INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

All students studying in secondary schools outside the United States -- including U.S. citizens -- should apply to Southern Methodist University through the International Center. For these students, SMU operates on a rolling admissions system, which means there is no application deadline. However, it always pays to apply early, and it is important to submit a completed application early if you are interested in merit-based financial assistance.

The First Steps

If English is not your native language, and if your entire secondary education has not been in an English-medium school, you should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the College Board. SMU requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer test) or an IELTS test of 6.5 or higher. For information on the IELTS Test, please go to International English Language Testing System site at http://www.ielts.org

Most successful candidates also submit standardized test scores (SAT1/ACT). All international candidates wishing to be considered for merit-based financial assistance must submit standardized test scores.

Find more information on standardized college admission tests at the Educational Testing Service Network Home Page.

To apply to SMU as an undergraduate, please send the following materials (remember, a courier service is much faster than regular mail):

  • A completed International Undergraduate Application for Admission
  • A US $60 nonrefundable application fee (made payable to SMU)
  • Official transcripts from all secondary school attended, sent directly by the institution(s) to the International Office at SMU (Non-English records must be accompanied by certified English translations.)
  • Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers of English)
  • Essay
  • Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes

Admission decisions cannot be made until the application file is complete. You will be notified which documents are missing if your file is incomplete.

When You Are Admitted To SMU

If your application to the University is accepted, you will receive a packet containing acceptance and matriculation materials including these:

  • A Letter of Acceptance
  • A Scholarship Letter (if you have received merit-based financial aid)
  • The I-20 or DS-2019 Document (if you have submitted appropriate evidence of financial support)

You should take all these documents to the U.S. Consulate and apply for a visa to study at Southern Methodist University.

Before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you must pay the new SEVIS fee. Information about the new SEVIS fee may be found by clicking on the following link:  https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/

Once you have received the visa, reserve your place at SMU by paying the $700 deposit (foreign passport holders only). Download a Credit Card Payment Form to pay the $700 deposit fee with Visa or MasterCard.

Send the deposit check or deposit payment form, the completed Housing Application/Contract, and the Medical Form to:

The International Center
Southern Methodist University
6185 Airline Drive, Suite 216
Dallas TX 75205
USA