Undergraduate International Students

Applicants must have completed a secondary school. This program should include coursework in the humanities, laboratory sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and history.

All applicants for admission must demonstrate their ability to participate in college courses where English is the language of instruction by achieving acceptable scores on one of the following exams (dated within two years of application):

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  Minimum Scores of:
  • 79 on the internet based TOEFL
  • 213 on the computer based TOEFL
  • 550 on the paper based TOEFL (taken before July 2017)
  • 57 paper based TOEFL (taken after July 2017)
• Duolingo
  • Minimum score of 105
• IELTS
  • Minimum Score of 6.5

Students transferring from another institution may apply for admittance for any academic semester. Transfer applicants must have earned a minimum of a C average (2.0 GPA) or equivalent and be eligible to return to the college or university he or she is leaving to attend St. Scholastica. Foreign post-secondary/university level transcripts can be evaluated by NACES and AICES member organizations.

If international students have taken International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) or College in the Schools (CITS) credits through accredited institutions, these credits may transfer to St. Scholastica. However, the College will need to perform an official transcript evaluation to see exactly which of the IB, AP or CITS may transfer to St. Scholastica. International students will need to have an official transcript sent to the College from the institution that the IB, AP or CITS courses were taken.

SpanTran

As an option, SpanTran has created a custom application for St. Scholastica students that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate ($170 for the evaluation). You can access the SpanTran application here.

International Students applying to The College of St. Scholastica must submit the following materials:

1. A completed St. Scholastica International Student Application Form.*
2. Copies of all secondary and post-secondary school transcripts. English translations must be included with these transcripts.
3. Any foreign post-secondary/university level transcripts must be evaluated by NACES and AICES member organizations, and that evaluation must be sent along with the transcript. As an option, SpanTran has created a custom application for St. Scholastica students that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate ($170 for the evaluation). You can access the SpanTran application here.
4. TOEFL test scores (including the TWE (Test of Written English) Essay Rating), IELTS Test Scores (if the student has these available) or Duolingo test score. For direct reporting of your TOEFL test scores, use code 6107

* The College of St. Scholastica reviews complete International applications on a rolling basis to determine acceptance to the College.

International students are required to live on campus two years. However, if you are a college transfer student bringing in 12 or more college credits earned after high school or a non-traditional aged student, students may qualify to live off campus. Please note, the Global Benedictine Scholarship level may have mandatory residency requirements.

All admitted international students will receive: a Global Benedictine Scholarship award and a $1,000 St. Scholastica Global Grant. A Supplemental Global Grant will be awarded contingent upon the student living in on-campus housing for the entirety of the time they spend pursuing their first undergraduate degree at St. Scholastica. The Supplemental Global Grant in combination with the Benedictine Scholarship and the St. Scholastica Global Grant will equal 80% of tuition.

A student’s Global Benedictine Scholarship, St. Scholastica Global Grant and St. Scholastica Supplemental Grant are renewable for up to three additional years or until receiving a bachelor’s degree as long as you maintain full-time enrollment status, 67% completion rate and a 2.0 GPA, or better.

Estimated Annual Expenses 2024-25*

Tuition: $40,720
Food and Housing: $11,830
Fees: $1,258 (Technology, Orientation, Health Services, Students Services)
Estimated Health Insurance (required): $1,824
Estimated costs for books: $1,200
Estimated personal expenses: $1,544

Estimated total costs: $58,376

* This estimate is based on U.S. dollars for first-time students and doesn’t include financial aid provided by the College.

Do I need to take the SAT/ACT?

We do not require SAT/ACT for international students.

Do you accept the Common Application?

Yes. We prefer that you use The College of St. Scholastica International Application but will accept the Common Application available on the Common App website.

Does St. Scholastica admit transfer students?

Yes, St. Scholastica welcomes transfer students. Contact international@css.edu, our international admissions counselor, for more information.

Can I finish my application first, then forward the rest of the required documents or are they all due at the same time?

You can complete your application first, then forward the remaining required documents to international@css.edu, our international admissions counselor.

What is St. Scholastica’s policy regarding the use of agents?

Agents who may be retained by students to help with the application process are not recognized as representatives of The College of St. Scholastica and do not have a contractual agreement or partnership to represent the College

What are the visa requirements for international students?

In order to study full-time in the United States, international students need to apply for and be approved for the F-1 student visa. Your admissions counselor will assist you with the process of applying for a F-1 visa after acceptance.

Do you offer an ESL program?

The College of St. Scholastica does not offer an ESL program.

May I transfer credits from other institutions?

Academic transcripts from other institutions are carefully reviewed by the College and credit is awarded as appropriate. Those who have taken IB, AP and similar advanced coursework are eligible to have credits awarded for their work.

What if I don’t know what major I want to pursue?

No problem. The College of St. Scholastica has a Deciding Major program that assists students in making this important decision.

Do you have an honors program? How do I become a part of it?

The College of St. Scholastica does offer an honors program for its undergraduate students. Learn more information about the honors program.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. The College of St. Scholastica awards scholarships to students based on an evaluation of their application and the accompanying materials (i.e., official secondary and/or post-secondary school transcripts and essay).

Note: Scholarship terms will not be changed once a student arrives on campus. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years as long as you maintain full-time enrollment status and Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Do you offer any athletics scholarships or financial aid?

As a NCAA Division III school, The College of St. Scholastica does not offer athletics scholarships. Learn more information about non-athletic scholarships and finances.

Can I apply for other scholarships? How do I do so?

Students are welcome to apply for outside scholarships.

Can I create a payment plan for my tuition?

The College of St. Scholastica does offer payment plans. Contact Student Accounts to discuss options.

May I work?

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year. Additional off-campus internship opportunities may be available within the student’s academic major.

How do I get advice from professionals regarding career paths and career exploration?

The College of St. Scholastica has a career services department dedicated to helping students explore and identify a career path. Learn more about Career Services. Student academic and career clubs, such as the pre-med club or math club, are also great resources. View a list of the clubs and organizations on campus.

What opportunities are available for undergraduate research, internships and experiential learning?

Various departments on campus provide support to match undergraduate students with opportunities in their field of study.

View Mahogany’s Story

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Volunteerism is an important part of student life at The College of St. Scholastica. Volunteer opportunities are available through student clubs, departments and external organizations.

What is the weather like in Minnesota?

Minnesota, like the rest of the northern states and countries, has four seasons. You will need to be prepared both for beautifully warm days and for cold and snowy winter weather. Our international students greatly enjoy the range of winter activities available.

May I live off campus?

All undergraduate students (U.S. and International) are required to live on campus their freshman and sophomore years (first two years). Individual scholarships may require you to live on campus for the duration of your educational journey at St. Scholastica.

This enables students to easily participate in campus activities and get to know their classmates and professors quickly.

May I stay on campus during breaks, including summer?

During short breaks including winter break and spring break), there are no additional room charges. Students will have to provide and prepare their own food during break because dining services are limited or closed. Additional charges will apply for students wishing to stay on campus during summer break.

Is there an international student orientation?

Yes, international student orientation is mandatory for all new international students.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, all international students are required to opt-in (enroll) in the College’s health insurance plan. View the Student Health Insurance page for more information.

What is housing like on campus?

Freshmen live in Somers Hall, which provides dorm and suite rooms for students. Somers Hall also includes Greenview Dining Room, laundry facilities, lounges and kitchenettes. View Campus Housing for more information about first-year and upper-class housing available on campus.

Are there student clubs?

St. Scholastica has a variety of clubs to meet the interest of students. View a list of the clubs and organizations on campus.