As an integral part of Meridian University’s commitment to promoting diversity, international students are welcome to apply for admission into Meridian’s graduate degree programs. Diversity enriches the educational experience by creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment essential for creative inquiry.
Transcripts
Transcripts from schools located outside of the United States must be evaluated and/or translated by a professional agency such as Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), Educational Perspectives, nfg (EP), or World Education Services (WES).
English Proficiency
All courses at Meridian are conducted in English. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
For admission, students are required to receive a total score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available from a variety of sources. Meridian encourages international students to research scholarships, grants, and loan options based on their specific circumstances and needs.
Sources of Aid
- Meridian’s International Student Scholarship: available to students not eligible for Federal Student Aid (FSA) who reside outside the US.
- Meridian’s Diversity Grant – available to students not eligible for Federal Student Aid (FSA)
- External scholarships (see the resources noted under “International Scholarship Options” below)
- Meridian Institutional Loan Program – available to students not eligible for Federal Student Aid (FSA)
- The student’s home country federal student aid program
Financial Aid availability is limited and based on demonstrated financial need. Contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@meridianuniversity.edu for more information.
Diversity Grant
Qualified students may request a Meridian Diversity Grant. Criteria used in determining the student’s eligibility for the Diversity Grant are:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Meeting race and ethnic diversity criteria
Students can apply for the Diversity Grant by submitting the Meridian Institutional Financial Aid Application. Students who are eligible for Federal Student Aid are not eligible for institutional financial aid.
The Financial Aid Process
International students start the financial aid process by completing the Institutional Financial Aid Application. After submission of the application, the Financial Aid Office will coordinate with the student as to what aid may be available. During this process, students will demonstrate their financial need via the Meridian Financial Need Form, provided to the student once the Scholarship and Grant application has been received and processed.
More Information and Resources
Meridian’s Admissions and Financial Aid staff are available to walk students through the process of applying to Meridian internationally.
Click here for more information on our Student Visa Services and I-20 details.
Meridian does offer visa services and is approved by the US Department of Homeland Security to do so.
International Scholarship and Loan Options
General Information for International Students
Canadian Student Loan Program
Residents of Canada can explore educational loans through the Canadian Student Loan Program. Applications are available through the Canadian provincial governments.
Students from Latin American and Caribbean Countries
The Organization of American States, through the Rowe Fund, offers interest-free loans to eligible students from Latin American and Caribbean countries to help them finance their studies or research at accredited universities in the United States. For more information visit www.oas.org/rowe.
Keep in mind that outside grants and scholarships are “free sources” of financial aid that do not have to be paid back. You should never be asked to pay for scholarship applications. Please be mindful and look out for financial aid scams.
Residency Registration and Length of Stay
International students in the U.S. on F-1 student visas are required to engage in residency coursework on a full-time basis (scheduled to attend the full weeklong residency).
International F-1 students enrolled in a Meridian degree program and registered for a weeklong residency may enter the United States up to 30 days before the residency begins and remain in the U.S. up to 60 days after the residency has ended. Students are responsible for ensuring they comply with applicable immigration laws and comply with all conditions and terms applicable to their F-1 visa.
Students can reference the Academic Calendar for scheduled residency dates and locations. Note that for residencies conducted outside of the U.S., no visa services are available from the University.