INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine welcomes applications from international applicants. Applicants from countries outside the United States must submit an application, pay the appropriate fees, and meet all admission requirements. (See Admission Requirements and Application Process on Apply to SCNM page)

In addition, international applicants must also satisfy additional admission and application requirements:

1. The report should be mailed directly to the SCNM Admissions Office and received before a final evaluation of the applicant’s file can begin. International transcript evaluation/translation by professional International Transcript Service (for all foreign course work). Foreign transcripts must meet standards approved by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Education Credentials. Applicants must request a subject analysis transcript evaluation by an International Transcript Evaluation Service that holds membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Fees for this service are the responsibility of the applicant.

2. Language Requirements for International Applicants
   SCNM reserves the right to require international applicants whose first language is not English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and/or the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
   A minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test (PBT), and a minimum score of 213 is required on the computer test or a 79 on the internet-based test (IBT). A baccalaureate degree from an accredited US college or university replaces any language proficiency requirements. www.ets.org/toefl

   Information on TOEFL is available in the Admissions Office. Passing test scores must be received prior to matriculation.

   Test of Spoken English (TSE)
   A minimum score of 50 is required on the TSE. Information on the TSE is available in the Admissions Office. Passing test scores must be received prior to matriculation. www.ets.org/tse

F-1 Student Visa

A nonimmigrant student’s spouse and children may be admitted into the United States in the F-1 classification during their course of full time study. This does not include those applicants who hold dual citizenship, are lawful permanent residents, or have a valid business visa.

If accepted to SCNM’s ND program, international applicants applying for an F-1 Student Visa must satisfy/submit the following SEVIS requirements:

1. Complete all outstanding admission requirements
2. Submit an admission deposit
3. Submit a completed SCNM Financial Guarantee Form
4. Supply documentation of sufficient funds. Sufficient funds must cover the cost of the first year of school, books, student fees, and all living expenses. All payments to the College must be made in US funds. Official bank statements, a signed letter of support or an affidavit of support (available from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services), sponsor income verification, or other proof of liquid assets is required to document sufficient funds. The amount required to cover expenses for the first year is listed on the SCNM Financial Guarantee form.
   

   Documentation of sufficient funds is required because the US federal government prohibits off-campus employment during the first year of international study. International students are limited to no more than 20 hours a week of on-campus employment while school is in session and may work full-time during vacation periods, as long as they have maintained status and intend to register for the following quarter. International students are not eligible for federal or state funded student aid programs but may obtain private loans with a US citizen or resident co-borrower. Canadian students also have access to the Canadian federal student loan program.

I-20 Application Form

Incoming international students should begin working with the Admissions Office to initiate the I-20 application immediately after acceptance. The SCNM Dean of Student’s Office processes and issues the I-20 forms for students with full admission after receipt of admission deposit.