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The Summer Scholars program welcomes students from around the world who wish to study at Loyola University Chicago. We appreciate the contributions our international students make to the summer community here at Loyola.

The following will assist you in completing the standard application requirements as well as provide information about visa requirements for study in the U.S.

VISA

International students wishing to enroll in the six-week Academy program must enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa in order to receive university credit.

Students interested in our three-week Seminars, who do not wish to receive credit, often attend using visitor visas (B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver) to enter the U.S. in order to participate in the program. Be sure to consult with your US embassy or consulate to determine if this is right for you. 

Although F-1 student visas are given priority, it still may take 1-2 months to obtain one. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to begin this process as soon as possible by completing your application then submitting all the admission packet materials with your F-1 documents. We also recommend you keep a copy of these materials for your records.

We also recommend you read the our Visa Tips and Instructions: (F-1)‌ document. And additional information can be found on Travel.State.Gov.

To allow sufficient time for processing visa requests, international students must have their applications completed by May 1, 2013.

Upon admission to the program, all international students will need to complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form to obtain an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status). The purpose of this documentation is to prove that you, or your sponsors, have enough money to support tuition and living expenses for the entire summer, with the understanding that you will be able to fund your entire education at Loyola.

Be sure to include the following with this form:

• Copy of your Passport Identity Page
• Financial documents not older than 6 months, to prove that you have sufficient funding for 1 year of living expenses, plus 1 year of tuition, with the understanding that you will be able to fund your entire education at Loyola University Chicago.

Once our office receives completed form and its supporting documentation, we will begin processing your visa request.   

DEADLINES

Students are accepted on a rolling, case-by-case basis. 

Please Note: Once you have received your I-20, we suggest you take this form, along with a copy of your admissions acceptance letter, to your U.S. embassy or consulate. Using these materials, you will apply for the F-1 student visa.

Some countries require more time than others to schedule appointments and process visa paperwork. We cannot be responsible for delays in receiving visa documents or difficulties with scheduling appointments with your U.S. embassy or consulate.

TOEFL / IELTS

An official TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language or IELTS International English Language Testing System score report is required for international applicants.

All international students must present sufficient evidence of ability to speak, read, and write in English through a minimum score of 79 (internet), 550 (paper), or 213 (electronic) or an IELTS score of at least 6.5. These required scores reflect the minimum level of English proficiency you need to take courses Loyola.

If you are unable to provide a TOEFL score, we will accept your SAT scores as an alternative.