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International Admissions

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International Students

Saint Leo University supports and celebrates the diversity of backgrounds and experiences that international students bring to the University.

Whether you are planning to enter college in the United States for the first time, looking to transfer credit from previous academic experience, or interested in furthering your education with a graduate degree, Saint Leo University welcomes you.

Any student who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international student. U.S. citizens who have attended a high school or university outside of the United States will also be considered an international student for the application process.

22%

Percentage of International Students Attending On-Campus at Saint Leo University 

101

Countries Represented by Saint Leo's Student Population 

104,000

Alumni Worldwide

Undergraduate Campus Admission Requirements

Admission to Saint Leo University is a simple, straightforward process. Applicants should submit the following materials to the Office of Admissions. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo University's traditional on-campus undergraduate programs:

  1. Application
  2. Official Transcript
    • Submit transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values.
    • Certified word-for-word translations of all non-English credentials must be provided.
    • Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file.
  3. Proof of English Language Proficiency

    All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 45 iBT
    • International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.0
    • Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 35
    • Successful completion of ELS Level 109
    • For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
    • Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
    • Duolingo English Test - minimum score of 80
    • Students who meet these requirements are eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the Bridge Program. Undergraduate students will be required to utilize elective credits for English courses and graduate students will be required to take the foundation component of their program. Student’s English Proficiency scores will determine placement into the Bridge program. See Bridge Program for more details.
    • Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meets or exceeds one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT (Minimum 19 subscores), IELTS 6.5 (Minimum 6.0 bandscores), PTE A 53 (Minimum 52 bandscores), ELS Level 112, or Duolingo 120.
    • Saint Leo University reserves the right to require a student to take Bridge classes to increase English proficiency in a particular area, regardless of total test scores. Other English language examination results will also be considered, and experience studying in the English language, as documented through school transcripts, will be taken into consideration.
  4. Photocopy of the Biographical section of your current passport
  5. Proof of Financial Ability to Pay
    • Generally, international students must show evidence of ability to pay all direct and indirect costs of attendance. Indirect costs include expenses not covered by tuition, room/board and fee charges.
    • Submit your completed and signed Certificate of Finances form.
    • Send supporting financial documentation. All students are required to demonstrate the financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document by Saint Leo University. All supporting financial documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation showing available liquid funds. The financial documents cannot be older than six months at the time of submission to Saint Leo University in order to be considered valid. These financial documents include, but are not limited to, bank statements and letters, government or organization scholarships. These items can be sent electronically, through postal mail or faxed.
    • Once your documents have been received and reviewed, Saint Leo University will issue the Form I-20. This will be mailed to the mailing address listed on your Certificate of Finances form.

Graduate Campus Admission Requirements

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo University's traditional on-campus graduate programs:

  1. Application
  2. Official Transcript
    • Submit transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values.
    • Certified word-for-word translations of all non-English credentials must be provided.
    • Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file.
  3. Proof of English Language Proficiency
    All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 45 iBT
    • International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.0
    • Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 35
    • Successful completion of ELS Level 109
    • For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
    • Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
    • Duolingo English Test - minimum score of 80
    • Students who meet these requirements are eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the Bridge Program. Undergraduate students will be required to utilize elective credits for English courses and graduate students will be required to take the foundation component of their program. Student’s English Proficiency scores will determine placement into the Bridge program. See Bridge Program for more details.
    • Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meets or exceeds one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT (Minimum 19 subscores), IELTS 6.5 (Minimum 6.0 bandscores), PTE A 53 (Minimum 52 bandscores), ELS Level 112, or Duolingo 120.
    • Saint Leo University reserves the right to require a student to take Bridge classes to increase English proficiency in a particular area, regardless of total test scores. Other English language examination results will also be considered, and experience studying in the English language, as documented through school transcripts, will be taken into consideration.
  4. Supplemental Documentation
    • Submit a current resume.
    • Submit two professional recommendations completed on forms you can download professional recommendation form.
    • Submit a Statement of Professional Goals of 500 words or more that outlines how your educational and career goals match Saint Leo University's program.
  5. Photocopy of the biographical section of your current passport
  6. Proof of Financial Ability to Pay
    • Generally, international students must show evidence of ability to pay all direct and indirect costs of attendance. Indirect costs include expenses not covered by tuition, room/board and fee charges.
    • Submit your completed and signed Certificate of Finances form.
    • Send supporting financial documentation. All students are required to demonstrate the financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document by Saint Leo University. All supporting financial documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation showing available liquid funds. The financial documents cannot be older than six months at the time of submission to Saint Leo University in order to be considered valid. These financial documents include, but are not limited to, bank statements and letters, government or organization scholarships. These items can be sent electronically, through postal mail or faxed.
    • Once your documents have been received and reviewed, Saint Leo University will issue the Form I-20. This will be mailed to the mailing address listed on your Certificate of Finances form.

Application Process for Online/Center International Students

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo's online programs, follow the standard undergraduate or graduate application process, with the following additional steps:

Application Process

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo's online programs, follow the standard undergraduate or graduate application process, with the following additional steps:

  1. Transcripts: Submit transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values. Certified word-for-word translations of all non-English credentials must be provided. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file.
     
  2. Proof of English Language Proficiency
    All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following:
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT
    2. International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 6.5
    3. Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 53
    4. For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
    5. Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
    6. Duolingo English Test - minimum score of 120

Please send all documents directly to the university at wwadmission@saintleo.edu or at:
Saint Leo University
Office of Admissions
33701 County Road 52
PO Box 6665, MC 2008
Saint Leo, FL 33574

Once all of a student's documents have been received, you can expect official notification of our admission decision within 30 business days. If you do not qualify for admission by meeting the usual requirements, but show promise of academic success, Saint Leo University may grant conditional admission.

Transferring International Credit

Saint Leo University recognizes all international diplomas and credits taken at accredited secondary and post-secondary institutions once all appropriate official documentation and credentials are received and translated (where necessary).

Credit is granted in accordance with the Association of International Educators and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).

Students presenting diplomas indicating academic work beyond the high school level will have academic work evaluated by the Registrar. The Registrar will determine the exact number and nature of courses granted once the international evaluation is received.

Bridge Program

Some international students may not satisfy the language proficiency requirements for general admission but still meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for University admission through the Bridge Program.

The Bridge Program is available for both undergraduate and graduate degree course work.
Visit the Bridge Program web page for more information.

Application, recommendation and transcripts can be sent to:
Saint Leo University
University Campus - MC 2008
33701 County Road 52
PO Box 6665
Saint Leo, FL 33574
Fax: (352) 588-8257
intladmission@saintleo.edu

Next Steps

After you have received your Form I-20 and F-1 student visa, you will need to complete the following steps:

Additional Information

Office of WorldWide Admissions

Toll Free: (888) 875-8265
Fax: (888) 743-8116

Office of WorldWide Admissions
Saint Leo University
33701 County Road 52
PO Box 6665, MC 2008
Saint Leo, FL 33574

Admissions Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Select Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed Sundays

Country/Qualification Requirement
Afghanistan Doreyeh Aali or 12th Grade Graduation Certificate (Baccaluria) with 70% or higher
Albania Deftese Pjekurie (Certificate of Maturity) with 6/10
Algeria Baccalaureat de ;’Enseignement Secondaire with an over score of 11 or higher. Releve de Notes de l’Examen Final du Baccalaureate (Exam results transcript) must also be submitted.
Angola Certificado de Habilitacoes Literarias with an average subject score of 12
Argentina Bachiller with a 6/10
Armenia Mijnakarg Krfutyan Attestate (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education) OR Hasunutian Vkaiakan (Certificate of Maturity) with 6/10, 3.5/5, or 11/12
Australia Year 12 with a 50% average or higher
Austria Reifezeugnis (Maturity Certificate) with a 3.5
Azerbaijan 3.5 out of 5 or 65/100%, Certificate of General Secondary Education
Bahrain Tawjahiya Secondary School Certificate with a 50% average
Bangladesh Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with a 50% average
Benin 11 out 20 Baccalauréat de ľ Enseignement Secondair; Secondary Education Baccalaureate
Bolivia Bachiller with a 45/70 or 4.5/7 average
Bosnia & Herzegovina 2.5 out 5 Certificate or Diploma of Secondary Education Diploma o Svedočanstvo or Svjedočanstvo
Botswana Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education with a 2nd Class, 2nd Division, or C average
Brazil Brazilian Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Medio) with a 5/10
Bulgaria 3.5 out of 6 Zrelostno Svidetelstvo; Diploma of Completed Secondary education Zrelostno Svidetelstvo; Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazavanie
Brunei Third class honors (C) or see GCE-O Level
Cambodia Baccalaureat (Baccalaureate) with 6 or 60%
Cameroon 11 out of 20 Baccalaureat de l’Eseignement Secondaire OR 5 academic subjects with 2.5 average based on scale for IGCSE / O Level / AS Level / A Level is: 9-8/A*=5, 7/A=4, 6=3.5, 5=3.25, 4/B/C=3, 3-2/D/E=2, 1/F/G=1, U=0. Subjects must include Math, English, Science, a second language and an elective. A 2.5 average based on scale noted below on A Level and/or AS Level if applicable. Must also meet IGCSE/O Level requirements.
Caribbean Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) with 4 General Proficiency Passes at Grade III or better
Chile Licencia de Educacion Media (academic) with 4 or higher
China Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average
Colombia Titulo de Bachiller with 6
Congo 11 out of 20 Baccalauréat;Baccalaureate
Costa Rica Diploma de conclusion de estudios de education diversificada or Bachillerato 7.5/10 or 75/100 
Cyprus (Greek) 13 out of 20 or 55/100% Apolytirio of Lykeion
Cyprus (Turkey) 55/100% or 2.5/5  Grading scale effective 2013 and on or 3/5 prior to 2013 Lise Diplomasi
Denmark 4 out of 12 Bevis for Hojere Forberedelseseksamen or Studentereksamen
Dominican Republic Bachillerato or Bachillerato en Ciecas y Letras with a 78 percent or 2.5 or higher
Ecuador Bachiller with a 6/10
Egypt General Secondary Education Certificate with a 50% average or pass
El Salvador Bachiller/Bachillerato General with a 6.5/10 or higher
Ethiopia Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination (EHEEE) with a 50% average (good) or higher
Fiji Fiji School Leaving Certificate or Form 7 Certificate with a 6 average or higher
France Baccalaureat General with an overall score of 11 or higher
Gambia WAEC or NECO (Senior School Certificate) with average of C5
GCE-O Level Completion with a D or 7 in a minimum of 5 subjects
GCSE/IGCSE 5 college preparatory subject passes with a grade of D or higher and the two subjects of Mathematics and English are required. If English is not the primary language in the applicant’s country, then the subject of their foreign language will be accepted.
Germany 3.5 out of 6 or 5 out of 15 Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife/Abitur or (Certificate of Overall Maturity for Higher) or Zeugnis of Fachhochschulreife
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination with D average
Greece Apolytirio Eniaiou Lykeiou. 6/10 or 60/100 or 12/20
Guatemala Bachiller en Ciencias y Letras with a 75% average or higher
Guinea Attestation De Reussite Et Releve De Notes 10/20
Guinea-Bissau Certificado de Conclusao do Ensino Secundario with a 10/20
Haiti Baccalaureate or Baccalaureate I or Baccalaureate II with a 58% or higher
Hong Kong HKCEE (Form 5) - D  or higher in 5 subjects

HKDSE - Minimum level 1 in 4 academic units 
India All India Senior Secondary Certificate (CSBE/CISCE) with C2 (6 pass with credit) or higher in 3 academic subjects or 50% (Pass Class)
Indonesia SMA3 with an average grade of 5 or higher in 4 academic subjects
International Baccalaureate Completion with an overall of 22 or IB score of 3.5
Iran Peesh-daneshgahii (High School Diploma) with 12 average
Iraq Adadiyah (Sixth Form Baccalaureate) with a 60 percent average or higher
Israel Teudat Bagrut with a 55% average
Italy 6 out of 10 for academic subjects and a 60/100% for exam results, Diploma, Diploma di Maturita/Diploma di Esame di Stato
Japan Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a 3 GPA
Jordan Tawjihi (Academic) with 60% average
Kazkhstan Attestat with 3 GPA
Kenya Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a C or 6 average
Kuwait Shahadat Al-Thanawiya-Al-A’ama (Secondary School Diploma) with a 70% average
Kyrgyzstan 3.5 out of 5, Attestat
Laos Baccalaureat II with an overall score of 10
Lebanon 11 out of 20 or 65/100% Lebanese Baccalaureat
Libya 70/100% Secondary Education Certificate
Macau See criteria for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or GCE
Malaysia SPM with C6 or higher
Mauritius See GCE-O Level
Mexico Certificado de Bachillerato with 6.0 average
Mongolia School Leaving Certificate (Gerchilgee) with 2.0 (C) average
Morocco Baccalaureat with an overall score of 11 or higher. Releve de Notes de l’Examen Final du Baccalaureat (Exam results transcript) must also be submitted.
Myanmar Basic Education Standard Exam Diploma (Academic & Vocational) with a 3 or 40% average
Nepal Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with 50% (Third Division) 
Netherlands 6 out of 10, HAVO Diploma; Diploma of Senior General Secondary education and VWO Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs; Diploma of University Preparatory Education (IERF)
New Zealand Record of Achievement for NCEA Level 3 – need 3 academic subjects on the level 3 certificate with at least 14 credits in each of the 3 academic subjects at “achieved” or higher. 6/10 or 60/100
Nigeria General Certificate of Education with a C6 average in 5 academic subjects
Norway 3 out of 6 Vietnemal fra de Videregaende Skole
Oman Thanawiya Amma (General Secondary School Certificate) with 65% average
Pakistan Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with 50% (3rd or Pass Class) average
Panama Diploma de Bachiller with a 70% average
Peru Bachillerato Academic or Certificado de Educacion Secundaria Comun Completa with 12/20
Philippines High School Diploma with 75 (C) average
Poland Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci Liceum Profilowanega or Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci Liceum Ogolnoksztalcacego with 3.5 or higher
Portugal Diploma de Ensino Secundario (Diploma of Secondary Education) with 12 
Qatar Al-Thanawiya Aama Qatari with a 60% average
Romania 6 out of 10, Diploma de Baccalaureat (academic)
Russia Attestat o srednem (polnom) obschem obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) with a 3.0 GPA 
Saudi Arabia Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thanawiyyat (General Secondary Education Certificate) with a 65% (Good) average
Senegal  Baccalaureate with a 11 average or higher
Singapore GCE-O Level – 5 academic subjects with 7 or lower or GCE-A Level D (pass)
South Africa Senior Certificate with Matriculation with D average or matriculation endorsement with 50%
South Korea High School Certificate with a 70% average or 6 rank (Yang)
Spain 5.5 out of 10 Bachillerato Titulo de Bachiller
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka A Levels with S grade (Ordinary Pass) in 3 subjects or 45%
Sweden Avgangsbetyg/Slutbetgy fran Gymnasieskola (Certificate from Upper Secondary School) with “G” grade (Godkand) in five academic subjects
Swaziland Swaziland Certificate of Secondary Education with 5 academic subject passes with D or higher
Switzerland Eidgenossisches Maturitat, Maturite federale, Baccalaureat or Maturita federale with a 5/10 or better. Eidgenossisch anerkannte Kantonale Maturitat or Maturite cantonal reconnu par la Confederation with a 4/6 or better. Maturita cantonale riconosciuta dalla Confederazione with 3/5 or better
Syrian Arab Republic Al-Shahada Al Thanawiyya – Al’Amma (Baccalaureate) with a 55% or better
Taiwan Senior High School Graduation Certificate with a C (60%) average
Tanzania Certificate of Secondary Education with minimum E/5 average
Thailand Matayom 6 with 60% average
Tunisia Baccalaureat with an overall score of 11 or higher. Releve de Notes de l’Examen Final du Baccalaureat (Exam results transcript) must also be submitted.
Turkey Lise Diplomasi with a minimum 3 points (orta) or 60% average
UAE Tawjihiyya (General Secondary Education Certificate) with a 70% average
Uganda Uganda Certificate of Education with a C (7,8) average
Ukraine Attestat with Grade 4 or higher on the 12 point scale or Attestat with Grade 3 or higher on the 5 point scale
United Kingdom See GCE-O Level
Uruguay Bachillerato Diversificado de Ensenanza Secundaria with a 5.5/12 average or better
Uzbekistan 3.5 out of 5, O'rta Ma'lumot To'g'risida Shahodatnoma
Venezuela 11 out of 20, Bachillerato en Ciencias/Humanidades
Vietnam Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học (Diploma of Completion of Secondary School) with a Grade 6 or better
West African School Certificate Completion with a C6 in minimum of 5 subjects
Zambia Zambian School Certificate Examination with 6 (Credit) average
Zimbabwe See GCE-O Level

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Bermuda

Botswana

Brunei Darussalam

Canada (except Quebec)

Cayman Islands

Christmas Island

Cyprus

Dominica

Eritrea

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Fiji

Gambia

Ghana

Gibraltar

Grenada

Guam

Guyana

Ireland

Jamaica

Kenya

Kiribati

Lesetho

Liberia

Malawi

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Micronesia, Federal States 

Montserrat

Namibia

New Zealand

Nigeria

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Rwanda

Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Scotland

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

South Africa

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Swaziland

Tanzania

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Uganda

United Kingdom

United States (except Puerto Rico)

Vanuatu

Virgin Islands (British)

Virgin Islands (US)

Zambia

Zimbabwe