International Undergraduate Admissions

Applicants must demonstrate that they have fulfilled or are on track to fulfill all subject requirements needed to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma from their school country.

High School Transcripts

• Students may apply with unofficial transcripts by uploading them to their Saint Mary's applicant status page.
• Once admitted an official final transcript will be required. This should be sent by your high school counselor to smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu
• If your transcripts are not in English, English translations must be included in addition to the original non-English version.
• If you have attended high school in multiple countries, you will need to submit at least one transcript from a high school in each country, unless you were part of an exchange program in which grades were awarded by your sending school.
• External examination results are required from applicants who have studied in education systems with external exams (i.e. (I)GCSE/A levels, CBSE, WAEC, etc.)

English Proficiency Test Scores

All applicants from countries in which English is not an official language must submit results from an accepted English proficiency test. See table below for a list of accepted English tests and minimum required scores.

Applicants may have this requirement waived if the medium of instruction for all years of high school has been in English--subject to verification by an admissions counselor after transcript has been submitted.

Countries exempt from the English Proficiency Test.
 

*All test scores must be taken within 2 years of time of application.

Request a Letter of Recommendation be sent to Saint Mary's

Letters of recommendation are not required but are encouraged. We advise giving your counselor or teacher ample time to submit the letter of recommendation by the postmark deadline. Letters may be sent directly by recommender through the Common Application, by postal mail, or by email to smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu.

While no minimum credits are needed to transfer, if you have fewer than 23 transferable academic semester units or 34 transferable academic quarter units, we may need to review your Official Final High School transcript or equivalent documents to consider you for admission.

College Transcripts

• Students must submit transcripts which account for each term completed at any post-secondary institution.
• If your transcripts are not in English, English translations must be included in addition to the original non-English version.
• If you have attended post-secondary institutions in multiple countries, you will need to submit at least one transcript from an institution in each country, unless you were part of an exchange program in which grades were awarded by your sending school.

English Proficiency

All applicants from countries in which English is not an official language must submit results from an accepted English proficiency test. See "Required Documents for Upload" tab for a list of accepted English tests and minimum required scores.

Countries exempt from the English proficiency test requirement

Applicants may have this requirement waived if they have earned a "B" or better in a transferable English Composition course (not ESL) at an accredited US college or university.

Saint Mary’s College welcomes students who have challenged themselves in the classroom by taking Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Accepted students will have the opportunity to transfer credits earned through examinations in AP or IB courses. The College grants up to a full year of college credit for AP examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board or higher-level IB courses.

Learn More About AP & IB

Once you have placed your enrollment deposit at Saint Mary's, you can begin the process of applying for your F-1 student visa. After submitting your enrollment deposit, you will be able to upload the required documents for your Certificate of Eligibility Form I-20 on your applicant status page.

After you have uploaded the required documents and they are approved, you will be issued an I-20. With the I-20, you will be able to complete the F-1 visa application and arrange a visa appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate.

Required Documents to Receive an I-20 from Saint Mary’s:

• Completed and signed Certificate of Finances
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of financial documents

Submit your Certificate of Finances through your applicant status page

Additional Information about Financial Requirements

The U.S. Department of State requires students to prove their financial ability to cover the first year of academic study at Saint Mary's College of California. The College is required to verify your financial resources.

To do so, you must complete the Certification of Finances Form. This form must be completed and signed by the student and any financial sponsor that the student will use to fund their studies at Saint Mary's College of California.

This document is required in order to receive an I-20 from Saint Mary's College. The estimated cost of attendance on the Certificate of Finances form does not cover living expenses for the summer vacation period, transportation costs to and from campus, or visa application fees.

As an F-1 student visa holder, students are not authorized to work in the U.S. except under special circumstances. Do not include anticipated campus employment as part of your financial documentation.

Transfer Students Only:  Submit your F-1 Student SEVIS Transfer Form through your applicant status page. If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, complete the F-1 SEVIS Transfer Form along with a copy of your current F-1 visa, and a copy of your current I-20.