One graduate smiling in a crowd of students at commencement.

International Students at St. Ambrose University

Earn a global education, personal success

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.

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Why international students choose St. Ambrose

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.

Pursue and achieve academic excellence

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.

Thrive in a supportive environment

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.

Become involved with campus life

Engage in various student clubs, cultural organizations, and campus events that celebrate diversity and create opportunities for networking and personal growth.

Explore varied career opportunities

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.

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

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Exterior view of St. Ambrose University's Ambrose Hall.

International student requirements at SAU

Undergraduate degree requirements at SAU

Discover the requirements for international undergraduates at SAU. Learn the process and be one step closer to earning your degree.

View undergrad requirements

Graduate degree requirements at SAU

Explore the steps for international graduate admission at SAU. Learn about the process, and make a smooth transition to advanced studies.

View graduate requirements

Getting your student visa to attend St. Ambrose

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.

How to get your student visa for SAU

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.

1. Admission to St. Ambrose University

Gain admission to SAU. You'll need your acceptance letter and admissions documents.

2. Wait for your I-20 or DS-2019 form

SAU prepares Form I-20 or DS-2019 for you. We'll send this to you when it's ready.

3. Know the visa process requirements

In the meantime, learn about the forms and details required in the F-1/I-20 and J-1/DsS-2019 visa processes.

4. Be prepared to pay for fees

Pay SEVIS/I-901 fee after receiving I-20 or DS-2019. You will want to pay right away to keep the process moving.

5. Schedule a visa application interview

Visit the website of your local U.S. Consulate to make a visa interview appointment.

6. Prepare for the visa interview

Bring I-20/DS-2019 and required docs to the interview. Prepare to discuss your educational goals.

International Merit Scholarships up to $28k

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

Graduate waving during commencement ceremony.

My international student experience at SAU

"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

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students talking with each other in a common space and playing a game.

Explore St. Ambrose's campus housing options

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.

Learn about living on campus at SAU

Travel guidance for international students

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).

International Students FAQ

What should international students bring to St. Ambrose?

Packing for your semester at St. Ambrose is important. Here's a checklist of essentials for streamlined packing.

What to Pack

Immigration documents: Keep your passport, visa, and Form I-20 or DS-2019 in your carry-on.
Money: Bring some U.S. dollars for initial expenses; you can open a U.S. bank account later.
Clothing: Plan for Iowa's weather, pack casual and formal wear, and remember winter essentials.
Room essentials: Skip large items; coordinate with your roommate and buy on arrival.
Contact address: Have family and friends' contact info and your bank details handy.
Medications: Bring a sufficient supply along with prescriptions.
Photos and mementos: Personalize your room with photos and mementos from home.
Electronics: Bring converters and adapters for electronics; consider purchasing small items locally.

Feel at ease by bringing the essentials and leaving the rest to us!

How much does a degree for an international student cost?

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.

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 Costs

Expense	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition	$39,348	Varies
Room and board*	$13,300	$13,300
Additional estimated expenses**	$4,600	$4,600
Estimated Cost of Attending	$57,248	$17,900 + tuition

*Housing and Food costs are based on the average cost of traditional housing options and a 19-per-week meal plan.
**Additional expenditures are average estimated costs and are not guaranteed. These include travel, insurance, books, and more.

How do international students make tuition payments?

Here's a simple guide to making tuition payments:

Payment Method:

Student Account Center: Pay tuition and fees securely online through your student account.
TransferMate: St. Ambrose has partnered with TransferMate, offering a streamlined and secure payment method.
Local Currency Payment: Pay tuition in your local currency from almost any country.

Benefits:

Accurate currency conversions
Competitive exchange rates
Local currency payment methods
Faster payment posting to your student account
Exceptional customer service

Getting Started:

Log into your student account center.
Watch the instructional video for a quick demo.
Download step-by-step instructions here.

Important Notes:

St. Ambrose does not allow overpayments; excess funds may be returned or can be applied as credit for future charges.
For further assistance, visit the Student Financial Services Office or the Student Accounts page.

How do international students convert credits from other universities?

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

Do international students need to have health insurance?

Health Insurance for International Students:

All St. Ambrose international students must have health insurance.
J-1 visa holders are legally required to maintain a minimum level of coverage throughout their U.S. stay.
Check J1 Visa website for specific requirements under General Administrative Requirements.

Understanding U.S. Health Insurance:

U.S. health insurance plans vary; cost usually reflects coverage level.
Lower-cost plans may offer limited coverage, while higher-cost plans provide comprehensive benefits.
Student plans often focus on emergency medical expenses, excluding some costs.
Plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, making understanding coverage crucial.

St. Ambrose Student Health Insurance:

Information on the university's health insurance plan will be sent via email.
Insurance is provided through Cigna.
The premium will be added to your university bill.

How to Choose a Different Plan:

Notify International Student Services by July 22 if you prefer a different plan.
Provide proof of insurance that offers equal or greater coverage.
Athletes must show proof before preseason athletic training.

Fill out the SAU Health Form:

The Health Form aids our on-campus nurse in understanding your medical needs.
Complete pages 2 and 3; bring it during orientation.
Address health insurance for form queries by contacting us.

How does an international student validate their degree when they return to their home country?

Understanding the Apostille Process:

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official document from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.
It legalizes corresponding documents, making them valid in foreign countries.
Essential for international students to have their education recognized in their home country.

Required Documents for Apostille

Diploma
Official transcript
Letter from the Higher Learning Commission (verification of SAU's accreditation)
Explanation of degree requirements in English and your native language (on official university letterhead)

Notarization Process:

Each document must be copied and notarized by a certified Notary Public.
SAU provides Notaries Public services free of charge on campus.

Cost and Payment:

The fee is $5 per apostille for each document.
Payments accepted via credit card or check payable to the Iowa Secretary of State's office.
Order apostilles by faxing or calling the Secretary of State's office and paying with Visa or Mastercard.

Submission Process:

Mail notarized documents with the check payment to the Secretary of State's office.
Include name, mailing address, and details of where documents will be filed in the home country.
Send requests to:

Public Service Representative Iowa Secretary of State
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Processing Time:

Apostille requests are typically returned within 14 days.

Contact Information:

For inquiries about the apostille process, contact the Iowa Secretary of State's office:

Phone: 515-281-5204
Email: sos@sos.state.ia.us

Follow these steps for a smooth apostille process to validate your education in your home country.

Graduate walking in commencement ceremony, smiling.

View of oak tree leaves from below with white gradient.

Join the Fighting Bees at SAU

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.