements
If English is not your primary language you will need to take a test for your English language skills. The results must be submitted to the Admissions Office at Trinity in order for your application to be processed.
Step 2: Pre-Application
Complete and submit either the PDF or Online version of the Pre-Application Form. The Admissions Office will then contact you to let you know if you may proceed to the next step in the process.
Step 3: Application
Please read the Application carefully. The instructions will inform you of other admission requirements and the due dates for various parts of the application that may vary depending upon your desired program of study.
Step 4: Find Financial Aid
Trinity has a limited number of scholarships for first-year international students. Some additional scholarships may be available in the second year, however, the application process is very competitive. For more information about scholarships that might be available, please visit Financial Aid, Outside Scholarships and Grant Opportunities for International Students, and Employment for International Students.
Please also consider other possible sources of financial aid.
Step 5: Certificate of Finance
After your application is accepted, complete the Certificate of Finance Form. A copy of this form will be included with your letter of acceptance. Please submit the Certificate of Finance Form along with the Visa Selection Form. Please note that Trinity is approved to sponsor both F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Appendix A may be found here.
Step 6: I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility
A $2000 (U.S.) deposit is required before an I-20 or DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) can be issued to you. This deposit will be saved in your student account and can be used toward your tuition and fees. If you decide to not attend Trinity, this deposit will be refunded to you.
Step 7: SEVIS Fee
Pay the $200 SEVIS fee to the United States government. This fee needs to be paid prior to your F or J visa interview. For more information on how to pay this fee, please visit www.fmjfee.com. You will also receive more information about this fee when you receive your I-20.
Step 8: Visa
After you receive your I-20, contact the U.S. Embassy in your country to set up a visa appointment interview. More information about the visa application procedures will be sent to you with your I-20.
Step 9: Find Housing
Trinity offers on-campus housing in residence halls and apartments, as well as resources for finding off-campus housing. If on-campus housing is not available for you, the International Students Office will help you find housing off-campus.
Step 10: Moving to TIU
The International Students Office (ISO) offers a variety of services and resources to help you during your time at Trinity. This includes help as you transition to living in the United States, keeping your visa and I-20 paperwork up-to-date, and provides opportunities for fellowship.
**Please note that HOUSING for international students is not guaranteed. It is crucial that you contact the housing department as soon as you have been accepted to Trinity. Housing will not be offered until your deposit is received by the admissions office.
Please remember that the F-1 visa requires you to be a full-time student during your time in the United States. Master's level programs require a minimum of ten credit hours per semester. PhD/EDS, PhD/ICS, and PhD/THS require a minimum of nine credit hours per semester but allow up to twelve months for writing the dissertation.