Undergraduate On-Campus International Students

Submit your Cornerstone application or Common App by April 1.

We do not require a recommendation letter for admission consideration.

Please keep in mind that it can take several months to complete the entire admissions process. We recommend applying as early as possible for the semester in which you intend to enroll so that you can stay on track with the required deadlines listed below.

If you miss the April 1 application deadline, you must submit a new application for the following academic year (fall semester start).

We are not currently accepting international applications for the Summer 2023 or Spring 2024 semester.

After your application is submitted, begin working on submitting your educational record(s) immediately. Please plan accordingly, as some evaluators take several weeks to process your records.

High School evaluations must include records for at least three years of study.

Outside of the U.S.

If you are attending or have attended a high school and/or university outside of the U.S., your transcript(s) must be officially evaluated by one of Cornerstone’s approved evaluators if course instruction was not completed in English.

Be sure to follow the directions on the approved agency website, as requirements may be different for each country.

Cornerstone University strongly recommends completing a course-by-course evaluation or detailed evaluation.

• InCred (preferred method, required for athletes)
• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

These evaluators will then calculate a U.S. based GPA to be used for your admissions review. Organizations should send your evaluation directly to Cornerstone University one of two ways:

• Email: immigration@cornerstone.edu
• Sealed envelope by mail: Cornerstone University, Attn: Admissions Office, 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE., Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Evaluations will only be accepted if received directly from one of the approved evaluators.

You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with transcript evaluations and submissions.

Within the U.S.

Official university transcripts from a U.S. based high school and/or university must be sent to Cornerstone University by the institution you attended. These transcripts do not need to be evaluated by one of our approved evaluators.

You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with transcript evaluations and submissions.

TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores must be submitted to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language if you are from a country where English is not listed as an official language.

Results from the approved testing organizations are valid for two years. If your test results are older than two years, you must take the test again.

Test scores will not be accepted after May 1.

• TOEFL: A 550 written or 80 internet-based minimum score required.
• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 required.
• Duolingo: A minimum score of 105 is required.

You are responsible for any costs and fees associated with test score submissions.

If you are a student currently attending high school in the U.S., your language test score may be waived if your high school guidance counselor submits a letter verifying your English proficiency. For more information talk with your admissions counselor.

Following the submission of your application and all supporting documents in steps 1-3, your information will be reviewed.

You should allow at least four to six (4-6) weeks for an admission decision to be made once you have submitted all required documents and have followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.

Admissions decisions will be communicated via email, so be sure we have your most up-to-date contact information.

Once you have received acceptance to Cornerstone University, please fill out the Declaration of Finances form. The International Student Declaration of Finances form is evidence of your financial resources to cover the cost of attendance.

This form should only be completed by accepted students.

Declaration of Finance forms will not be accepted after May 1.

If you are admitted to Cornerstone, a $200 deposit is required after being accepted to the university. This ensures a spot for you in the upcoming semester and will reserve your housing and academic registration.

Please note that you need a valid passport to study in the U.S. We encourage you to contact immigration@cornerstone.edu to discuss the best way to send Cornerstone University a copy of the ID page of your passport or to begin the necessary paperwork to obtain or renew your passport.

Pay Your Deposit

A Designated School Official (DSO) will work with you to begin immigration paperwork after you have been admitted to Cornerstone (including clearing your financial review) and paid your $200 enrollment deposit.

To ensure a successful transition to college, Cornerstone University’s policy states that visa appointments must be completed by Aug 1.

Note: F-1 visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule visa appointments after June 1. Contact the International Recruitment Specialist for more information or clarification.

Full instructions for obtaining your F-1 visa are available at Travel.State.Gov.

Once you have obtained your visa, an additional $2,800 is required to be paid to Cornerstone. This down payment will be applied toward your health insurance and first semester bill.

Pay Your Down Payment