Home / International Students

Thank you for your interest in becoming an International Student at Bluefield State University.  BSU welcomes students from all around the world and is currently home to students from 27 different countries.

We accept both first-time international freshmen and those who have already taken courses at another institution.

As an international student you will need to follow some specific steps to apply.  For help along the way, please call the Office of International Student Services at 304-327-4173


Requirements to Apply

  1. Complete the International application online here.
  2. Submit the following materials to the Bluefield State Office of International Student Services.
    • Official high school transcripts*
    • Official college transcripts of all previous coursework within or outside the U.S. It is required to have your international credits evaluated (*High School and College) through a certified third party affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services and have them send their reviewed documents to Bluefield State University. Consider using Education Evaluators InternationalWorld Educational Services, or SpanTran.
    • A copy of your passport.
    • A copy of your Visa
    • If you are on an F-1 Visa in the U.S. a copy of your current I-20
    • A Financial Verification Form, indicating that you have the necessary amount of $33,700/year in American currency available for your education
    • An enrollment recommendation by an instructor, coach, or employer
    • If applying from a non-English-speaking country: proof of successful completion of an ESL program or one of the following: a PTE academic score of 50 or better or a TOEFL score of 500 or better or internet TOEFL score of 64 or better or an IEL test band score of 6.0 or better, or Duolingo with a score of 90 or better. International Students who do not have passing English scores may apply for possible acceptance into the English for International Students Program of the Office of International Initiatives.

**Additionally, if you are accepted then you will need to submit an Immigration Transfer Form as well as arrange Accuplacer Testing for placement in English and Math classes prior to course registration. Proof of medical insurance including Medivacis required upon arrival to BSU.

Forms may be sent to:

Bluefield State University
ATTN: Jennifer A. Johnson PDSO
Office of International Student Services
219 Rock St
Bluefield WV 24701
USA

Application Deadlines

June 1 for the fall semester (beginning in August)
November 1 for the spring semester (beginning in January)

Applications must be completed by one month after these dates.

Housing, Expenses & Arrival

As you make plans to study at Bluefield State, please keep the following considerations in mind.

View Housing Information

Expenses

Students and their families should be prepared to spend an estimated $33,700 annually, which covers tuition, living expenses and other related fees such as books. Financial aid is generally not available for international students.