Cornerstone is one of America's Best Colleges according to the Wall Street Journal
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De Witt Center for Science and Technology at Cornerstone University
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Cornerstone is one of America's best online colleges according to Newsweek
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International Admissions

Study at a Christ-Centered University in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cornerstone University welcomes international students into a Christ-centered learning community where Biblically-grounded faith and academics are integrated throughout the educational experience. Students applying from outside the United States receive guidance throughout the admissions process, including application requirements, English proficiency standards, financial documentation and visa preparation.

Why International Students Choose Cornerstone University

Students from around the world choose Cornerstone University for its Christ-centered education, welcoming community and location in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • Christ-Centered Education
    Faith and learning are integrated throughout the educational experience.
  • Academic Opportunities
    Choose from 65 undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs across a variety of fields.
  • Supportive Community
    Become part of a welcoming campus community that encourages spiritual growth, involvement and connection.
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Study in a vibrant Midwest city with cultural attractions, recreation and opportunities to explore the local community.

How to Apply as an International Student

Applying early is strongly encouraged, particularly for students planning to study on campus, as transcript evaluation, financial verification, and immigration processing can take several months.

  1. Apply Online – Submit the Cornerstone University application or Common Application.
  2. Submit Required Documents – Submit your academic records, English proficiency documentation (if required) and any additional admissions materials.
  3. Receive Your Admission Decision – Once all required materials have been received, Cornerstone will review your application and supporting documents. Admission decisions are typically communicated by email within four to six weeks. See requirements below (anchor)
  4. Complete Financial Verification – Accepted students enrolling in on-campus programs must submit the required financial documentation.
  5. Pay Your Enrollment Deposit – After acceptance, submit your enrollment deposit to secure your place at Cornerstone University.
    On-Campus Programs: $200 USD deposit
    Online Programs: $50 USD deposit

  6. Complete Immigration Requirements – Students planning to study on campus under an F-1 visa will work with Cornerstone to complete immigration requirements and prepare for arrival in the United States.

Important Dates & Deadlines

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

International Admissions Requirements

International applicants must submit academic records, English proficiency documentation and any required financial or immigration materials as part of the admissions process. Additional requirements may vary based on your educational background, country of residence and intended program of study.

Academic Records & Transcript Evaluation

International students must submit official academic records from all secondary schools, colleges and universities attended. You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with transcript evaluations and submissions.

High School Applicants

Official transcripts must include at least three years of secondary school study.
Undergraduate applicants should have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 based on the U.S. grading scale.

Graduate Applicants

Official college or university transcripts must demonstrate completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Students Educated in the United States or Canada

Official transcripts may be submitted directly from:

  • U.S. or Canadian high schools
  • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) schools
  • U.S. or Canadian colleges and universities

Transcript evaluation is not required for these institutions.

Students Educated Outside the United States or Canada

Academic records must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency unless the school is certified by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Cornerstone requires a course-by-course or detailed evaluation from one of the following:

Official evaluations must be sent directly to Cornerstone University by the evaluation agency. 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:

  1. Email: immigration@cornerstone.edu
  2. 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.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students whose country does not list English as an official language must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved assessment. You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with test score submissions.

Accepted assessments include:

English proficiency scores remain valid for two years.

Students currently attending high school or college in the United States may qualify for an English proficiency waiver.

Application Review and Financial Verification Requirements

Accepted students enrolling in on-campus programs must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses while studying in the United States.

Financial documentation may include:

Documents should be in English and US Dollars.

The U.S. government requires proof of financial ability before immigration documents can be issued. For more information, please visit the U.S. Homeland Security website.

Potential scholarships, financial aid and employment opportunities cannot be guaranteed and should not be relied upon when demonstrating financial resources.

F-1 Visa Requirements

International students planning to study on campus under an F-1 visa must complete the required immigration process before arriving at Cornerstone University.

After admission, financial approval and enrollment confirmation, a Designated School Official (DSO) will work with students to begin immigration paperwork and issue the documentation required for the visa process.

Students should:

  • Hold a valid passport.
  • Submit any required immigration documentation.
  • Schedule visa appointments as soon as possible after receiving their Form I-20.
  • Complete visa appointments by August 1.

Because appointment wait times vary by country, students are encouraged to begin the visa process as early as possible. New F-1 visas may be issued up to 365 days before the start of a program.

Full instructions for obtaining an F-1 visa are available through the U.S. Department of State.

Health Insurance Requirements

International students studying on campus under an F-1 visa are required by the U.S. government to maintain health insurance coverage.

After obtaining a visa, students must submit the required health insurance fee before arriving on campus. This fee provides coverage for the academic year and helps ensure students have access to necessary healthcare services while studying in the United States.

Ready to Study at Cornerstone University?

Our admissions team can help you understand requirements, deadlines and next steps for studying in the United States or online from your home country. Email immigration@cornerstone.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornerstone University a Christian university?

Yes. Cornerstone University is an accredited private Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Faith and learning are integrated throughout the educational experience, helping students develop academically, spiritually and professionally through a biblically faithful Christian worldview.

How do international students apply to Cornerstone University?

International students apply through the Cornerstone University application or Common Application and submit the required academic records, English proficiency documentation (if required) and supporting admissions materials. Students planning to study on campus must also complete financial verification and immigration requirements before enrollment.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International applicants must submit academic records, English proficiency documentation and any required financial or immigration materials. Additional requirements may vary based on your educational background, country of residence and intended program of study.

What English proficiency scores does Cornerstone University accept?

Students whose country does not list English as an official language may demonstrate proficiency through one of the following assessments: TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based or 80 internet-based), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or Duolingo English Test (minimum 105). Some students may qualify for an English proficiency waiver.

Can international students study online at Cornerstone University?

Yes. Students living outside the United States may be eligible to enroll in many of Cornerstone University’s online programs while remaining in their home country. Some programs that require on-campus residencies are not available to international online students.

Why study at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Grand Rapids offers students a welcoming Midwest community with cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and opportunities to explore the region. At Cornerstone University, international students combine those experiences with a Christ-centered education and a supportive campus community focused on academic, spiritual and personal growth.

Does Cornerstone University offer scholarships for international students?

International students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships and other institutional aid opportunities. Scholarship availability and eligibility requirements vary by program and student status. Contact the Admissions Office to learn more about available opportunities. External Financial Aid Opportunities include:

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