My international student experience at SAU
"The support system here is absolutely phenomenal. Professors, coaches, friends, other staff, supervisors, the international office, everyone has been absolutely amazing."
–Sraddha Sudhir, MSEP
St. Ambrose University welcomes students from around the world. Join our community and gain valuable skills to lead to a successful career. We're here to support you every step of the way.
SAU is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment. With a global outlook, our university provides a supportive and enriching community where cultural diversity is celebrated.
Access academic programs taught by experienced faculty with hands-on learning, critical thinking, and practical application. You'll gain relevant skills to succeed in a competitive global landscape.
We help international students with academic advising and mentorship programs, language support, and cultural integration activities. We're here to support your success every step of the way.
Engage in various student clubs, cultural organizations, and campus events that celebrate diversity and create opportunities for networking and personal growth.
We offer internships and career services to help you build connections and gain practical experience. Our emphasis on practical education prepares you for success in the global job market.
"As someone who hails from Honduras with limited opportunities, St. Ambrose University opened its doors and granted me one of the most remarkable opportunities of my life. This inclusive environment underscores the university's dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and accessibility for all students, regardless of their background or origin."
Manuel Diaz ‘22, BS in Mechanical Engineering
"The support system here is absolutely phenomenal. Professors, coaches, friends, other staff, supervisors, the international office, everyone has been absolutely amazing."
–Sraddha Sudhir, MSEP
Discover the requirements for international undergraduates at SAU. Learn the process and be one step closer to earning your degree.
View undergrad requirements
Explore the steps for international graduate admission at SAU. Learn about the process, and make a smooth transition to advanced studies.
View graduate requirements
Start the visa process early, as it can take two days to six months. Prepare for your visa interview and bring essential admission documents (acceptance letter, transcripts, proof of funding, and English proficiency). For specific consulate details, contact your local U.S. Consulate.
If approved, you'll use the visa and I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. If denied, the U.S. Consulate tells you why.
Gain admission to SAU. You'll need your acceptance letter and admissions documents.
SAU prepares Form I-20 or DS-2019 for you. We'll send this to you when it's ready.
In the meantime, learn about the forms and details required in the F-1/I-20 and J-1/DsS-2019 visa processes.
Pay SEVIS/I-901 fee after receiving I-20 or DS-2019. You will want to pay right away to keep the process moving.
Visit the website of your local U.S. Consulate to make a visa interview appointment.
Bring I-20/DS-2019 and required docs to the interview. Prepare to discuss your educational goals.
Our International Student Services staff helps you with housing and what college life is like at SAU. Learn about the different housing options on campus. Each dorm has its own features and helps you meet new people and integrate into campus life.
International students with outstanding academic records may be eligible for our International Merit Scholarships. These are automatic and don't need an application.
Explore scholarships
Whether flying or driving, email International Student Services with your travel plans. We'll set up free airport pickup if you fly into the Quad City International Airport (airport code MLI) in Moline, Illinois, about 20 minutes from SAU. You can fly to Chicago and take a shuttle service that brings you to campus at your expense. Contact ACT II Transportation for Chicago airport arrangements.
If you drive to campus, park in any campus parking lot until classes begin. Once classes start, you'll need to buy a student parking permit to park on campus (and only in student lots).
Packing for your semester at St. Ambrose is important. Here's a checklist of essentials for streamlined packing.
Feel at ease by bringing the essentials and leaving the rest to us!
The cost of your degree depends on several factors, but here's what you can expect based on your program and degree level.
In order to receive an I-20 from SAU, an international applicant must show proof of funds that exceed the Cost of Attending for an academic year.
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $37,000 | Varies |
| Room and board* | $12,348 | $13,378 |
| Additional estimated expenses** | $4,054 | $4,132 |
| Estimated Cost of Attending | $53,402 | $17,510 + tuition |
*Housing and Food costs are based on the average cost of traditional housing options and a 14-per-week meal plan.
**Additional expenditures are average estimated costs and are not guaranteed. These include travel, insurance, books, and more.
Here's a simple guide to making tuition payments:
Some students will need to complete an external evaluation in order to convert previous earned university credits to the U.S. system. You can use any of the following credential evaluation services:
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713-266-8805
SAU Application for Evaluation
www.spantran.com
intake@spantran.com
World Education Services
P.O. Box 11623
Chicago, IL 60611-0623
Phone: 800-937-3898, 312-222-0882
Fax: 312-222-1217
www.wes.org
info@wes.org
Foundation for International Services
505 - 5th Avenue South, Suite 101
Edmonds, WA 980202
Phone: 425-248-2255
Fax: 425-248-2262
www.fis-web.com
info@fis-web.com
International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
Credentials Evaluation Service
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231
Phone: 310-258-9451
Fax: 310-342-7086
www.ierf.org
info@ierf.org
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: 414-289-3400
Fax: 414-289-3411
www.ece.org
Lmarinez@ece.org
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
P.O. Box 6908
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: 310-275-3530
Fax: 310-275-3528
www.acei1.com
Educational Records Evaluation Service
601 University Avenue, Suite 127
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-921-0790
Fax: 916-921-0793
www.eres.com
edu@eres.com
Understanding the Apostille Process:
Public Service Representative Iowa Secretary of State
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Follow these steps for a smooth apostille process to validate your education in your home country.
Applying to SAU is your first step toward joining the SAU beehive, a place you can become who you were meant to be and be the good you want to see.
