The Affidavit of Financial Support document enables international F-1 Visa applicants to verify that they have the necessary financial means to support their education. Verifying financial support with PennWest also prepares you for demonstrating to U.S. Embassy/Consulate officials that you can afford your education. Demonstrating that you have sufficient funding is important to a successful application for an F-1 Visa.
PennWest’s admissions counselors are always ready to help. If you have a question that is not answered below, try the live chat box on this page, or contact an admissions counselor.
Undergraduates can qualify for an academic scholarship that reduces tuition cost to the same rate that non-resident Pennsylvanians pay. This is a significant saving. To qualify, an applicant must have earned a minimum 2.5 overall grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) in previous secondary or college-level studies. This scholarship can be retained throughout the degree program at PennWest as long as a 2.5 overall grade-point average is maintained.
Graduates can seek a paid graduate assistantship position which can help offset costs significantly. A graduate assistantship requires 10, 20, or 30 hours per week of supervised work for an on-campus department. Most positions are 20 hours per week. Positions are limited, and it is advisable to apply for graduate assistantships well before beginning your studies at PennWest.
The vast majority of on-campus jobs are funded through the federal work-study program, and F-1 Visa students are not eligible for these jobs. A very limited number of on-campus jobs are open to F-1 Visa students; these include state-funded work-study jobs or employment with University Dining Services. Note that F-1 Visa students must be present on campus to apply.
Graduate students may apply for a graduate assistantship position.
You should apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country using the admission letter and I-20 form from the Office of International Programming and Study Away. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. You can schedule a visa appointment up to 120 days in advance of your program start date.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the system used to create and update immigration records for F-1 Visa students. Every F-1 Visa student is required to check in with the Office of International Programming and Study Away within the first 30 days of each fall and spring semester.
You will learn a lot simply by living and studying in the United States, but it is encouraged to learn as much as possible before you arrive. Websites such as internationalstudent.com and studyusa.com provide helpful information and can get you started.
It is also helpful to learn how your country’s currency converts to U.S. dollars and how various measurements in your home country differ from some in the United States.
You can connect with other international students at PennWest by joining our International Club. You are also encouraged to get involved with any of the student clubs and organizations as well as take advantage of local culture and community events. Join our community while achieving your academic and career goals.