FAQs

1. Why attend Concordia College?
At Concordia, you’ll find challenging academics, dedicated professors, a diverse student body, Lutheran tradition and a strong sense of community. With 61 majors to choose from, one-on-one research opportunities with faculty and a nationally recognized study abroad program, Concordia is committed to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in our global society. Our five largest departments are business, communication, biology, psychology and education.

2. What are the admission requirements?
To be accepted for admissions, you must have completed secondary school and be an above-average academic student, with demonstrated English proficiency. Once you are accepted, you must certify adequate financial ability to handle your share of the cost to attend so we can issue you an I-20 form.

3. What is an I-20 form?
Once you are accepted and have certified financial ability, we will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students – a form more commonly called an I-20. This form is required for you to apply for an F-1 student visa.

4. How do I apply for admission?
First, apply to Concordia for free online. Then, follow the steps for international student applications to complete your financial aid application. If you are accepted and have certified financial ability, we issue the acceptance letter and I-20 form. With this material, you apply for an F-1 student visa at an American Embassy or Consulate. You can apply for the visa up to 120 days ahead of the start date for your studies, and you can travel to America up to 30 days ahead of the start date.

5. How should I go about obtaining a visa?
We’ll do what we can to help you understand the visa application process, but the best thing you can do is inform yourself about the process through reliable sources. The best and most reliable sources for visa information are the Education USA advising offices, and we suggest you work primarily with them.

6. Do you require SAT or other standardized tests?
We do not require SAT scores for international applicants. If you do decide to take the exam, please enter Concordia’s school code of 6113 so we receive your results. We do require you demonstrate adequate English ability. If you choose IELTS, our preferred English proficiency test, please request the IELTS administrator to send your results to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA – no code is needed. If you choose the TOEFL test, please enter our school code of 6113 on your exam so we receive your results.

7. What services does Concordia provide to international students?
When you arrive on campus in the fall, one of the first things you’ll do is participate in Concordia’s International Student Orientation for two days. You’ll meet other new international students and learn about regulations, expectations and other important issues affecting you as a student in the United States. To assist you throughout the year, we have international student adviser and an Intercultural Affairs director.

8. What about on campus housing?
Sixty percent of Concordia students live on campus – a great way to make new friends, get involved in more activities and feel at home at Concordia. Campus housing is available year-round, including during college breaks.  New students under age 21 are required to live on campus the first two years.

9. Can I work as an international student?
International students are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no regulatory limit during holiday breaks. We offer a wide variety of jobs to choose from, along with cooperative education programs in your fields of study.

Information For:

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