International Students
International students are at the center of our community!ÌýOver 14% of our students are international, and many US students grew up abroad, making Calvin a truly international university.Ìý
Calvin provides excellent support for international students through various offices on campus, and services available. While there are no full scholarships, significant scholarships and guaranteed aid are available for international students.
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Four-phase Process for International Undergraduate Students
The admissions process for international undergraduate students is broken down into four phases. Learn the details of each phase below.
Looking for admissions details for international graduate students? Visit our Graduate admissions page.
Apply and submit materials
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Pay your Enrollment Deposit
Immigration
Phase 1: Apply and Submit Materials
Apply to Calvin
You can fill out either the Calvin application or the Common App.Ìý
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Ask your questions
We know international students have unique questions about admissions. It’s a big decision for you and your family!
Our team hosts weekly webinars on topics like academics, financial aid, student life, and Calvin’s faith community. These live sessions include plenty of time for your questions, and families are welcome to join!
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Submit all supporting materials
After you submit the application, check your email for a link to your , where you will upload your materials and find additional instructions.
Financial documents are required by the US government for visa processing, and by Calvin for scholarship purposes. These documents are kept private.Ìý Calvin is need blind for admissions purposes.
- Bank statements: Upload the bank statement of your parent(s). The money in the account needs to be available to fund your education.Ìý
Even if you have a sponsor, you must still upload your parent(s)’s bank statement.Ìý
The bank statement should be as recent as possible, no more than 6 months old.ÌýÌý - Income statements: Upload a statement that shows how much your parents currently earn over a week, month, or year.Ìý
These could be a tax document, pay stub, or letter of appointment.ÌýÌý - Sponsor forms: A sponsor is someone other than your parents who is paying for part or all of your education.
Your sponsor will commit to paying for a certain amount of your education.ÌýÌý
A bank statement and/or income statement is also needed from the sponsor.ÌýÌý
Please use the International Student Financial Sponsorship Form. - Financial aid form: This can be found on your checklist or .Ìý
This information does not affect your chances of being admitted to Calvin; it is used solely for the purposes of financial aid.Ìý
After you submit the form, it may take 2–3 business days for this item to be checked off your checklist.ÌýÌý
The high school transcript must be sent by your high school directly to intladm@calvin.edu or to your admissions counselor.Ìý
If you have attended university, they must also send an official transcript.
Transcripts sent by the student cannot be accepted; they must come directly from the institution you attended.
Test results are considered in addition to your grades from high school. Information about your country's grading system will be considered when we assess your transcript. We will usually consult with you and the Educational Advising Center nearest your home if there is a need for clarification.
Â鶹Çø is now test optional, with the exception of the English Proficiency requirements.
These guidelines are for international undergraduate students only. Graduate students should refer to international graduate information.
International/national exam results are required (IGCSE, AS/A-Levels, IB, WASSCE, etc.), if applicable to your school's curriculum. If you have not yet taken the exam, we can determine an admission decision with your official transcript. The results must still be submitted after you complete the exam.
Results and transcripts submitted by the student cannot be accepted. Your exam results must be sent directly from your school or the testing company to your Calvin admissions counselor. In the case of online exam verification, please send your credentials (i.e. WAEC scratch card) to your admissions counselor.Ìý
Calvin grants course credit for high school level exams with qualifying scores through advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and A-level Cambridge exams.

We strongly encourage all students to consult their local advising center as they begin the application process, as they can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid, and immigration issues.
International applicants whose first language is not English should meet one or more of the following English proficiency requirements for regular admission to Â鶹Çø.
See complete information about English Language Proficiency.
You must have a valid passport in order to start the visa application process.Ìý
If you do not have a valid passport, we recommend starting the application as soon as possible.Ìý
Await admission decision
After we receive your application and all supporting materials, we'll review your file.
- If documents are incorrect or need clarification, your admissions counselor will email you.ÌýÌý
- If everything is correct, we will notify you of your acceptance status. This process can take 2–3 weeks.Ìý Ìý
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Phase 2: Financial Aid and Scholarships
Merit-based and need-based aid
When you apply, you will automatically be considered for merit-based and need-based financial aid.
Mosaic Award
International students automatically receive the Mosaic Award.
Named Scholarships
You don’t have to go through the list and figure out what you’re eligible for.Ìý
Admitted students submit one application and be automatically considered for scholarships you qualify for!
Financial verification
After you get your financial aid award, you’ll need to go through financial verification, which is required by the U.S. government before you can start your visa application.
Our team will guide you through the process. Keep an eye on your emails for next steps and important information.
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Phase 3: Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
Reserve your spot at Calvin!
Once you clear financial verification, pay your enrollment deposit as soon as possible to save your spot! Complete instructions for payments are on your .
Tips for paying your deposit:
- In your Workday Student Account*, click View Detail.
- Enter $2,500 and click Add to Cart and then check out.
- Verify the amount is correct and click Continue.
- Enter the following information: Student ID, First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth; click Continue.
- Select the payment method (bank transfer or credit/debit card). Enter information and proceed with payment.
*Find instructions for Workday in your email.
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Phase 4: Immigration
Your final steps
Our team will send you an email for each step in the immigration process, which will go in this order:
- After Calvin receives your enrollment deposit, your immigration questionnaire will be available on your .
After the immigration questionnaire is received, you will receive your form I-20 and full instructions on applying for an F-1 visa.Ìý
We will send the I-20 to you as quickly as possible, but it can take 1–2 weeks after your immigration questionnaire is submitted.
- We will send you further instructions and recommendations for scheduling your visa appointment.
International Admissions Team
Phone: 1-616-526-6106 | Toll free: 1-800-688-0122 | Fax: 1-616-526-6777 | Email: intladm@calvin.edu

Samuel Gomez

Esther (Eunbie) Lee

Zion Park

Ben Seward

Noro Dung

Ire Kim

Debora Ferreira

Elyse Caton
