International Students
Cornerstone University students represent more than 30 countries. Our students have a drive and passion to serve the global church and deeply value the perspective each international student brings. No matter where you are from, we are all part of God’s kingdom.
International students have a couple of routes to earning a degree from Cornerstone University!
On-Campus Programs
To take on-campus classes, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa. This option is only available for a fall semester start term in an undergraduate degree program. Be sure to refer to the due dates below to ensure you can submit required admissions and immigration documents in time to begin fall classes. Cornerstone University is excited to work with you through this process!
Online Programs
Cornerstone offers various undergraduate and graduate online programs that can be taken from your home country (no F-1 visa required). This options is available for all semester start terms (fall, spring, summer).
The following programs require on-campus residencies and are not available for international students:
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Development in Organizational Leadership & Development.
On-Campus Admission Deadlines (F-1 Visa Required)
| Admission Item to Complete | Without an F-1 Visa | With an F-1 Visa or Canadian Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Application | April 1 | June 1 |
| Submit Transcript(s) for Evaluation | April 15 | July 1 |
| Submit English Proficiency Test Scores | April 15 | July 1 |
| Application Acceptance | May 1 | July 1 |
| Complete the Declaration of Finances Form | May 1 | July 1 |
| Pay Enrollment Deposit | May 1 | July 1 |
| Obtain F-1 Student Visa | August 1 | N/A |
| Pay Health Insurance Fee | August 1 | August 1 |
Jump To:
01
Apply Online
Use this application for both on-campus and online programs.
Submit your Cornerstone application or Common App.
As part of our admissions requirements, applicants should have a high school grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, as determined by the U.S.-based grading scale.
We do not require a recommendation letter for admission consideration.
On-Campus Only: Please keep in mind that it can take several months to complete the entire admissions and immigration process. We recommend applying as early as possible for the semester in which you intend to enroll so that you can stay on track with the required deadlines. If you miss the application deadline, you should submit an application for the following academic year (fall semester start).
02
Submit Transcript(s) for Evaluation
After your application is submitted, begin working on submitting your educational record(s) immediately. Please plan accordingly, as some evaluators take several weeks to process your records.
High School evaluations must include records for at least three years of study. High School Grade-Point Average Requirement: 2.5 or higher
If you are applying for a graduate program, your college transcript(s) must show that you have completed a bachelor’s degree.
Outside of the U.S.
High school and university transcripts from outside of the United States must be officially evaluated by one of Cornerstone’s approved evaluators unless you attend a school certified by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Be sure to follow the directions on the approved agency website, as requirements may be different for each country.
Cornerstone University requires a course-by-course evaluation or detailed evaluation.
- InCred (preferred method, required for athletes)
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
These evaluators will then calculate a U.S.-based GPA to be used for your admissions review. Organizations should send your evaluation directly to Cornerstone University one of two ways:
- Email: immigration@cornerstone.edu
- Sealed envelope by mail: Cornerstone University, Attn: Enrollment Operations, 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE., Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Evaluations will only be accepted if received directly from one of the approved evaluators.
You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with transcript evaluations and submissions.
Within the U.S.
Official transcripts from a U.S.-based high school or university must be sent to Cornerstone University by the institution you attended. These transcripts do not need to be evaluated by one of our approved evaluators.
You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with transcript evaluations and submissions.
03
Provide English Proficiency Test Scores
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores must be submitted to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language if you are from a country where English is not listed as an official language.
Results from the approved testing organizations are valid for two years. If your test results are older than two years, you must take the test again.
- TOEFL: A 550 written or 80 internet-based minimum score required.
- IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 required.
- Duolingo: A minimum score of 105 is required.
You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with test score submissions.
If you are a student currently attending high school in the U.S., your language test score may be waived if your high school guidance counselor submits a letter verifying your English proficiency.
Please mail test score results to the following address:
Cornerstone University
Attn: Enrollment Operations
1001 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525
United States
04
Application Review
Following the submission of your application and all supporting documents in steps 1-3, your information will be reviewed.
You should allow at least four to six (4-6) weeks for an admission decision to be made once you have submitted all required documents and have followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.
Admissions decisions will be communicated via email, so be sure we have your most up-to-date contact information.
05
Submit Declaration of Finances | On-Campus Only
Once you have received acceptance to Cornerstone University, please fill out the Declaration of Finances form. The International Student Declaration of Finances form is evidence of your financial resources to cover the cost of attendance.
Proof of financial ability to study in the United States on an F-1 visa is required by the U.S. government. For more information, please visit the U.S. Homeland Security website.
This form should only be completed by accepted students for an on-campus program.
Declaration of Finance forms will not be accepted after the deadline.
06
Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
To secure your spot at Cornerstone, you must submit a deposit.
On-Campus Programs: A $200 USD deposit is required after being accepted to the university. This ensures a spot for you in the upcoming semester and will reserve your housing and academic registration.
Online Programs: A $50 USD deposit is required after being accepted to the university.
07
Immigration Process | On-Campus Only
A Designated School Official (DSO) will work with you to begin immigration paperwork after you have been admitted to Cornerstone, are financially approved and have paid your $200 enrollment deposit.
Please note that you need a valid passport to study in the U.S. We encourage you to contact immigration@cornerstone.edu to discuss the best way to send Cornerstone University a copy of the ID page of your passport or to begin the necessary paperwork to obtain or renew your passport.
To ensure a successful transition to college, Cornerstone University’s policy states that visa appointments must be completed by Aug 1.
Note: F-1 visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. Because many places may have long appointment wait times, it is recommended to schedule visa appointments as soon as you have been admitted to Cornerstone and financially approved. Contact immigration@cornerstone.edu if you have any questions.
Full instructions for obtaining your F-1 visa are available at Travel.State.Gov.
08
Pay Your Health Insurance Fee | On-Campus Only
Once you have obtained your visa, an additional $1,350 is required to be paid to Cornerstone. This amount will be applied toward your health insurance coverage, which is required by the U.S. government.