Applying to Xavier University of Louisiana: Undergraduate Students
Admission Criteria
Xavier University of Louisiana is known for its rigorous admissions process, which takes into account various factors to ensure a diverse and academically talented student body. Xavier values the diverse perspectives and contributions of international students and seeks to admit individuals who not only meet academic standards but also enrich the campus community through their cultural backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations.
An "International Applicant" is defined by citizenship or permanent residency status, not current location. If you lack U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or pending asylee/refugee status, you should apply as an international student. It is crucial to ensure accurate representation of your citizenship status, as misrepresentation may result in application withdrawal.
Please note that admissions decisions for international students are made with many considerations ensuring that students have the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally at Xavier. Below are some key factors in the admissions process:
Academic Credentials: Xavier evaluates the academic qualifications of international applicants, which typically include transcripts from secondary school, or any post-secondary institutions attended. The university assesses the equivalency of international credentials to U.S. standards to ensure that students meet the academic requirements for admission.
English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential for success at Xavier, as all courses are conducted in English. International applicants whose primary language is not English are usually required to demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Duolingo tests are also accepted.
The minimum score requirements for each test are as follows:
- TOEFL: Paper Based (score of 550) or Internet Based (score of 80)
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0
- Duolingo Tests: Score ranging from 105 to 115.
Standardized Test Scores: While standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT may be required for domestic applicants, international students may have alternative requirements or options. Some international students may need to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT if they have completed their secondary education in a country where English is not the primary language of instruction.
Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can attest to the student's academic abilities, character, and potential for success are typically optional. But international applicants can still submit these letters as they can help admissions officers gain insights into the applicant's qualifications and personal qualities.
Personal Statement or Essay: International students are often required to submit a personal statement or essay as part of their application. This provides an opportunity for students to articulate their academic and personal goals, explain their interest in attending Xavier, and share any unique experiences or perspectives they bring as international students.
Financial Documentation: International students must demonstrate their ability to finance their education in the United States. This usually involves providing documentation of financial resources, such as bank statements, sponsorship or scholarship letters, to cover tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
Visa Documentation: Once admitted, international students must obtain the necessary visa documentation, such as an F-1 student visa, to study in the United States. Xavier's Office of International Education assists students with the visa application process and provides support throughout their time at the university.
Start the Undergraduate Application process here.
Checklist
Embarking on your journey to Xavier University of Louisiana as an international student? Make sure you are prepared with our essential checklist! From English proficiency exams to visa documentation, financial statements to application deadlines, our comprehensive guide ensures you're equipped for success at Xavier.
Apply
- Submit your application to Xavier University of Louisiana by the specified deadline. Students are encouraged to apply by the preferred scholarship deadline – December 1st. The preferred application deadline is March 1st for consideration of fall enrollment.
- Ensure all required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, are included in your application package.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by the admissions office.
Get Admitted
- Await notification of your admission status from Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Once admitted, carefully review the admission letter for any instructions or requirements.
Submit Financial Documents
- Provide financial documentation demonstrating your ability to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for your studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Follow the specific guidelines provided by the Office of International Education for submitting financial documents.
Receive I-20
- Upon acceptance and verification of financial documentation, Xavier University of Louisiana will issue your Form I-20 (for F-1 visa holders).
- Ensure all information on the form is accurate.
- Contact the Office of International Education immediately if you notice any errors.
Travel to the United States
- Schedule your travel to the United States, ensuring it aligns with the start date listed on your Form I-20
- Make travel arrangements well in advance, including booking flights and securing temporary housing if necessary.
- Inform the Office of International Education about your travel.
Check in with Office of International Education
- Upon arrival in the United States, schedule a check-in appointment with the Office of International Education at Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Bring all required documents, including your passport, visa, Form I-20 and any other relevant paperwork.
- Attend orientation sessions and any other mandatory events organized by the Office of International Education to familiarize yourself with campus resources, immigration regulations, and academic requirements.
By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition to Xavier University of Louisiana as a new international student. You can find more information about the application process here.
Transfer Students
Transfer admission criteria vary among Xavier University's colleges. However, as a transfer applicant, you must meet the following minimum requirements for admission consideration:
Key Information:
- Earned a minimum of 15 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
Important Note: If you have not met the minimum requirements for transfer admission, we will not be able to render a final decision on your application. If you will not meet the above minimum requirements by the posted document deadline for your desired entry semester (including in-progress courses for which grades have not yet been earned), you will not be eligible for admission.
If you are an international student currently on a student visa seeking to transfer to Xavier University, or if you have completed college courses in your home country and wish to transfer to Xavier University, our Admissions team will assist you through the transfer process seamlessly. Contact:
Transfer applicants are required to submit transcripts evaluated by a U.S. foreign credential evaluation service. While TOEFL or IELTS scores are not mandatory for applicants whose native language is English, applicants who have completed high school and/or college-level work in the US may qualify for an English Proficiency waiver.
Furthermore, if you were educated in a non-English speaking secondary school, you must provide a Course-by-Course evaluation of your secondary school work assessed by a U.S. foreign credential evaluation service. We recommend using services such as SPANTRAN for this purpose.
For all foreign transcripts from universities outside the U.S., a NACES Evaluation Agency evaluation is required. We recommend using SPANTRAN for an official course-by-course evaluation.
College of Pharmacy
If you are an international transfer student interested in Pharmacy, our College of Pharmacy has a dedicated admissions department to guide you through the specific admissions requirements for the Pharmacy program. For further details, please reach out to Pharmacy Admissions. Contact:
Checklist for International Students Transferring to Xavier University of Louisiana
Submit Transfer Application: Complete and submit the transfer application for admission to Xavier University of Louisiana.
Transfer-In Form: Fill out the transfer-in form provided by XULA's international student office. This form facilitates the transfer of your SEVIS record from your current school to Xavier.
Connect with International Student Office: Stay in touch with Xavier's Office of International Education for any updates or questions regarding your transition to the university.
Academic Transcripts: Request official transcripts from your current school to be sent directly to XULA's admissions office. These transcripts should include all coursework completed thus far.
English Proficiency: Provide proof of English proficiency if applicable. This may include TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted English proficiency exam scores.
Visa Documents: Ensure all visa documents are up to date and in compliance with immigration regulations. This includes a valid passport, visa, and I-20 form.
Financial Documentation: Submit proof of financial support to demonstrate your ability to cover tuition and living expenses while studying at Xavier.
Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance coverage that meets XULA's requirements. International students are often required to have health insurance while studying in the US.
Housing Arrangements: Arrange for housing accommodations either through Xavier's on-campus housing or off-campus options.
Scholarships
Internal Scholarships
Internal scholarships are those offered directly by the university itself. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific achievements or talents. They are typically funded by the university's own resources and are awarded to students who meet certain criteria set by the institution.
New international freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission.
Please note that international students are only eligible to receive the Board of Trustees Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Xavier University Academic Scholarships, and Xavier University Academic Transfer Scholarships.
Learn more on our Academic Scholarships page.
Please note that international students are not eligible for U.S. Federal Student Aid. Check out our Academic Scholarship Policy for further details.
External Scholarships
External scholarships, on the other hand, are those offered by outside organizations, such as corporations, foundations, community groups, or government agencies. These scholarships may have their own application processes, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria. Students at Xavier University of Louisiana can apply for external scholarships to supplement their financial aid package from the university.
Check out some resources on external scholarships here.
For frequently asked questions about external scholarships please check here.
FAQs
Applying to Xavier University of Louisiana is free, so there is no need for a fee waiver.
For specific cases, you may contact apply@xula.edu.
a). You can either have the certificate notarized or have an official from the bank sign or stamp it, attesting to the balance in your banking account. b). Submit your materials by emailing Ms. Apply@xula.edu
Contact Ms. Apply@xula.edu for application-related questions. For obtaining paperwork to apply for your U.S. visa and coming to the U.S., contact the Office of International Education (International Office) at international@xula.edu.
We do not have CSS fee waivers, but students are welcome to apply directly through our website, which is free. Applying for ISAFA does not guarantee an award; proof from ISAFA about the amount of assistance you are receiving is required.
Students from countries where English is the official language are exempt from English proficiency tests if English is their native language.
However, for students whose native language is not English, proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are mandatory.
The minimum score requirements for each test are as follows:
- TOEFL: Paper Based (score of 550) or Internet Based (score of 80)
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0
- Duolingo Tests: Score ranging from 105 to 115
The percentage of international students accepted at Xavier is high, as most of our past applicants were academically prepared, and many received our merit-based scholarships.
The Board of Trustees Scholarship has been exhausted for Fall 2024, but the Presidential Scholarship is still available.
Decisions will be communicated, and scholarship details may be included in the acceptance letter.
Applications are still open, and you can refer to the application link (https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html). However, Xavier may decide on June 1 as the cutoff date for Fall admission consideration due to visa processing times.
The U.S. visa fee is $185, and the SEVIS fee is $350. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Most international students will be using the F student visa. First-time F visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee, also called I-901 fee as mandated by U.S. Congress to support the federal program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the U.S. You can pay the SEVIS fee only after the Xavier International Office has issued you the initial Form I-20, which contains your SEVIS ID number.
Necessary documents and submission details can be found on the Xavier University international students’ page: (https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html).
As an international student, you are not eligible for any federal loans. For detailed information about financial aid and potential student loans, you may refer to the international students’ page:(https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html). Remember, federal regulations mandate that you must provide proof that you have the financial resources to live and study in the U.S. for up to one year before the International Office can issue you Form I-20. A scholarship from Xavier can be counted toward the financial resources.
Xavier University of Louisiana uses a holistic approach to review your applications. We consider a variety of factors during the application review process. For specific details, you can contact the Admissions Office/Brooke Kelly via bkelly4@xula.edu.
While there may not be specific tips mentioned, crafting a compelling essay involves showcasing your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. It is advisable to express yourself authentically. From a writing perspective, whenever you make a statement, such as your quality of academic preparedness, you need to substantiate such a claim or statement with evidence or further explanations.
Xavier University of Louisiana currently offers a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, but the University does not have a specific program in software engineering. You can check the available programs on the XULA Undergraduate Programs page: https://www.xula.edu/_listings/undergraduateprogram.html.
Currently, there is no master's program in Biological Sciences. You can check the available programs on the XULA Graduate Programs page: https://www.xula.edu/_listings/graduateprogram.html
Currently, Xavier does not. A full list of graduate programs can be found here: https://www.xula.edu/_listings/graduateprogram.html).
Xavier University does not currently offer a master’s in Medical Neuroscience.
Xavier University offers undergraduate programs in business, and you can find more information on the XULA Business Division page: https://www.xula.edu/division/division-of-business/business.html
To apply, follow the application link provided by Ms. Brooke Kelly: https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html
Yes. Information on scholarships can be found here: https://www.xula.edu/financialaid/scholarships/index.html.
Yes, we do offer sports-based scholarships and here is a list of all the sports that Xavier University is involved via https://xulagold.com. However, athletic based scholarships are determined on a case by case basis by coaches in each specific specialty, and the Admissions Office only manages academic scholarships. For a detailed list and contact information about the coaches and their specialty, check this site: https://xulagold.com/staff-directory.
Details about scholarship categories and eligibility criteria can be found on the XULA International Students page: https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html.
Details about scholarship categories and eligibility criteria can be found on the XULA International Students page: https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html.
Yes, students could be awarded up to $10,000 in musical scholarship from the Music Department.
Details about scholarship categories and eligibility criteria can be found on the XULA International Students page: https://www.xula.edu/global/ciip/department-of-center-for-intercultural-and-international-programs/international-students.html.
For information on how to qualify for the Presidential scholarship, you can contact Apply@xula.edu.
Yes, they can go through the Board of Trustees and the JW Carmichael Scholarship which awards up to $40,000.
There are no current scholarships or assistantships for master’s and Ph.D. programs. However, it is something Xavier University is working on currently.
Students with sports talent should contact coaches for scholarship availability and consideration. Their contact information can be found via: https://xulagold.com/staff-directory
Specific considerations for students with lower SAT scores may depend on various factors. For detailed information, it's recommended to contact the Admissions Office/Ms. Brooke Kelly via bkelly4@xula.edu.
Details about accommodation for master's students can be obtained by reaching out to the University's Office of Housing and Residential Education, Ms. Imani Montgomery via imontgom@xula.edu. Due to limited housing capacity on campus, beds for graduate students are not guaranteed.
For information on scholarships related to musical skills, including the Xavier Choir band, you can contact Apply@xula.edu.
Xavier University accepts students with diverse language backgrounds. Your admission into Xavier indicates that you already meet the requirements for English proficiency to study at Xavier. However, even U.S. students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the six Academic Resource Centers, including the Reading Resource Center and Writing Resource Center. For more information, you can check https://www.xula.edu/graduateschool/saso-resource-centers.html.
A GPA of 3.5 is considered eligible for admission at Xavier University.
Detailed information on financial aid and potential amounts can be found on the XULA Financial Aid page: https://www.xula.edu/financial-aid.
Xavier and Ochsner Health, the largest healthcare provider in Louisiana, announced they will establish a joint College of Medicine in January 2023. To launch the College of Medicine, Xavier and Ochsner Health are in the process of forming a nonprofit corporation and creating new curricular and use facilities, personnel, and administrative processes of both institutions. Stay tuned for future progress.