INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International Students are a huge part of what enriches our campus life. Our prayer is that you become salt and light in the world around you, so that others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

(Matthew 5: 13-16)

Admissions Process for Internationals

Ecclesia evaluates applicants holistically based on academics, spiritual life, and character. If you have not started an application, it can be found here (select the Springdale Campus option):

APPLY NOW

Submit the supplemental form through our Application Portal to complete your application.

Schedule your interview appointment at appointment.ecollege.edu to further discuss your application and aspirations. Be sure you have completed the institutional agreement prior to the interview.

Submit two types of references—Character and Pastoral—through the application portal.

Academic Records

All applicants are required to present evidence of secondary school completion as well as official transcripts for any credit from a college, university, or technical school.

Ecclesia College requires all international applicants to submit a “course-by-course” evaluation to ensure consistency and reliability in assessing academic achievements.

Recommended Evaluation Agencies:

InCred:

  • Specifically recommended for college athletes.
  • If you are a college athlete, we strongly advise using InCred for your transcript evaluation.
  • Be sure to select the “course by course” evaluation type.

SpanTran:

  • Tailored application process for Ecclesia College applicants, offering a discounted rate.
  • Recommended for non-athletes.
InCred
SpanTran

Verification of English Proficiency

Applicants must provide verification of English proficiency in one of three forms with the scores listed: paper-based TOEFL = 500; internet-based TOEFL = 80 total with a score of 20 for each subsection, and IELTS = 5.5.

TOEFL
IELTS

Pay Deposit

Make a $2,500 USD deposit by July 1st via www.flywire.com using your student ID. Send a copy of the payment receipt to Ecclesia College.

Proof of Ability to Pay

To demonstrate financial readiness, international students must complete the Financial Guarantee Form. This form requires documentation showing the ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs for the duration of your studies at Ecclesia College.

Submit a bank statement demonstrating your ability to pay for the remainder of the semester. This documentation is valid for six months. Payment for the remaining balance is due at the beginning of each semester.

Prepare a thorough budget covering tuition, living costs, books, and fees. Our admissions team offers financial planning support for a seamless transition. Thoughtfully managing finances ensures a fulfilling academic journey at Ecclesia College, free from financial burdens. Additional costs include student-visa fees, airfares, and insurance. This can add several thousand dollars to your overall costs.

Copy of Passport

Send a photocopy of your passport to your Admissions Counselor. The information from your passport will be used to create your Student Visa paperwork.

After you have completed the admissions process, your acceptance to Ecclesia will be determined by the Admissions Committee, a team of administrative staff members who meet periodically to review applicants. Once accepted, you will receive formal communication from your Admissions Counselor and begin the Student Visa Process.

International Student Visa Process

Once you are accepted to Ecclesia College, you will receive an I-20 along with an International Student Packet to guide you through the Student Visa process. For more information on this process, click the link below:

Study in the States Guide

Call the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country and schedule your Student Visa Interview.

The I-901 Fee is $350 and is used to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. It should be paid before you attend your interview appointment at the Embassy.

Pay I-901 Fee

Continue to check your email and follow through with all directions from the United States Customs & Immigration Services (USCIS).

People from different countries have different experiences with the Student Visa process. Your Admissions Counselor can answer many questions for you, but the best resource is the Study in the States hotkey above.

You may enter the country 30 days before your program start date.

Please let your Admissions Counselor know when you plan to arrive on campus.

Aaron Garst

View Schedule

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of attendance is detailed below. Ecclesia has a number of scholarships that can help reduce the total amount owed. Check out the FAQ on those for more information.

Per SemesterPer Year
Tuition$7,875$15,750
Student fees$550$1,100
Room/Meal Plan$4,000$8,000
Totals Costs:$12,42524,850
Additional fees: Books, program fees, and course fees are extra expenses. After you are enrolled in classes, you will see what books are needed and how to purchase them.

International students may enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date of their program. It’s essential to plan your arrival accordingly and ensure compliance with US immigration regulations. Students are responsible for obtaining their own housing and food before official move-in date. Notify your DSO of when you will be arriving on campus.

Student should have the following documents in their carry-on bag. Do not put these travel documents in checked suitcases!

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
  • F-1 or J-1 Visa (Canadian citizens exempt)
  • SEVIS Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Supporting financial documentation (most students use the same as for the visa application)
  • Proof of class registration

It is also recommended to review the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel FAQs before coming into the United States. Students must be prepared to complete forms about items being brought into the U.S.

The estimated cost of living on campus includes housing and meal plans, totaling $8,000 per year. However, Beyond academic costs, international students should budget for day-to-day living expenses. This includes accommodation, transportation, personal necessities, and food. While the campus dining hall provides meals during specified hours, students should also budget for food when the dining hall is closed or during weekends. This may include groceries or dining out expenses.

International students live within walking distance of classes and the cafeteria.

Some students work toward obtaining a driver’s license and purchasing a vehicle while here. For more information about the driver’s license process, go here: Arkansas Driver’s License.

To leave campus, you can coordinate a rides with other students or you can use companies such as UBER and LYFT. For deliveries to your dorm, you can use DoorDash or Instacart, and many businesses have their own delivery services.

Available Scholarships (types and amounts not guaranteed):
Work-Learning
Awarded to all on-campus students for working up to 12 hrs/week. The amount awarded is contingent upon the number of approved work hours. International students begin with 6 hours per week, equating to $1,980. The scholarship is directly applied to the student’s account each pay period.
Academic (awarded after 1st full-time semester in a US Institution*):
$1500/year = 3.0 GPA
$2500/year = 3.5 GPA
$3000/year = 3.85 GPA
$3500/year = 4.0 GPA
Re-evaluated each year; maintain GPA = maintain scholarship
Christian Leadership
Essay-style application; $1000 awarded each year to 11 returning students and 10 new students.
International Student Scholarship
Awarded to a limited number international students who are accepted and complete the application by July 1st; normally $1000/year
Performance Scholarship
Awarded by activity director or coaches and based on talent and financial need; normally between $1500-$5000/year.