Do I need a credential evaluation before applying?

Not all applicants need an external credential evaluation before applying. Concordia Texas may review international secondary-school records internally and will notify you if an external evaluation is required. However, all college or university coursework completed outside the United States must receive a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-member credential evaluation agency.

Can I submit unofficial transcripts first?

Yes. Unofficial academic records may be submitted for an initial admission review. Official final records and certified English translations, when applicable, will be required before enrollment is finalized. Concordia Texas may review international secondary-school records internally. All postsecondary coursework completed outside the United States must receive a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-member credential evaluation agency.

What English proficiency tests does Concordia Texas accept?

Concordia Texas accepts several English proficiency exams. Visit the English Proficiency Requirements page to view the full list of accepted exams and minimum score requirements.

When will I receive my Form I-20?

Once all required documentation has been verified, Concordia Texas will issue your Form I-20 so you can begin the F-1 student visa process.

Can students transfer to Concordia Texas from another U.S. institution?

Yes. Students currently studying in the United States may transfer their SEVIS record to Concordia Texas after admission and coordination with their current institution.

Study in the U.S. | International Admissions Requirements

Study in the United States: International Admissions at Concordia Texas

Concordia Texas welcomes students from around the world who want to study in the United States while earning a Christ-centered education at a welcoming Christian university in Austin, Texas. This page explains the international admissions requirements, application steps, and documentation needed to begin your academic journey at Concordia Texas.

International Student Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for international students at Concordia Texas vary depending on whether you are a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student. Review the pathways below to understand the academic qualifications and documentation required before receiving your Form I-20 and beginning the F-1 visa process.

First-Time College Student	Transfer Student	Graduate Student
Minimum GPA: 2.5 equivalent on a 4.0 scale	Minimum GPA: 2.0 equivalent on a 4.0 scale	Minimum GPA: 2.75 equivalent on a 4.0 scale
Official or unofficial high school transcripts and graduation credentials (with English translations, if applicable). Concordia Texas may review these records internally; an external credential evaluation may be required in some cases	All prior college coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated course-by-course by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service	All prior coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated course-by-course by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service
Proof of English proficiency	Proof of English proficiency	Proof of English proficiency

Additional Requirements for Students Currently Attending a U.S. School

If you are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, review the additional requirements below for transferring your SEVIS record to Concordia Texas.

The requirements below apply to students who are already studying in the United States and are transferring their SEVIS record to Concordia Texas.

Transfer Undergraduate Students

Valid passport
Proof of financial support and sponsor affidavit (if applicable)
Official transcript from U.S. college (plus transcript evaluation for any non-U.S. coursework)
Proof of English proficiency
Copy of current I-20

MBA Students

Valid passport
Proof of financial support and sponsor affidavit (if applicable)
Official transcript from U.S. college (plus transcript evaluation for any non-U.S. coursework)
Proof of English proficiency
Resume
Meeting with the MBA Director if GPA is below 2.75
Copy of current I-20

After acceptance, you and the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school must complete the Concordia Texas Transfer-In Form. When your current school releases your SEVIS record to Concordia Texas, a new I-20 will be issued.

International Student Application and Admission Process

An international student studying at Concordia University Texas

Step 1: Submit Your Application

International students begin the admissions process by submitting an online application to Concordia Texas. Once your application is received, our admissions team reviews your academic qualifications and notifies you of your admission decision.

To receive an initial admission decision, submit official or unofficial academic records from each school or institution you have attended. Documents not issued in English must include a certified English translation. Concordia Texas may review international high school records internally, although an external credential evaluation may be requested in some cases. College or university coursework completed outside the United States requires a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-member agency.

Step 2: Receive Contingent Admission

Students who meet the academic criteria may receive contingent admission, which allows them to move forward while completing additional international documentation required for enrollment.

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

After receiving contingent admission, students must submit required documentation before an immigration document can be issued. This documentation allows Concordia Texas to verify eligibility and prepare immigration paperwork for international students.

Required documentation may include:

Officially evaluated academic transcripts
Proof of financial support demonstrating the ability to cover one academic year of study
Copy of passport identification page
English proficiency documentation
Additional immigration documents for SEVIS transfer students (such as current I-20, visa, and I-94)

English Proficiency Requirements

Immigration and Visa Process

After Concordia Texas verifies your required admissions documentation, eligible students will receive a Form I-20, which allows them to begin the F-1 student visa process.

While the visa process is separate from admissions requirements, Concordia Texas provides guidance to help international students prepare for the next steps.

View the Full Visa & Immigration Process

Visa Process Overview
1. Receive your Form I-20 from Concordia Texas
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
3. Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
4. Attend your visa interview and receive your visa decision
For detailed guidance on preparing for your visa interview, understanding SEVIS requirements, and planning your travel to the United States, visit our dedicated visa resource page.

Two international students walking across Concordia University Texas

Enrollment Deposit

After visa approval, students must submit their enrollment deposit to confirm their place at Concordia Texas.

Deposit timelines may vary depending on the student’s visa timeline and program start date.

Prepare for Arrival

Once your visa is approved and deposit submitted, you may begin preparing to travel to the United States. International students will receive additional guidance regarding travel planning, housing, and orientation.

Attend Orientation

All international students must attend orientation before the start of the academic term. Orientation provides guidance on immigration regulations, campus resources, and academic expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credential evaluation before applying?

Not all applicants need an external credential evaluation before applying. Concordia Texas may review international secondary-school records internally and will notify you if an external evaluation is required. However, all college or university coursework completed outside the United States must receive a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-member credential evaluation agency.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts first?

Yes. Unofficial academic records may be submitted for an initial admission review. Official final records and certified English translations, when applicable, will be required before enrollment is finalized. Concordia Texas may review international secondary-school records internally. All postsecondary coursework completed outside the United States must receive a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-member credential evaluation agency.
What English proficiency tests does Concordia Texas accept?

Concordia Texas accepts several English proficiency exams. Visit the English Proficiency Requirements page to view the full list of accepted exams and minimum score requirements.
When will I receive my Form I-20?

Once all required documentation has been verified, Concordia Texas will issue your Form I-20 so you can begin the F-1 student visa process.
Can students transfer to Concordia Texas from another U.S. institution?

Yes. Students currently studying in the United States may transfer their SEVIS record to Concordia Texas after admission and coordination with their current institution.

Need Help?

Our admissions and international support teams are available to guide you through every step of the process.

If you have questions about admissions requirements, documentation, or the visa process, please contact the Concordia Texas International Admissions team.

Contact International Admissions