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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): International Students

    Who is an international student?
    International students are applicants who need visas to live and study in the United States.

    I/my parents have applied for a green card. Am I still an international student?
    Yes. You are still considered an international student until you have the green card, and can send us a copy.

    Can international students apply to any undergraduate program at University of the Pacific?
    Yes.

    I attended a university after finishing high school (grades 9-12). Can I apply as a freshman, even if I only have a few credits?
    No. Anyone who attended a university or college after finishing high school must apply as a transfer student.

    What are the differences between a domestic (US citizen) application and an international application?All undergraduate applicants use the same application, and submit the same admissions materials. There are three differences for international students:

    1. An English language proficiency test may be required. It can be waived under certain circumstances.
    2. A certification of finances is required.
    3. Transfer student applicants with international transfer credit (college or university credit completed after high school outside the United States) are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation of their coursework from foreign universities and official course descriptions.

    Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS (English language proficiency test)?
    AllAll international applicants are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English test unless they meet one of the following waiver requirements:

    1. SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 570.If you have taken the SAT and would like to submit your score, you can do so, but it is optional. University of the Pacific’s SAT code is 4065.
    2. ACT Composite score of 22 or higher. If you have taken the ACT and would like to submit your score, you can do so, but it is optional. University of the Pacific’s ACT code is 0240.
    3. Citizens of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, United Kingdom and South Africa. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you should take the SAT or ACT instead of an English language proficiency test, if you choose to do so.
    4. All high school instruction in the U.S. and in English.
    5. "A" level English score of B or higher.
    6. AP English score of 4 or higher.
    7. IB English score of 5 or higher.
    8. Two English Composition courses at a university or college in the U.S., with grades of B or higher in both courses.
    9. One English Composition course and one Communications or Critical Thinking course at a university or college in the U.S., with grades of B or higher in both courses.

    I need to study English as Second Language (ESL) before I begin my major. Do you offer conditional admission?
    Yes.   University of the Pacific offers conditional admission through UOP International.   Please visit their website at www.uopinternational.org for more details, or contact them directly at admission@uopinternational.org.

    What is University of the Pacific’s institution codes for the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL?

    University of the Pacific’s institution code for the SAT and TOEFL is 4065. It is 0240 for the ACT.

    What are your admissions deadlines?
    The priority admissions deadline for the following Fall is November 15. That is our early action deadline. We recommend you apply by then in order to receive priority consideration for scholarships.You will have an admissions decision by the end of January. Students applying to one of those two majors will receive admissions decisions in March.

    Note: All pre-dental and pre-pharmacy majors must apply by November 15.

    Regular admission deadline: January 15

    Other admission deadlines:

    • Priority Fall admission, transfer students: February 15
    • Final fall deadline for all international students: June 1
    • Spring admission, dental hygiene transfer students: August 15
    • Spring admission, freshman and transfer students: November 15

    Are offers of admission binding in any way?
    An offer of admission is not binding, but we must receive a deposit of $600 to secure your place in the freshman class. Instructions for the deposit will be on your offer of admission. The deposit is due by May 1, and is non-refundable after that date.

    I want transfer credit for my classes at a university outside of the United States. Will I receive transfer credit? 
    Students who attended universities outside of the United States and wish to attend University of the Pacific must go through a four step process, including a required transcript evaluation and official course descriptions. You can find details about the process at our International Coursework page.

    Please see " Official Records of Study" or contact the Office of Admission for more details.

    Do you have scholarships for international students?
    Pacific does have scholarships for international students. Each scholarship is $15,000. That is the maximum award. The scholarship is awarded to international students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher/marks of 70-100/A and B grades.

    For more information, please visit the International Student Scholarship page.

    International students can also apply for University of the Pacific's Powell Scholarship. The Powell Scholarship requires a separate application and SAT or ACT scores. For more information, please visit the Powell Scholarship page. The Powell Scholarship is for $42,000.

    Do you know of any other sources for scholarships and financial aid?
    Here are some links to scholarship and financial resources for international students. These links are provided for your information only. These resources are not affiliated with or approved by University of the Pacific.

    Education USA - https://educationusa.state.gov/

    EduPass Scholarships for International Students - http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml

    International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search - http://www.iefa.org/

    InternationalScholarships.com - http://www.internationalscholarships.com/

    Do international students have to pay more tuition than domestic students?
    No. All University of the Pacific students pay the same tuition and expenses.

    Do you have financial aid or scholarships for undocumented students?
    Pacific does not offer need-based financial aid to undocumented students. Undocumented students can apply for Pacific’s Powell Scholarship.

    What is the total cost of attendance? How much do I need to have on my certification of finances?
    Estimated Cost of Attendance for International Students can be found here.  The most up-to-date amount will be on the Certification of Finances Form ( Admission Forms). Costs typically increase by about 5% every year.

    What is a certification of finances? Why do I need to send one? How do I submit it?
    All international students requiring an F1 visa must provide the University with a recent financial guarantee or recommendation in the form of a letter or account statement from a financial institution showing the specific dollar amount per year available to you and the duration of its availability. The dollar amount must be converted into US funds. If your study will be sponsored by a government agency, foreign embassy or private individual (such as a parent), the sponsor must submit a letter to the University indicating they will pay for your studies in the United States. The sponsor must also submit an account statement showing the specific dollar amount per year available to you and the duration of its availability. The following documents are required for a certification of finances:

    1. Completed " Certification of Finances" form.
    2. Official copies of bank statements or letter from a bank official showing the availability of funding equal to the dollar amount indicated on the "Statement of Financial Responsibility" form.  

    Documents can be mailed to:

    University of the Pacific
    Office of Admission
    3601 Pacific Ave.
    Stockton, CA 95211-0197

    Or emailed to admission@pacific.edu

    Misc.

    I have a DDS degree from another country. Can I apply to the dental hygiene program?
    International students, US citizens and permanent residents with DDS degrees from outside the United States can apply as transfer students to the dental hygiene program. Transfer applications for only available for Spring admission, and are due on August 1.

    Transfer students applying to the dental hygiene program are required to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the program.

    Students who attended universities outside of the United States and wish to attend University of the Pacific must go through a four step process, including a required transcript evaluation and official course descriptions. You can find details about the process at our International Coursework page.

    International students with DDS degrees are encouraged to explore Pacific's International Dental Studies Program. This is a program that gives graduates of foreign dental programs the opportunity to earn a DDS degree in the United States. For more information, please contact University of Pacific's Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at IDS@pacific.edu.

    Please visit the International Dental Studies website for more information.