International Students

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), World Education Services (WES), or Foundation for International Services Inc. (FIS). Transcripts in English may not require evaluation depending on country of origin and format. Evaluations must be received in sealed envelopes and may be mailed directly to the University’s Bay Area Center (47 Sixth Street, Petaluma, CA 94952) from the professional agency. Evaluations are accepted if sent directly from the professional agency to admissions@meridianuniversity.edu

English Proficiency

All courses at Meridian are conducted in English. Students whose native language is not English may be required to submit the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). **See below for possible exceptions.

For admission, students are required to receive a total score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.

**You may be eligible for an exception to submitting the English proficiency test score if any of the following are true (these are examples and are not guaranteed exemptions, and this list is not all-inclusive): if your previous degree is from a school that was taught in English, if you attended and graduated high school in the US, or if you have lived a significant amount of time in a country whose native language is English. If you think you qualify for an exception based on one of these scenarios, or for another reason, please reach out to the Admissions team and describe the situation that you think qualifies your English fluency as proficient. Additional information or documents for evaluation may be required.

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.

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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.