An applicant who is a citizen or a permanent resident of a country other than the United States is classified as an international student.
English Proficiency: An international student or permanent resident whose native language is not English must satisfy one of the following prerequisites:
- Submit a minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 173 on the computer-based TOEFL (CBT) or 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT). A score of 5.5 or higher on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) may be submitted for review.
- Submit a transcript showing graduation from an American high school.
- Submit a transcript from another U.S. institution showing satisfactory completion (a minimum grade of C must be achieved in college-level English Composition I).
It is the responsibility of the international student to be familiar with the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and assume responsibility for complying with these regulations.
Steps to apply for admission: The following should be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than 30 days prior to the beginning date of the term the applicant wishes to enroll.
- Apply using the online application for admission located at www.roanestate.edu.
- Official copies of academic records from secondary schools, colleges or universities accompanied by notarized or certified English translation of these documents. Any college or university courses completed in a country other than the United States, MUST be evaluated by an agency that is a member of the NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.) Students are responsible for contacting the evaluation agency and requesting a course-by-course evaluation, including a calculated grade point average. Students are also responsible for any fees associated with translations and evaluations. The following is a list of some evaluation agencies but not limited to (Roane State does not endorse any particular agency and the college cannot guarantee the accuracy, quality, or availability of the agencies on this list. If you find an error, please let us know.):
- Academic Evaluation Services, Inc.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (Use this SpanTran link for a customized application for Roane State ensuring you select the correct evaluation at a discounted rate.)
- World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
- International students under 21 years of age must submit ACT or SAT scores.
- Placement assessment may be required dependent upon age, admissions category (new or transfer), and ACT/SAT scores. Enrollment in courses indicated by results of the assessment is mandatory.
- For F-1 (student) visas, evidence of financial resources adequate for all expenses for at least one year of enrollment is required. The first-year fees and expenses total $29,000. (This figure is an estimate and is subject to change.) Additional funds are required if the student plans to bring a spouse or dependent into the country. An official statement from a U.S. bank verifying these resources will meet this requirement. If original statement is in foreign currency, an official conversion to U.S. dollars from the foreign bank must accompany the statement.
- Provide documentation substantiating official status with the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. (Passport, visa, I94, etc.) Upon arrival in the United States, all official immigration documents, including passports and visas, must be presented in person to the Director of Parent/Family Engagement and International Admissions. F1 students will be able to meet this requirement during the mandatory meeting with the director at the start of the first term of attendance.
- All international students are required to have health and accidental insurance from an approved US company. The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) has partnered with United Healthcare to provide the medical insurance plan for international students attending the colleges within the TBR system. When enrolling for coverage, you will be able to purchase for the time period required by your institution. To enroll with United Healthcare, please visit https://www.uhcsrinternational.com/school_page/tennessee-board-of-regents/home-tennessee-board-of-regents/.
- Complete the Immunization Health History Form
- Complete the RSCC International Student Information form.
- Submit proof of lawful presence in the United States unless you are an F1 student, which is verified through SEVIS. All other visa types should submit 2 of the following:
- Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94)
- Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with valid visa
- Notice of Approval of Status with bottom I-94 portion attached (Form I-797)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders
- Non-Resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card and
- Any other document determined by the US Department of Homeland Security to be acceptable through the SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) program.
NOTE: On October 26, 2001, Congress enacted the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. The act amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to permit institutions to disclose education records to federal law enforcement officials without student consent if the appropriate United States official, certifying that “specific and articulable facts” support the request, obtains a court order that requires an educational institution to turn over education records that are considered relevant to a terrorism investigation.