Each year, our campus is greatly enriched by the presence of international students who enroll and study toward a bachelor’s degree. In addition to submitting the application form and secondary school transcript with the official English translation, international students whose first language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have the results mailed to the College. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 520 [68 internet-based or 190 computer-based]. International students, whose native language is not English, may alternatively choose to take the APIEL or IELTS exam in place of the TOEFL exam. The minimum APIEL score for admission is 3 and the minimum IELTS score is 6. Two ESL courses (LANG 221 and 222) are taught each year on campus for credit. Language 221 and 222 are required for international students whose first language is not English and whose TOEFL scores are between 520 and 550, unless exempted from Language 221 by results of a Roanoke College proficiency test. Students who score 551 through 570 may take LANG 222 with permission of the instructor. Students who score 550 or below will be required to take a proficiency test during orientation.
Successful results on national examinations such as “A” levels (U.K.) or Baccalaureat (France) may lead to advanced placement and credit toward the degree. These scores should be mailed with the application. It is highly recommended that international students submit a formal autobiographical essay of two pages, written in English, discussing why the student wishes to study at Roanoke College.
An official bank statement indicating the availability of funds to support the student for one academic year must also be sent with the completed application. The College Board Foreign Student Financial Aid Application form may be submitted in lieu of the official bank statement. International students are encouraged to apply for merit-based financial aid. Superior results on the SAT or the TOEFL/APIEL/IELTS will be taken into consideration when awarding partial scholarships.