How do I apply for admission to Henderson State University as an international student?
Any student who is not currently a U.S. citizen, does not have a U.S. permanent resident card (green card), and is not an undocumented immigrant, should apply for admission as an international student. International undergraduate applicants (freshman, transfer, or dual degree) must submit the following:
- International admissions application
- Non-refundable $30 application fee. Payable by check or money order to the address below or via Flywire (http://hsu.flywire.com/). If you pay via Flywire, please be sure to note your full name as it appears on your application.
- Official academic credentials, as described in the “What academic credentials are required…” section.
- Demonstration of English proficiency, as described in the “What are Henderson State’s English language requirements?” section
- Provide vaccination records listing all required immunizations.
- A copy of your passport, including photo of yourself.
- Proof that you, or someone who will sponsor you, can pay for your studies at HSU. The Statement of Financial Responsibility is required for this purpose. The financial statement should show that the student has at least $18,490 (USD) to cover tuition, fees, room and board, mandatory health insurance, and books and other course related expenses. This amount is an estimate based on a student who takes 12 credit hours per semester and resides in a double occupancy university dorm room and purchases a basic meal plan. The exact cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and health insurance will be calculated at the time of registration.
In addition, applicants who are Chinese citizens must also submit:
- Student Status Statement: officially states the applicant is full-time registered student.
- National College Entrance Exam (Gaokao) Score Certificate.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term: May 31
Spring Term: October 31
What are Henderson State’s English Language requirements?
Students who are citizens of non-English-speaking countries must show proof of English language proficiency.
Achieve a qualifying score on an English proficiency exam accepted at Henderson State. Minimum English Requirements (must meet one of the following):
- IELTS – Score of 5 or better
- Duolingo-Score of 90 or better
- Pearson PTE score of 44 or better
- Internet-based TOEFL – Score of 61 or better
- Paper-based TOEFL – Score of 500 or better
Official test scores should be sent directly to Henderson State University using reporting code 6272. Scanned copies are acceptable. Please e-mail the test scores to international@hsu.edu.
What academic credentials are required for admission?
Degree-seeking international students who are applying to enter as a freshman:
Prerequisite: Graduation from a high school recognized by the ministry of education in your home country
Required credentials: Official transcripts/diplomas in English, showing all courses and grades of final three years of secondary school, with an equivalent to a US high school GPA of 2.50 or better.
- Applicants must also submit ACT or SAT scores. Scores are used for placement purposes only so no minimum is required. If you are unable to obtain these scores accommodations can be made for you to take the ACT upon your arrival to Henderson.
- Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must also show proof of English language proficiency, as described under “English language requirements.”
Degree-seeking international students who are transferring from another foreign college or university:
Prerequisite: Graduation from a high school recognized by the ministry of education in your home country, equivalent to a minimum U.S. 2.0 college GPA, and must be eligible to return to last institution attended
Required credentials: Official transcripts/diplomas in English, showing all courses from each college or university attended. You will need to submit your transcripts to a credential evaluation service first, before we can consider you a transfer student. This process must be done before the admission process can be completed.
Degree-seeking international students who are transferring from another American college or university:
Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 college GPA (4.0 system)
Required credentials: Official transcripts from the university that you are currently attending. Print out the SEVIS Transfer Form, fill out the top half and submit it to the school you are currently attending. Once the form is filled out by the International Student Advisor at your current school,your advisor should submit it to the Center for International Programs at Henderson.
Degree-seeking international students who are applying to enter an approved 1+2+1 or 2+2 dual-bachelor-degree program:
Prerequisite: Graduation from a high school recognized by the ministry of education in your home country, minimum 2.0 college GPA (4.0 system), and must be eligible to return to last institution attended
Required credentials: Official transcripts/diplomas in English, showing all courses and grades of final three years of secondary school and from each college or university attended. (High school transcript not required if 30 or more credit hours completed at 2.0 GPA or higher.) Course descriptions must be submitted along with the transcript.
All official transcripts and gradesheets must bear the official seal or original signature of the appropriate school officer.
Sino-American Programs (Dual degree and non-degree)
CHEPD Program Overview
The Sino-American CHEPD (Cooperation on Higher Education and Professional Development) program is managed by the China Center for International Educational Exchange (CCIEE) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Currently, 65 Chinese Universities and over 35 of American universities participate in the program. Through this partnership, Chinese students can simultaneously receive degrees from their American university and Chinese university.
How the program works
The American university and Chinese university enter into a partnership to determine which programs align up with this model. A student would complete his or her first year in China. During that year, the student would apply to Henderson State University for the 1+2+1 program. When the student is accepted, they will study at Henderson State for the second and third years (sometimes this is longer if they need English training before starting academic courses. Students will then finish their programs with their last year back in China. Upon completion of all the requirements, they will receive a degree from Henderson State University and their Chinese institution.
There is also a non-degree model, called YES. YES stands for Youth Exchange Students. Students spend one academic year or one semester at an American university and transfer up to 30 credits back to their Chinese universities. Students completing a degree program will only be granted a degree in China. No degree is awarded from Henderson State University under this model
2+2 Dual Degree Program
The 2+2 Dual Degree Program is coordinated by the China Center for International Educational Exchange (CCIEE). This program is very similar to the CHEPD program in that participating students who complete the requirements will earn a bachelor’s degree from the home institution in China and a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University. The programs differ in that 2+2 degree program students will apply to Henderson State Univesity in the second year of study and complete the third and fourth years at Henderson. Additional time may be needed if the student needs English-language training before beginning academic coursework.
Application Requirements for either program
- Program application form
- Registration verification (current Chinese university)
- First year Chinese graduate program transcripts in English and Chinese (or first two years for the 2+2 program
- Course descriptions
- Chinese undergraduate transcripts (English and Chinese)
- Undergraduate diploma (Copy and translation)
- Undergraduate certificate (Degree verification. Copy and translation)
- Personal statement
- Chinese passport copy
- Visa photo
- Other supporting documents, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS English score
- Proof that you, or someone who will sponsor you, can pay for your studies at HSU. The Statement of Financial Responsibility is required for this purpose. The financial statement should show that the student has at least $16,904 (USD) to cover tuition, fees, room and board, mandatory health insurance, and books and other course related expenses. This amount is an estimate based on a student who takes 6 credit hours per semester and resides in a double occupancy university dorm room and purchases a basic meal plan. The exact cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and health insurance will be calculated at the time of registration.
What will happen after I apply?
You will be informed of your admission status once your application and all required documents have been received and processed. Admissions decisions are usually made within two weeks after we receive all required documents.
Once a student is admitted, it generally takes about two weeks for us to issue an I-20 if we have received all of the necessary information. We will notify you via email when we issue your I-20.
What do I need after being admitted?
Upon receiving a letter of admission, international students should follow the housing application instructions on their admission letter or e-mail reslife@hsu.edu, so that living arrangements can be secured in one of the residence halls if such services are needed.
Students should consult the Planning and Arrival Information page for dates on which they must arrive at Henderson. Travel from the Little Rock, Arkansas airport for new students can be arranged by the Center for International Programs Office only on dates specified on their admission letter. Students who arrive on these dates must submit an Airport Greeting Request to the Center for International Programs Office. Students arriving before or after these specified dates must make their own transportation arrangements to Henderson and they must find temporary accommodations. All international students entering Henderson must attend a mandatory international student orientation at the beginning of the semester.
What should I do once arrive on campus?
Medical insurance is mandatory and may be purchased through Henderson. The cost is approximately $122 per month and it is payable along with tuition. The insurance fee is due in the fall and spring semester.