Welcome New International Students!
You’re taking a huge step by continuing your education far away from home. We’re here to help make the process easier. Here are some important steps you need to take on your way to becoming a Lion. If you have any questions please feel free to contact [email protected].
International Student and Scholar Services: New Students
College is the next big step in your academic journey!
Residents of foreign countries who wish to enter the university should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. Please note that an international student is any degree-seeking student holding a non-immigrant student visa.
All admission requirements are to be completed a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the semester. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this timeline may be considered on an individual basis.
Keep in mind that your transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
Consider the field of study and degree program you want to pursue at East Texas A&M. Take some time to review our degree programs. East Texas A&M offers over 100 different degrees as well as special programs designed to provide the support you need for success!
Request information about the degree programs that interest you.
Our admission counselors want to do everything they can to help you learn about East Texas A&M and guide you through the process! Schedule an apportionment to meet with your admission counselor today!
Meet one of the following requirements to be automatically accepted into the Lion Pride.
- Rank in the top 30% of your graduating class
- Have a composite ACT score of 21 or better
- Minimum combined SAT (March 2016 or later) of 1060
Use the East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) to submit your scores on act.org or collegeboard.org.
Most colleges, including East Texas A&M, require the completion of a recommended or distinguished high school curriculum which includes:
- English Language Arts (4 credits)
- Mathematics (4 credits)
- Science (4 credits)
- Social Studies (4 credits)
- Language other than English (2 credits)
Dual credit classes are college courses that you have taken through your local community college that also counted toward your high school diploma. In order to receive transfer credit from East Texas A&M for dual credit classes, you must submit official transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the community college or university where you took your dual credit classes.
For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 903-886-5000 or [email protected].
East Texas A&M accepts scores on certain College Board Advanced Placement(AP) tests for credit in selected courses.
Examinations offered by the AP program are administered during late spring by high schools. Interested high school students should contact their high school counselors for information on AP courses their school offers.
AP scores should be forwarded to East Texas A&M Student Assessment Office. The College Board code for East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) is 6188. Scores reported from the spring AP test administration will not be received until late July.
AP Exams for Credit at East Texas A&M:
AP Course | Req. Score | ETAMU Course(s) | Sem. Cr.Hours |
| American Government | 3 or higher | PSCI 2301 | 3 |
| American History/U.S. History | 3 or higher | HIST 1301 or 1302 | 3 |
| Art History | 3 or higher | ART 1303 | 3 |
| Art, Studio-2D design | 3 or higher | ART 111 | 3 |
| Art, Studio-3D design | 3 or higher | ART 140 | 3 |
| Art, Studio-Drawing | 3 or higher | ART 110 | 3 |
| Biology | 3 or higher | BIO 1406 | 4 |
| Calculus A/B | 3 or higher | MATH 2413 | 4 |
| Calculus B/C | 3 | MATH 2413 | 4 |
| Calculus B/C | 4 or higher | MATH 2413 & 192 | 8 |
| Chemistry | 3 or higher | CHEM 1305/1105 & 1307/1107 | 8 |
| Computer Science A | 3 or higher | CSCI 126, 151 & 152 | 9 |
| Computer Science A/B | 3 or higher | CSCI 126, 151, 152 & 270 | 12 |
| Economics-Macro | 3 or higher | ECO 2301 | 3 |
| Economics-Micro | 3 or higher | ECO 2302 | 3 |
| Environmental Science | 3 or higher | ENVS 1301 | 3 |
| French | 3 or higher | FREN 131 & 132 | 6 |
| French | 4 or higher | FREN 131, 132, 231 & 232 | 12 |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 or higher | SOC 1301 | 3 |
| Language and Composition or Literature and Composition | 3 | ENG 1301 | 3 |
| Language and Composition or Literature and Composition | 4 or higher | ENG 1301 & 1302 | 6 |
| Physics 1 | 3 or higher | PHYS 1401 | 4 |
| Physics 2 | 3 or higher | PHYS 1402 | 4 |
| Physics E&M | 4 or higher | PHYS 2425 | 4 |
| Physics Mech. | 4 or higher | PHYS 2426 | 4 |
| Psychology | 3 or higher | PSYC 2301 | 3 |
| Spanish | 3 or higher | SPAN 131 & 132 | 6 |
| Spanish | 4 or higher | SPAN 131, 132, 231, & 232 | 12 |
| Statistics | 3 or higher | MATH 1324 | 3 |
| World History | 3 or higher | HIST 265 | 3 |
For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 903-886-5000 or [email protected].
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous pre-university program, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19, available worldwide through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
In compliance with SB111, ETAMU offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher. Students with IB certificates or courses are evaluated on a subject by subject basis upon receipt of an IB transcript. ETAMU must have an official score report sent directly from IB to award credit.
View a list of IB Exams offered for credit at East Texas A&M.
All international undergraduate students applying to East Texas A&M must complete the freshman ApplyTexas application for international students.
Undergraduate Deadlines – Fall/May 1, Spring/Oct. 1 and Summer/March 1
Use ApplyTexas and choose East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) as your school of choice.
Please submit an official, sealed copy of your transcript from each school you previously attended so we can process your admission application. Include a transcript from all schools, including proprietary/career schools, regardless of how long it’s been since you last attended.
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes. If you are a senior in high school, please send a transcript through your junior year.
To submit a transcript to East Texas A&M, contact your previous/current academic institution(s) and request that they mail the transcript to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For faster delivery, you may check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
If they offer electronic transcript service, they will provide you with further instructions about how to use this option. East Texas A&M accepts SPEEDE, National Clearinghouse and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
As an international student, you must show proof of successful completion of a course of study equivalent to that required of a U.S. citizen. Your international transcript must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before we consider you for admission to East Texas A&M. For freshman admission, high school transcripts need only be evaluated to determine U.S. high school equivalency.
Please contact one of the following agencies for an evaluation of your academic transcript.
FOREIGN CREDENTIALS SERVICES OF AMERICA
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS, INC.
EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS, INC.
WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES, INC.
Upon completion of your evaluation, please ask the agency to provide a copy to:
East Texas A&M University
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
ACT or SAT test scores are optional for admission. Use the East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) to submit your scores on act.org or collegeboard.org
As an applicant, you must be adequately proficient in English to pursue a course of study at the university. A score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an official report of these scores must be submitted to the Office Undergraduate Admissions prior to admission. Please keep in mind that Education Testing Service (ETS) will not release scores that are older than two (2) years.
Undergraduate Exemptions:
- Students who have completed Eng 1301 and Eng 1302, at a U.S. institution, with a grade of “C” or better. Students may provide a certified older score if they have been continuously studying at a U.S. college or university.
- Students who have successfully completed the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEP’s) advanced-level program as defined in the information provided by TIEP and who are seeking admissions to our campus.
- Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in a Texas public high school with the completion of English III or English IV (including Advance Placement/AP) with a grade of “B” or better.
- Students who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the British Virgin Island, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, St. Lucia, Wales, Bahamas, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada (excluding French-speaking Quebec). Proof of citizenship must be provided such as birth certificate or passport.
- Students who have one of the following tests and scores:
CAE: B or Higher
CPE: C or Higher
AT II E: 968 or Higher
IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or Higher
SAT Verbal: 500 or Higher
ACT Verbal: 19 or Higher - Students who have obtained one of the following foreign high school diplomas/tests/scores:
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE: C or higher in English Language
WASC, KCSE, SSCE or equivalent national exams: C or higher in English Language IB (International Baccalaureate): Grade 4 or higher in English subject
A Sponsor’s Statement (signed by the sponsor) with a current bank statement showing a balance of at least $28,109.00 USD must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sponsor’s statements and bank statements must be less than one year old at the time of application.
All educational and living expenses (including medical/repatriation insurance) are the responsibility of the student.
Important Note:
When submitting documents, please keep in mind that mail between the United States and other countries can take as long as four weeks. Sufficient time should be allowed for processing documents. The
application deadline is ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester
of enrollment. At that time, all required forms (listed above) must be on file with the East Texas A&M University Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
New International Student Guidebook
The International Student Guidebook provides very important pre-arrival and arrival information for our new students. The OIP has compiled information for the most frequently asked questions our new international students have each semester.
More than 70% of our undergraduate students receive financial aid. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships or the Work Study Program.
All new undergraduate students are required to participate in New Student Orientation, an important, exciting (and mandatory) step in becoming a part of the East Texas A&M family. Reserve your spot for New Student Orientation by logging into your student Applicant Portal. We look forward to meeting you on campus! Go Lions!
All new F-1 and J-1 international students are required to attend a check-in and welcome session and the International Student Orientation hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
Learn more about required attendance at international student orientation.
Your Student Success Team consists of an academic advisor, a financial aid advisor and an academic concierge specific to your college who collaborate to help a group of students meet their educational goals.
- Academic Advisor helps you to navigate registration and your degree plan.
- Academic concierge helps you identify obstacles to your success and connect you to resources.
- Financial aid advisor helps you navigate financial aid.
Your health is a priority here!
Texas Senate Bill 62 requires all students under age 22 entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria to decline the vaccination 10 days before the first day of the semester.
Important facts about Bacterial Meningitis
Texas state law requires all new students 22 years of age or younger to either receive a bacterial meningitis vaccination or meet the exemption requirements prior to the first day of their first semester.
- Students who fail to submit their proof of vaccination and have their vaccination approved at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester may not be allowed to attend classes at East Texas A&M. Please note that failure to meet this requirement (only students 21 years of age or younger) may result in serious visa status issues. Review the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Handout.
- All international students are required to enroll in the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP). The SSHIP is through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides management and administrative services for the East Texas A&M health plans.
- Students are automatically enrolled each semester and the insurance premium charge is placed on an international student’s account as a separate charge with their tuition and fees during the second week of classes.
- The Office of International Student Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) does not set the cost of the insurance. The cost of the insurance is set by criteria and a bidding process at The Texas A&M University System.
- The Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan is for all Texas A&M University System members.
Sign into your myLEO account. *Note: It may take up to 48 hours before you are able to access the housing application after being accepted to the university
- myLeo > Apps > Residential Living and Learning > Housing Application.
- In the drop down menu, select the option that best suits your needs.
- Once you make a selection and click save and continue, your application will appear.
- Please make sure to check the dates on the application to ensure these are the dates you wish to live in on-campus housing. If the dates are correct, click Apply.
Any residential student who enrolls at ETAMU within one (1) year of high school graduation is required to have the following meal plan:
19 Exchange Plan w/$400 FLEX
If a student does not select a meal plan, the 19 Exchange Meal Plan will be automatically applied.
Any residential student who enrolls at ETAMU within two (2) years of high school graduation is required to have one of the following meal plans.
19 Exchange Plan w/$400 FLEX
14 Meal Plan w/$400 Flex
If a student does not select a meal plan, the 14 Meal Plan w/ $400 FLEX will be automatically applied
Any residential student who enrolls in ETAMU three (3) or more years post High School graduation may request one of the following meal plans.
19 Exchange Plan w/ $400 FLEX
14 Meal Plan w/ $400 FLEX
No Meal Plan
Commuter $400 FLEX w/ 5 Dining Room Meals Per Week Price: $950
Commuter $400 FLEX w/ 7 Dining Room Meals Per Week Price: $1,100
Commuter $400 FLEX Price: $400
You do not have to complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) if you have met one of the following:
- Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
- Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
- Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
- Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
- Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
- Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
To help you pay for your degree, a variety of scholarship opportunities are available, including institutional scholarships, outside scholarships and state-funded scholarships. You do not need to apply for institutional scholarships but you should apply for outside scholarships. All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available, so apply to ETAMU and for scholarships as early as you can!
After you are admitted, the ISSS will review your admission documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa).
- East Texas A&M may admit an international student without proof of financial support, but all F-1 and J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at East Texas A&M. This requirement is based on the financial support requirements for all F-1 students. These documents are called a bank and sponsor statement.
For more information, refer to How to Receive an I-20 or DS-2019.
Once you have been accepted to East Texas A&M, please upload the required documents at Immigration Document Upload. If you have not been accepted or submit incomplete documents, OIP will reject the submission.
Once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued, the ISSS will send you an email with your SEVIS number and our school code (for F-1 students) or the university’s program number (for J-1 students). You will use this information to pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee. Learn more about applying for a visa.
All non-immigrants in the United States are required to possess a valid passport at all times.
- A valid passport is a legal document issued by the home country of a non-immigrant that permits travel to U.S., along with a valid visa.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months into the future.
- There are few exceptions to this rule. You may review the travel guidance link below for more information.
- The ISSS recommends students always keep their passport valid.
- Review SEVP Travel Guidance and Passport Validity.
You may renew your passport inside the United States at the local Embassy or consulate of your home country or at an Embassy outside of the United States.
- You must contact your Embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to renew your passport.
- For a list of foreign consular offices in the United States, visit the website of your home country’s diplomatic mission or the U.S. Department of State website.
Students with a valid, unexpired visa in their expired passport may still use that visa if they have the old passport.
- You must remember to carry and present the old passport along with the new passport when traveling.
We have temporarily suspended our change of status process. We will not be processing any change of status requests until further notice.
Individuals who would like to change their status have the option to complete this by travel or by application in the United States. The Change of Status Process provides more information.
F-1 students who are planning to study or are currently studying at East Texas A&M may invite their dependent(s) to the U.S. during their studies as an F-2 dependent. A dependent is defined as the spouse and/or unmarried child (under the age of 21) of the F-1 student.
Learn more about the Dependent I-20 Process.
How to Receive an I-20 or DS-2019
- All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to show “sufficient funds to cover expenses” for their program of study in the U.S. SEVP regulations state that an applicant must show available funds to meet the expenses (living expenses, health insurance, tuition, fees and other costs) for the first year of study. A student must also demonstrate that adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. See below the required proof of funding for the estimated cost for one year of study at East Texas A&M.
- Funding Requirement for English Language Institute
- Funding Requirement for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Once an international student is admitted to East Texas A&M their admission file is forwarded to the ISSS for processing of the I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa). As soon as the ISSS receives a student’s admission file we will send the student an email requesting some additional information and also explaining the process for issuing the I-20. We understand that students need the I-20 as quickly as possible so they can apply for the student visa and we appreciate students being patient while we review their admission and issue the I-20.
- International students currently studying in the U.S. or on Optional Practical Training employment who want to study at East Texas A&M will need to have their SEVIS record and I-20 transferred to our university after being admitted.
- Your SEVIS record will need to be transferred to East Texas A&M no later than 60 days from your final class day or end date of your OPT.
- To transfer your SEVIS record please take the following steps:
- Complete a Transfer Release Form (form is below) and have your current international advisor complete the form and email to [email protected].
- Provide your current school with your East Texas A&M acceptance letter emailed to your myLEO email.
- Request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record to East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) school code DAL214F00099000.
- The ISSS will update your SEVIS record and your continued attendance I-20 from East Texas A&M will be issued the second week of classes.
- Students who plan to travel outside the U.S. may request a Transfer Pending I-20 for travel by emailing [email protected].
- Transfer students will not be permitted to register for courses until they have completed a check-in and welcome session, provided the required proof of funding per SEVP regulations, and had their SEVIS record transferred to East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) school code DAL214F00099000.
- TRANSFER RELEASE FORM
- ** WE HAVE ABANDONED OUR CHANGE OF STATUS PROCESS. WE WILL NOT BE PROCESSING ANY CHANGE OF STATUS REQUESTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.**
- Individuals that would like to change their status to F-1 or F-1 have the option to complete this by travel or by application in the United States. For more information check the links below.
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/ shipment of your documents.
The ISSS uses an express mail service (Eshipglobal) that will allow students to receive their documents within the U.S. or outside the U.S.
(I-20, receipt notice, EAD card) through FedEx or DHL shipping. This service is at the expense of the student.
Shipments are processed and mailed within 2-5 business days once we receive notification.
If you experience any difficulty in registering and processing the shipment, please use the “Help” link in the site for step by step instructions.
If you have additional questions about how to use this service, please e-mail [email protected].
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/shipment of your documents.
Students in the U.S. may have their documents mailed to them within the U.S. mailing through USPS Priority Mail (Insured/Uninsured).
This mailing option has a general delivery time of 2-5 business days (Monday through Friday).
Please allow the ISSSO up to 2 business days (Monday through Friday) to process your shipment.
Students requesting their EAD card may choose the EAD CARD USPS Priority Mail Insured for a cost of $14.00.
This option includes insurance of up to $500 in case the EAD card is lost in transit.
USPS terms and conditions apply to all insurance claims. Please read over USPS terms and conditions.
All new F-1 and J-1 international students will be required to attend a check-in and welcome session before they may register for classes. F-1 and J-1 international students will also be required to attend the International Student Orientation.
Transfer students (students already studying in the U.S. or on approved OPT) will also be required to provide additional documents before they may register. See the transfer student tab above for more information.
- All new F-1 and J-1 international students are required to attend a check-in and welcome session and provide all required documents before they may register for classes.
- For more information on who must attend check-in go to Who Must Attend Orientation and Check-in?
- The ISSS has a registration hold on all new F-1 and J-1 students accounts that will only be lifted once the student has completed check-in and met any additional requirements with the ISSS.
- Once you have registered for the check-in and welcome session you will receive an email confirmation with important information.
- If you do not receive an email confirmation when your registration was not received.
- Please note:
- Complete all documents and make all copies BEFORE you arrive for check-in
- Copies of documents (I-20, passport, visa, I-94) are required…please bring the original documents (I-20, passport, visa) with you to check-in
- Students need to arrive at the check-in location at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time
- DO NOT arrive late (late arrivals will not be processed)
- DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHECK-IN
Contact Us
- Office of International Programs
- 903.886.5097
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011