Finances & Visas

Financing Your Education

International applicants who are offered acceptance must provide proof that funds for at least one academic year are available to you for tuition, fees, living expenses (including room and meals), health insurance, local transportation, books and supplies. This requirement must be met before a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 can be issued.

Cost of Attendance

During the application process, international applicants must provide proof of availability of funds. This requires the completion of Augusta University's Certificate of Finances form. The Certificate of Finances form documents both the availability of funds and, if appropriate, your sponsor's willingness to support you in the amount designated by the university. Receipt of this form is required before an admissions decision will be made.

  • If your spouse and/or children will accompany you, proof of support for these dependents is also required.
  • All official, original financial documentation must be reported in U.S. dollar amounts or U.S. dollar equivalency. [NOTE: To convert your currency into U.S. dollars, visit OANDA, The Currency Site]
  • Certifications of employment letters of credit or bank letters that do not state the exact amount in the account are not acceptable.
  • Original documents become the property of Augusta University.
  • Financial documents must be no more than one year old by the date of Augusta University enrollment.
  • Financial support may come from more than one source.
  • Financial information will not be used in the admissions decision.

Applying for a VISA 

International students who are currently in the United States are required to provide copies of all immigration documents prior to Augusta University enrollment. International students who are or were previously enrolled as students in the United States may be required to provide documentation from their current and/or former colleges or universities.

Visa Eligibility Form I-20

An I-20 is a form that U.S. schools issue to international students to indicate they have met all admission requirements to enter that school. If you live outside the U.S., you will need to take the Form I-20 to the nearest U.S. Consulate in your country, along with a valid passport, TOEFL score, financial support documents and school transcripts, to obtain a F-1 Student visa. It is important to remember to sign your I-20 prior to entering the United States.

If you are already in the U.S., the form may be issued only after the release date given to you by your previous school. That is usually the last date that you have attended classes.

To allow time to overcome any unforeseen problems that might arise, students are encouraged to apply for their visas several weeks before they plan to travel. Students may not be issued a visa more than 120 days before the registration date noted on the I-20.

Applying for a Student Visa

All applicants for a Student Visa must provide:

  • A Form I-20 A/B. Augusta University will mail the Certificate of Eligibility for a Student Visa (Form I-20 A/B) to you once you have been selected for admission and have demonstrated that you have adequate funds to cover all of your educational and living expenses. When you receive it, please check the spelling of your name, birth date, and entry date for accuracy, read it carefully, and sign it in the designated space.
  • A completed nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-156) with your photo. These forms are available at the Embassy at no charge.
  • A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.
  • A Receipt for the visa application processing fee.
  • Proof of SEVIS fee payment (I-901 receipt).

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended.
  • Scores from any standardized tests taken, such as the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, IELTS, etc.
  • Financial evidence that shows you or your financial sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. (You may use the copy you made of the Undergraduate Financial Statement and attach supporting documents. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Making Travel Arrangements

Once you have your visa, you may begin making your travel arrangements. Please do so early, as airline flights are filled quickly during the student travel season.

It is important to remember that visa regulations prohibit students from arriving more than 30 days in advance of the date of arrival on their Form I-20.

Students who are Currently in the U.S.

You must have your current visa status verified by your current school by having them complete the Transfer I-20 Request form.

In accordance with the Board of Regents Policy 4.3.4, all applicants for admission to Augusta University for Fall 2011 or any academic semester thereafter, and who seek to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes, will be required to provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the State of Georgia and the United States. Acceptance to Augusta University is conditional until lawful presence is verified. ALL applicants must submit documentation that verifies his/her lawful presence in the United States at time of application to admissions@augusta.edu.

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