IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Exchange Student Non-degree Application for Admission
Application Checklist:
_____ Exchange Student Non-degree Application for Admission: original + 2 copies
_____ Exchange Student Financial Agreement: original + 2 copies
_____ Exchange Student Housing Contract
_____ Official Transcripts: Original + 2 copies
_____List of classes (current enrollment) +2 copies
_____ Documentation of funding for duration of exchange: Originals only
See the Exchange Student Financial Agreement for amounts.
_____ Official TOEFL score: original + 2 copies (student copy of score will not be accepted)
See the Frequently Asked Questions below for guidelines on who must submit TOEFL scores.
Incoming Exchange Student applications take 4-6 weeks to process. Be sure to indicate the dates you can be reached at your current address so your admission notice does not get sent to the wrong address. Please contact the Study Abroad Center if your contact information changes.
Please return completed application, supporting documents, and all required copies to the Study Abroad Center, Iowa State University, 3224 Memorial Union, Ames IA 50011-1133 U.S.A. If you have any questions, you may reach us by telephone at 1-515-294-6792, by fax at 1-515-294-7724, or by email at .
Please send the original and 2 copies of your completed application and of all supporting documentation, including official transcripts, current classes and TOEFL if appropriate and originals of financial documentsto the Study Abroad Center, Iowa State University, 3224 Memorial Union, Ames IA 50011-1133 U.S.A.
1. Name: ______
(LAST/FAMILY)(FIRST/GIVEN)(MIDDLE)
2. Current home telephone: ______Cell phone number: ______
3. Fax number: ______Home E-mail address: ______
University e-mail address: ______
4. Term and year you wish to enter: Fall (August) 20______Spring (January) 20______
Indicate anticipated length of study: ______
5. Level for which you are applying (check one): Non-degree Undergraduate ______Non-degree Graduate ______*
(*Note: you must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to apply for graduate status)
6. Home address: ______
(NUMBER AND STREET)(CITY)
______
(STATE)(POSTAL CODE)(COUNTRY)
7. Current address (if different from above): ______
(NUMBER AND STREET)(CITY)
______(valid dates: ______)
(STATE))(POSTAL CODE)(COUNTRY)
8. Gender: Male___ Female ___ Birth date ______Birth Place: ______
(MONTH/DAY/YEAR)(CITY)(COUNTRY)
9. Country of citizenship: ______Country of Permanent Residence: ______
10a. Is English your first language? Yes ____ No ____ 10b. If no, TOEFL score: ______Date taken: ______
11. Have you ever enrolled at Iowa State University before? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, dates: ______
12. Provide the following information for the university you are currently attending. List any degree(s) earned or expected.
______
(NAME OF UNIVERSITY)(MAJOR)(DATES OF ATTENDANCE)(DEGREE & DATE)
13. Please list the ISU courses in which you are interested. Note the example given below. (Please list more courses than you will need, as some classes may not be available.) You may attach an additional sheet if needed. You can view the ISU Catalog (including course descriptions and class schedule) on the Web at: Clearly mark with an asterisk (*) those courses that you must complete to fulfill your home institution's requirements. Please note the restrictions for graduate course enrollment described on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
SEMESTER 1 COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE SEMESTER 2 COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE
F’10 Math 165 Calculus 1 S’11 Soc 134 Intro. to Sociology
______
______
______
______
______
14. Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license? Yes ____ No ____ (If yes, please see instructions.)
I certify that all statements in this application are complete and true. ______
(Inaccurate information may result in denial of this application or dismissal.) (SIGNATURE)(DATE)
The exchange coordinator at the sending university should complete the following:
This applicant is a nominee for participation on this exchange program. ______(SIGNATURE) (DATE)
9/10
1. Applicant’s name: ______Telephone: ______
(LAST/FAMILY) (FIRST/GIVEN)(MIDDLE) (Country/City Code/Number)
2. Home address: ______
(NUMBER AND STREET)
______
(CITY)(STATE/PROVINCE)(POSTAL CODE)(COUNTRY)
3. Current address: ______
(NUMBER AND STREET)(CITY)
______(valid dates: ______)
(STATE/PROVINCE)(POSTAL CODE) (COUNTRY)
4. Country of citizenship: ______E-mail: ______
5. Is any family member coming to the US with you? No ____ Yes, I plan to bring the following dependents with me:
LAST NAME FIRST NAME RELATIONSHIP DATE OF BIRTH CITY AND COUNTRY OF BIRTH
______
______
6. Please show below the financial sources and amounts (in U.S. dollars) that you will have to cover all educational and living expenses for yourself (and any dependents accompanying you) during your exchange. You should have sufficient funds in liquid assets (i.e., a bank account) to cover these expenses. Students participating in an exchange that includes only tuition and fees must provide $6,808 per semester. Students participating on an exchange that includes tuition, fees, and room must provide $4,969 per semester as of 2/10
SOURCE OF FUNDSAMOUNT PROVIDED TO APPLICANT
Personal Sources
Applicant’s savings (attach bank statement of account)$______
Applicant’s salary while on leave (attach annual salary statement)$ ______
Family member’s savings (attach bank statement of account)$ ______
Family member’s salary (attach annual salary statement)$ ______
Other personal or family income (attach documentation)$ ______
Organizational Sponsors
U.S. Government Agency (specify ______)$ ______
International Organization (specify ______)$ ______
Your Government$ ______
Other (specify ______)$ ______
Scholarship (attach detailed scholarship award letter)
Name of organization: ______$ ______
7. Declaration of Support from Financial Sponsor. (If you have more than one sponsor, please make a photocopy of this form for their completion)
Name: ______Relationship to student: ______
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Address: ______
Sponsor living in the US must check appropriate status: U.S. citizen _ Immigrant __ Nonimmigrant (visa type: )
I promise to provide the funds indicated above: ______Date: ______
(SPONSOR'S SIGNATURE)
8. My signature certifies that all information provided on this form is complete and accurate, and that I agree that I am responsible for all expenses I incur during my attendance at Iowa State.
Applicant’s signature: ______Date: ______
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for admission?
The earlier you apply, the better opportunities you will have to get your first preferences in course selection and housing. Most undergraduates in the U.S. apply 9 –12 months prior to their date of entry. Deadlines are April 1 for Fall Semester and October 1 for Spring Semester.
Do I need to provide transcripts as part of my Exchange Student Application?
You must submit official academic transcripts from your home institution. This is necessary to determine if you have met the prerequisites for the courses that you have requested.
Do I need to provide proof of financial support?
You should provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay. Please see the Exchange Student Financial Agreement for estimates of expenses.
May I apply to study as a graduate student?
If you have earned a bachelor's or advanced degree from a non-U.S. college or university, you may be considered for graduate study. Your institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education of your country, and the number of years of study and the requirements for the degree must be comparable to those of Iowa State University.
I will be returning home shortly. What address do I use?
Please list both addresses, and indicate dates you can be reached at each of them so that we know where to send your admission letter and visa forms. Please contact the Study Abroad Center if your contact information changes.
How do I answer Question 14 on the application?
Applicants who have beenchargedwith a violation of law who answer “yes” to Question 14 on the application may be required to furnish the university with copies of all official documentation explaining the final disposition of the proceedings. If your records have been expunged pursuant to applicable law, you are not required to answer “yes” to that question. An answer of “yes” will not automatically exclude you from admission, but it will be considered when evaluating your application. If you are unsure whether you should answer “yes” to this question, we suggest that you answer “yes” and fully disclose all incidents. By doing so, you can avoid any risk of disciplinary action or revocation of an offer of admission.
Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
If English is not your first language, a score of 71 on the IBT or 530 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) is required at the time you apply for admission. Graduate students must have a 79 IBT or 550 PBT. Please provide an official copy of the score; student copies will not be accepted.
Where can I find information on class offerings and schedules?
The course bulletin, where you can find course descriptions and schedules, is available on-line at
How many credits can I take as an exchange student?
You must take a full-time course of study to fulfill the requirements of your visa. That is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduates; however, undergraduates typically take 15-16 credits; graduates typically take 12.
How do I register for classes?
Your admission letter will tell you into which college you have been admitted. Please contact the non-degree student adviser of that college to assist you with registration. A listing of those offices is provided below.
Agriculture(515)
Business(515)
Design(515)
Engineering(515)
Human Sciences(515)
Graduate College(515)
Liberal Arts and Sciences(515)
If applying or accepted as an undergraduate, may I still enroll in graduate classes?
If you wish to take only graduate classes, you should apply as a graduate exchange student. Classes at ISU are listed by name and by level (100- to 600-level). Generally speaking, undergraduate students study at the 100- to 400-level. The lower level (100-299) classes are introductory and general in nature while the higher level (300-499) classes are more specialized. 500- and 600-level classes are considered post-graduate. 500-599 courses may be open to qualified undergraduates with special permission. 600-level courses are restricted to graduate students only.
If I want to enroll in a degree program later, will the credits I complete as an exchange student apply to a degree program?
- Undergraduates: There is no limit to the number of undergraduate semester credits that may be accepted at the undergraduate level; however, your last 32 semester credits must be earned at ISU. To enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate, submit an application for undergraduate admission, application fee, and official transcripts from your high school and all colleges and universities attended. If you are admitted, your academic adviser will determine how courses taken as an undergraduate exchange student will apply to the specific undergraduate degree program you choose. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate non-degree student will not be accepted into a graduate degree program.
- Graduates: Up to 9 semester credits of graduate courses taken as a non-degree graduate student may be accepted toward a graduate degree program. To enroll as a degree-seeking graduate student, submit an application for graduate admission, application fee, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, proof of any degrees earned, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation. If you are admitted, your Program of Study Committee will recommend to the Graduate College which of your graduate courses (if any) will count toward your degree program.
What should I do if I am planning to be in the U.S. as a tourist, student, or intern immediately before the beginning of my exchange?
It is important that you contact an International Student Adviser, International Students and Scholars, [phone: (515) 294-1120, fax: (515) 294-8263, email to discuss your particular situation. It may not be possible to change your visa status within the U.S.
How do I obtain a visa?
Students participating in bilateral exchange programs will receive the Form DS-2019 directly from International Students and Scholars office at ISU. This form should be taken to the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest your home in order to obtain a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa entitles you to remain in the U.S. until the end of your program of study, plus a thirty-day grace period. For students coming to Ames through ISEP, the ISEP office will issue your DS-2019. These forms are usually sent in November for students starting classes in January and in June for Fall semester.
Housing Options
Can I live in the residence halls or in university apartments as an exchange student? Yes! As an exchange student, you are guaranteed a spot in university housing, though the type of housing to which you are assigned depends upon available space. You will find a description of several of the housing options below. Regardless of where you live on campus, you will experience a community of persons from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. This environment gives you the opportunity to learn from other students in an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect.
Richardson Court Residence Halls
Richardson Court residence halls are located on the east side of the Iowa State campus. Rooms are double-occupancy and are offered at the lowest rate on campus. High-speed Internet connection and cable television hookup are provided. Rooms are furnished, including study desk/chair, bed, chest of drawers, and clothes closet or wardrobe. Students provide their own telephones and pay for long distance phone calls. All other utilities are provided.
Services available within the Richardson Court residence hall neighborhood include residential dining centers, a convenience store, post offices, vending, laundry, recreation, and lounge/meeting space.
Residents of Linden-Devitt Hall are part of a unique experience, as they are paired with roommates from other countries in the cross-cultural house. If you are interested in participating in the cross-cultural program, please indicate the preference on your contract.
Buchanan Residence Hall
Upper-division single student residence hall housing is provided at Buchanan Hall, which includes both single and double suite style rooms for increased privacy. High-speed Internet connection and cable television hookup are provided. Students provide their own telephones and pay for long distance phone calls. All other utilities are provided. The suites in Buchanan Hall are carpeted and furnished, including a lofted bed, desk with bookcase and file, soft seat desk chair, and a wardrobe/dresser combination unit (all are per resident). The newly remodeled double suites in Buchanan Hall have a sink in each room and share a toilet and shower with the adjacent room. Single-room suites share a bathroom (which includes a sink, toilet, and shower) with one other single room. Student lounges and kitchenettes are available on most floors. Vending and laundry are also located in the building. Buchanan Hall also provides “Plus Break” housing to each resident at no additional charge, which means that students may stay in their rooms during the break between fall and spring semesters.
Frederiksen Court Apartments
Unmarried student apartment accommodations are available in Frederiksen Court, located on the north side of campus, in air-conditioned, single-gender, two-bedroom shared and four-bedroom single apartments (each apartment houses four students). Due to high demand for four-bedroom apartments, exchange students attending Iowa State for only one semester will only be eligible for housing in two-bedroom apartments. Microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal, as well as a washer and dryer, are provided in each apartment. High-speed Internet connection and cable television hookup are provided. Students provide their own telephones, pay for long distance phone calls, and should also plan to provide for the upkeep/cleaning of the apartment. All other utilities are included. The new Frederiksen Court Community Center houses a fitness center, amenities center with office equipment available for resident use, conference room, private dining room, and a retail dining facility and convenience store with indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor recreation facilities, including volleyball and basketball courts, are located on site.
Other housing options: See
ISU Dining
Students residing in the residence halls at Iowa State University are served nutritious all-you-care-to-eat meals in nearby dining centers. Students may select from a variety of meal plans (meals plans are required in all residence halls; optional in student apartments at Frederiksen Court). Students who choose to live in the residence halls will be assigned automatically to the Premium Cy Plan meal plan, which allows students to eat unlimited meals per week and also receive 100 “Dining Dollar$” per semester (Dining Dollar$ are credits that allow you to make retail food purchases in addition to traditional meals). You may, however, change your meal plan to a smaller or larger plan once you arrive on campus if that is your preference. There are also a number of retail dining options available on campus. Dining Dollar$ are available for purchase or as part of a meal plan, allowing students to make convenient purchases of meals, snacks, and convenience items without carrying cash.