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
100,000
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:
- Application
- 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.
- 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.
- Photocopy of the Biographical section of your current passport
- 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:
- Application
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Photocopy of the biographical section of your current passport
- 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:
- 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.
- 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 79 iBT
- International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 6.5
- Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 53
- 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 120
- Photocopy of the biographical section of your current passport.
- Proof of Financial Ability to Pay (for students studying on an F-1 student visa)
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.
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:
- Submit $500 enrollment deposit.
- Complete Admitted Students Checklist
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