Welcome
Visit campus and see what we mean. Join a class discussion about contemporary Caribbean history, French language, and the link between politics and economics in international affairs. Enjoy the cafeteria's authentic tostones and yucca con mojo for Latino Heritage Week. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with ribbon dancing and sweet oranges. Play salsa, bhangra and J-pop in your residence hall room. Play a pick-up fútbol game by campus' peaceful Lake Jovita.
Saint Leo truly is a university of international consequence. Located in the lush, rolling hills of Central Florida, Saint Leo is home to approximately 600 international students from around the world-that's more than 22% of our undergraduate campus community.
Visit our International Student Admissions page to learn more about becoming part of the Saint Leo University community.
Home Away From Home!
For more than a century, Saint Leo University has welcomed students from every corner of the globe into one of Florida’s most diverse Catholic Benedictine communities. Our International Admissions team will walk you through every step, from your first application to your first day as a Saint Leo Lion.
101
Countries Represented
750+
International Students
107,000+
Alumni Worldwide
22%
of Our Campus Community
Why Saint Leo
Founded on values that show up in how we support you
Saint Leo was founded on Benedictine values that have guided our community for more than 135 years: community, excellence, respect, personal development, integrity, and responsible stewardship. For international students, that translates into something practical: a campus where you’re known by name, supported by people whose job is to help you succeed far from home, and prepared for a career that matters.
A global community
More than 100 countries are represented on our campus: classmates, mentors, and friends who understand what it’s like to build a new life.
Dedicated support, start to finish
Our Center for Global Engagement helps with everything from visa paperwork to cultural adjustment, so you always have someone in your corner.
A bridge to success, if you need it
Our Bridge Program (built for international students since 2012) helps graduates post higher retention rates and GPAs, on average, than the overall campus population.
Career-ready, from day one
Through dedicated Career Services support, you’ll navigate job searches, internships, and questions like OPT and CPT.
Real support for paying tuition
Through PayMyTuition, pay from any bank, in any country, in your own currency, with step-by-step guidance in 13 languages.
Admission Requirements
What it takes to be admitted
One unified path for every applicant: on campus, undergraduate or graduate.
Undergraduate
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GPA
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Minimum 2.0 / 4.0 (holistic review for borderline cases)
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English · Direct
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IELTS 6.0 · TOEFL iBT 71 · Duolingo 105 · PTE 59
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Bridge Pathway
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IELTS 5.5–6.0 · TOEFL 59–70 · Duolingo 90–104 · PTE 50–58
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MOI
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Medium of Instruction letter accepted
No ACT / SAT required · Average program length: 4 years
Graduate
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GPA
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Minimum 3.0 / 4.0 (2.7–2.9 via holistic review)
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English · Direct
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IELTS 6.0 · TOEFL iBT 71 · Duolingo 105 · PTE 59
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Bridge Pathway
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IELTS 5.5–6.0 · TOEFL 59–70 · Duolingo 90–104 · PTE 50–58
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MOI
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Medium of Instruction letter accepted
No GMAT / GRE required · Average program length: 2 years
Required Documents for Admission
| To Apply | Additionally, for Form I-20 | Additionally, for Holistic Review |
|---|---|---|
| Color copy of your passport | Certificate of Finance form | Resume |
| Unofficial transcripts | Bank statement or other proof of finance (issued within the last 6 months) | Letter of recommendation / statement of purpose (SOP) |
| English proficiency documentation (test scores) | ||
IELTS 6.0 requires a minimum writing sub-score. TOEFL iBT uses the new band-score system (0–120 scale); MyBest scores are accepted. Bridge Pathway students may be required to complete additional English support coursework. GPA requirements are subject to holistic review for borderline cases.
The Bridge Program
Extra support, if your scores land in the Bridge Pathway
Scored in the Bridge Pathway range? You’re still admitted to Saint Leo, fast-tracked straight into your program. Our Bridge Program, led by Dr. MacPhee, helps you strengthen academic reading, writing, and communication skills while you take your first Saint Leo classes, and graduates go on to post higher retention rates and GPAs, on average, than the overall University Campus population.
Undergraduate Fast-Track
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Bridge Pathway
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IELTS 5.5–6.0 · TOEFL 59–70 · Duolingo 90–104 · PTE 50–58
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First Semester
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9 credits toward General Education credits and 6 elective credits.
Graduate Fast-Track
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Bridge Pathway
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IELTS 5.5–6.0 · TOEFL 59–70 · Duolingo 90–104 · PTE 50–58
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First Semester
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3 credits included, counted toward electives.
Transfer Credit
Your Journey Doesn’t Have to Start Over.
Transferring from a Florida college or another institution across the region? Saint Leo makes it easier to bring your previous coursework with you. We’ll evaluate your eligible credits and help you find the clearest path forward—so the progress you’ve already made continues to count.
Paying for Your Education
Affordable, and payable from anywhere
International students aren’t eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.
Merit & university scholarships
Talk with your admissions counselor about scholarships for eligible incoming students, plus Saint Leo’s private scholarship database.
Outside scholarships
Already have funding from home? Just let Student Financial Services know once you receive it.
Questions about cost or payment? Student Financial Services: (800) 240-7658 · sfs@saintleo.edu
Preparing for Your Arrival
Your first weeks, mapped out
Once your I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, our Center for Global Engagement (CGE) becomes your go-to team for everything visa- and immigration-related.
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1
Register with CGE
Bring your I-20/DS-2019, passport, visa stamp, I-94, and SEVIS fee payment receipt as soon as you arrive.
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2
Attend New Student Orientation
It’s mandatory, and it’s where you’ll meet your Resident Assistant and your first Saint Leo friends.
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3
Get set up locally
Open a U.S. checking account and get your Florida ID and Saint Leo ID card.
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4
Confirm your health insurance
Full-time students are auto-enrolled; waivers require comparable U.S. coverage and a strict deadline.
Want to know exactly who you’ll be working with? Meet the advisors on our Center for Global Engagement team.
Work Authorization & Career Support
Built for life after Leo
OPT
12 months of Optional Practical Training at each degree level, plus up to a 24-month STEM extension for eligible programs, for up to 3 years of work authorization after graduation. Apply before completing your degree; keep CGE updated on employment.
CPT
Gain practical experience tied directly to your program while you study. Your CGE advisor walks you through eligibility.
On-campus employment
Up to 20 hours per week during the school year.
Find your country’s English proficiency requirements
Every education system is a little different. Check whether your country is exempt from English proficiency testing below.
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
International Student Services
Even if you have lived and traveled abroad before, you may find Saint Leo and the United States higher education system a bit different from your home country. To help you adjust and achieve success in all aspects of your new life, Saint Leo offers a variety of programs, clubs and events specially tailored to the needs of our international students.
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office is dedicated to helping international students throughout your entire time at Saint Leo. We start with pre-arrival advising, and continue to offer guidance on everything from academic support and immigration to American slang and holiday customs.
A primary role of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office is to serve as an intermediary between international students and the U.S. government.
Got questions? We are here to assist, nurture and support:
- Obtain and maintain visa status
- Prepare for your F-1 or J-1 visa interview
- Find on-campus employment
- Get vaccinations required for on-campus housing (in conjunction with the Health Services office)
- Obtain a U.S. driver's license
Contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office at (352) 588-8442.
International Clubs & Programs
- International Student Orientation: A special introduction to Saint Leo and U.S. university life before the general first-year orientation. Academic, cultural and immigration issues are discussed in detail. Learn more about International Student Orientation.
- Intercultural Student Association (ISA): Open to all international students and U.S. students with an interest in international issues, ISA promotes international understanding and cultural awareness. Events include speakers, film screenings and trips to Florida tourist attractions.
- International Education Week: An annual joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, the national week-long program—localized at Saint Leo—celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
- Feast for the World: Saint Leo's annual international food night (spearheaded by ISA) is held each November during International Education Week. International students prepare and share dishes from their home countries. In past years, we’ve had a variety ranging from Austrian apple cake, to Indian curry and Irish stew, to Spanish flan. See recipes from International Education Week 2020.
- Student Organizations: Includes the Intercultural Student Association, Caribbean Student Association, Saudi Students Club at Saint Leo, Spanish Club, BSU (Black Student Union), SISTUHS, Inc. and Goizueta Scholars for Latino and Hispanic students. Don't see a club for your culture? Saint Leo makes it easy to start your own.
- Food for Thought: Monthly faculty-and-staff-led trips to area ethnic restaurants expose students to a wide variety of cuisines and cultures, including Ethiopian, Thai and Vietnamese.
International Handbook
Please access our International Handbook for information about life and customs in the US and the Saint Leo, FL community.
Contents found in the International Handbook:
- Introduction
- First & Foremost
- Life at Saint Leo University
- Living in The Area
- Living in The United States
- Adjustments & Culture Shock
- Banking & Money Matters
- Immigration Matters
- Arrests, Convictions, & Immigration Consequences
- Other Helpful Hints