If I have an H-1B visa, do I need a new visa if I want to study?
No. As long as your visa is valid for the duration of your program, you will not need an F-1 visa. You also are not required to submit finances. However, you will need to submit an official copy of your I-94, I-797, as well as a letter from your employer, stating that they are aware that you will be studying while in the U.S.

Do you accept international transfer students from other U.S. universities?
Yes, but you will need to complete a transfer/release form from your current school in order to do so. This requirement is only taken care of after the department recommends you for admission.

Where can I have my degree evaluated?
We accept credential/degree evaluations from the following organizations: WES, ECE, and IERF. Evaluations must include a course-by-course review and a GPA calculation and must come electronically from the agency. Contact each organization directly for information on fees and requirements for submitting documents.

I have a three-year degree. Am I eligible for graduate study?
Three-year degrees are reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the time of application. As part of the credential evaluation that you will be required to receive, a recommendation will be made on whether or not your degree is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s. Once we have received your credential evaluation and you have submitted your application, your the degree will then be reviewed by Graduate Studies. Please contact our international specialists at intl@byu.edu for more information.

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Our grading scale is different than the 4.0 scale used in the United States. How will my GPA be calculated?
GPA calculations will be included in the credential evaluation that you are required to receive. To see an example of how your grades might compare, please visit www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide.

Do you offer financial aid for international students?
Funding comes directly through the departments in the form of teaching, research assistantships, etc. Please contact your department for details.

Can I prove my finances once I'm admitted?
Yes. However, you will not receive your I-20 (which allows you to apply for your F-1 student visa) until the financial requirement has been met. All financial documents must be original and include a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Also, all financial documents must be less than six months old.

Can I use projected earnings or collateral as proof of finances?
No. Graduate Studies must have proof of liquid assets. However, we will accept the most recent tax return, as long as the amount that the student will be using (per year) does not exceed more than one-third of the net income that is listed on the return.

What are the minimum scores on the English exams?
See requirements here or on page 2 in the Guide to Applying.

Can I be exempt from the English requirement?
Yes, if you are a citizen of one of the following exempt countries:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• New Zealand
• Australia.

Also, the requirement can be cleared if you obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an accredited institution in one of the exempt countries listed above. Please note: The degree must not be older than 2 years at the time of enrollment to qualify for the exemption.

Do I have to agree to the Honor Code Commitment even if I’m not LDS?
Because BYU does not unlawfully discriminate against applicants based on their gender, race, creed, religion, national origin, age, or disability, all applicants and students are required to live by the Honor Code.

Can I fax documents to Graduate Studies?
No. All documents must be mailed in or brought to our office in person.

Can I translate documents myself or have a friend translate them?
No. All English translations must be performed by certified translators, who usually will authenticity with a stamp or seal stating their professional title. Translations from BYU professors are acceptable. Please note that you are responsible for finding your own translator.

For more details on applying as an international student, click here.