International Admissions

The first steps in the admission process are to review our international brochure and complete the online application. Educational documents are also needed, which show that you have the equivalent of a high school diploma. These documents must include a list of subjects studied, the minimum passing grade and maximum grade possible in each subject, the grades attained, and the applicant's rank in the graduating class (if  available).

If you have studied beyond the high school level, you should send documentation, such as examination results and transcripts from the educational institutions at which you have studied.

All documents must bear the original seal or signature of the registrar of the institution(s) attended. If a photocopy of a document is sent, it must be stamped, dated, and signed by the institution issuing the document. Documents written in languages other than English must be submitted with a certified translation. Any translation should be literal and not interpretive. Documents submitted to Viterbo become the property of the university. Early application is encouraged.

Admissions Requirements

International First-Year Undergraduates: 

Admission based solely on GPA of 2.500 or higher on a 4.000 scale.  Credential evaluation would be completed by the International Admission Office, if necessary.  Required documents:

  • Demonstration of English proficiency (if necessary) through the submission of a valid (taken within the last two years from the start of term) TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET score report. 
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 500 (Paper-Based) or 61 (Internet-Based).
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.5.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) - minimum score of 44.
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) - minimum score of 85.
    • Conditional admission may be available for those applicants that have not demonstrated English proficiency, but have submitted all other admission requirements.
  • Submission of all transcripts and degree certificate(s) from all high school/secondary schools attended showing all courses taken and all grades received.
  • A copy of the applicant’s passport biographical page.  If the applicant plans to attend with a spouse or child(ren), we will need copies of their passports as well.
  • Additional departmental requirements as specified for programs. 

International Transfers/2nd Bachelors:

Admission based solely on GPA of 2.000 or higher on a 4.000 scale.  Credential evaluation would be completed by the International Admission Office if necessary.  SAT/ACT not required.  Required documents:

  • Demonstration of English proficiency (if necessary) through the submission of a valid (taken within the last two years from the start of term) TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET score report. 
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 500 (Paper-Based) or 61 (Internet-Based).
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.5.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) - minimum score of 44.
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) - minimum score of 85.
    • Conditional admission may be available for those applicants that have not demonstrated English proficiency, but have submitted all other admission requirements.
  • Submission of all transcripts and degree certificate(s) from all colleges/universities attended showing all courses taken and all grades received.
  • A copy of the applicant’s passport biographical page.  If the applicant plans to attend with a spouse or child(ren), we will need copies of their passports as well.
  • Additional departmental requirements as specified for programs. 

International Graduates: 

Admission decisions determined by respective graduate departments.  Credential evaluation would be completed by the International Admission Office if necessary.  Required documents:

  • Demonstration of English proficiency (if necessary) through the submission of a valid (taken within the last two years from the start of term) TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET score report. 
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 550 (Paper-Based) or 79 (Internet-Based).
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - minimum score of 6.5.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) - minimum score of 53.
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) - minimum score of 105.
    • Conditional admission may be available for those applicants that have not demonstrated English proficiency, but have submitted all other admission requirements.
  • Submission of all transcripts and degree certificate(s) from all colleges/universities attended showing all courses taken and all grades received.
  • A copy of the applicant’s passport biographical page.  If the applicant plans to attend with a spouse or child(ren), we will need copies of their passports as well.
  • Additional departmental requirements as specified for programs.
Financial Requirements

All international students:  If you are accepted into Viterbo University, our office needs the following documents before your acceptance letter and I-20 may be sent to you:

  • Official, original bank statement(s) from you or sponsor(s) showing readily available funds in United States dollars to cover all expenses for at least the first year of study.
  • If sponsored, an original Certification of Finances completed by you and your sponsor(s) indicating that the sponsor is willing to financially support your educational studies.  A separate Certification of Finances must be completed with each sponsor.
  • Completed Student Financial Responsibility Agreement. The link to complete the online form will be available on your supplemental items list inside your application account, after the application is submitted.

You may submit your documents by logging into your account.  Alternatively, you may submit scanned copies of your documents as attachments in an email to krfelts@viterbo.edu.  If you wish to mail your documents, please use the following address:

International Admissions
Attn: Kenneth Felts
Viterbo University
900 Viterbo Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601-8804
USA

Mailing Costs of Documents

Viterbo University mails all documents using the University Express Mail Service (UEMS). Before your acceptance letter and I-20 can be sent to you, you will need to create an account on the UEMS website and request your acceptance packet to be mailed using either DHL, FedEx, or UPS courier service. You must use the UEMS website to request service. DO NOT use the DHL, FedEx, or UPS websites directly. All communication must go through UEMS, who will notify our office that you are requesting your acceptance packet to be mailed.

NOTE: Do not pay for any shipments until you have been notified via personal email from Viterbo University that your acceptance packet has been completed and is ready for shipment. To request shipment, you will need your Viterbo ID number, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and credit card information. Please pay close attention to the information provided, as errors will result in the delay of your acceptance packet's arrival.

If you experience any difficulty in registering or in processing a shipment through UEMS, please use the "Help" link on their website for step-by-step instructions. You may also email support@eshipglobal.com for additional assistance. 

Deadlines and Reporting Dates

Viterbo University practices rolling admission, which means that when your documents have all been received, your file will proceed to the admissions committe for review. Please note that this does not take into account immigration processing times, so applying early is important to accommodate additional requirements. After they have reviewed your application and supporting documents, if you are eligible, you will receive email notification of a decision. At that point, we will ask you to complete the Certification of Finances and provide documentation showing that you have the financial resources to pay for your educational and living expenses. Information on housing and health insurance will be provided at the same time. First-year students are required to live on campus.

After you have returned the Certification of Finances and the required documentation, we will be able to send the I-20 which will allow you to apply for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy.

Submission of Fraudulent Documents Policy

The submission of documents such as transcripts, diplomas, test scores, references or applications, that are forged, fraudulent, altered from the original, materially incomplete, obtained under false pretenses, or otherwise deceptive (collectively referred to as fraudulent documents) is prohibited by Viterbo University.

All documents submitted to Viterbo University, in support of applications for admission, academic evaluations, or required administrative processing must be true, accurate, and complete. Supporting documents must not make misrepresentations, omit relevant information, or be altered from the original.

Any documents submitted under false pretenses, forged, or misrepresented (in whole or part) shall subject the individuals involved to sanctions by the University. Specifically, Viterbo University reserves the right to withdraw offers of admission, place a temporary or permanent ban on applying for future admission, prohibit registration, rescind degrees, and suspend or expel students who present fraudulent documents. Such actions may also result in a forfeiture of academic credit earned while enrolled under false pretenses. Dismissal for misconduct does not abrogate a student’s financial responsibility to the University, the federal government, or private loan providers. Students remain liable for all relevant tuition and fees and the payment of their debts.

We strongly recommend that you avail yourself of the assistance of the Educational Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in your home country. Contact information and much more can be found at www.educationusa.state.gov.