International Students Guide
Governors State University (GovState) is proud of its diverse and welcoming community. Students and staff from many different countries come together here in Chicago’s South Suburbs, creating a vibrant and supportive environment where everyone can feel at home.
The Office of International Services (OIS) is here to support you every step of the way. We welcome all international students, faculty, staff, study abroad participants, and their families. OIS is your main resource on campus for guidance, information, and support.
Our team is here to help you through the admissions process and adjust to life at GovState. We also support your academic success and help you get involved in campus life and cultural experiences. At GovState, you are part of a global community—and we are here to help you succeed.
25 Most Important Questions for International Students
These are the primary steps to help you succeed at Governors State University.
- Am I eligible to apply as an international student?
- Yes, international students can apply to Governors State University. The university welcomes international students and has a fairly selective admission process with an acceptance rate of 48%.
- What standardized tests do I need (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)?
- Standardized test requirements vary by program. The SAT, ACT, and GMAT are not required. However, some programs may require the GRE. Please review the specific program requirements for detailed information.
- What are the English proficiency requirements (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)?
- English Proficiency Requirement (Qualifying test score or Completion of the 112 level through ELS Education Services Inc.'s Language Centers.) [if your previous degree was from an institution where English is not the foundational language.]
- TOEFL
- Graduate Students: minimum 20 in each category with at least an overall 80
- Undergraduate Students: minimum 19 reading, 16 writing, 18 listening, and 15 speaking
- IELTS
- Overall 6.0 (all degree levels)
- PTE
- Graduate Students: minimum 53 in each section
- Undergraduate Students: minimum 51 reading, 43 writing, 48 listening, and 40 Speaking
- How do I submit transcripts and credentials from my home country?
- For admission and initial I-20 issuance, students may upload their transcripts and academic credentials as part of the application process. Upon arrival, they are required to bring original hard copies to the university for verification.
- What is the application deadline and process?
- Fall Semester - July 1
- Spring Semester - December 1
- Do I need letters of recommendation or essays?
- Two letters of recommendation should be requested from individuals who can attest to your professional accomplishments and ability to be successful in a graduate program (current or former faculty members; current or former supervisors; or community leaders). Recommendation letters should not come from family members, friends or colleagues. A template for the letter is available.
- Does the university offer my desired program/major?
- Freshman
- GovState offers undergraduate degrees that will challenge you and prepare you for your future.
- Transfer
- Transfer students are those who have completed a minimum of 45 semester hours at another school but want to transfer to GovState. We look forward to welcoming you.
- Master's
- We offer master's degree programs across a wide variety of academic disciplines. Each meets stringent professional accreditation requirements.
- Doctoral
- The pursuit of a doctorate requires precursor degrees as well as commitment and discipline. GovState offers doctoral degree programs.
- Application Deadlines:
- Fall Semester - July 1
- Spring Semester - December 1
- Apply Now
- Freshman
- What is the curriculum and structure of the program?
- Undergraduate programs require at least 120 credit hours for graduation, with 40+ upper-division hours, 38–41 general education credits
- Graduate studies, offered through four specialized colleges, require 32+ hours for master’s degrees, 60+ for specialists, and 75+ for doctorates
- What are the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio?
- Overall Ratio: 10:1 to 11:1.
- Average Class Size: ~12 students per faculty member.
- Class Composition: Roughly 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
- What opportunities exist for research, internships, or practical experience?
- Many graduate programs at GovState have internship options for international students.
- What is the academic calendar and course scheduling like?
- International Students are required to enroll in the Fall and Spring semesters, and the summer semester is optional. Students must enroll full-time in Fall and Spring semesters (Undergraduate: 12 credits; Graduate: 9 credits; Doctoral: 6 Credits)
- Are online or hybrid options available for international students?
- International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa must enroll full-time. No more than one online class can count towards the full-time enrollment requirement.
- What is the tuition and fee structure for degree seeking international students?
- Interested students should view the estimated cost of tuition at https://www.govst.edu/tuition.
- What is the cost of tuition for students interested in the English as a Second Language Program?
- $28,550 per academic year
- Are scholarships or financial aid available to me?
- There are very limited scholarship opportunities for international students. Once you are admitted, you are welcome to read through the scholarships posted on the GovState Foundation website (https://www.govst.edu/foundation-scholarships/) to see if you would be eligible to apply for any of them. Often it says U.S. citizen or FAFSA needed which would exclude international students.
- Please note that we are one of the most affordable state universities in Illinois. International students can work on campus as a student worker or graduate assistant. Once you are admitted, please reach out to the Career Services Department or search Jobs for Jaguars to look for openings on campus.
- How much will living expenses cost, including housing, food, and transport?
- Living expenses can vary significantly from student to student depending on lifestyle, housing choices, and personal spending habits. In general, housing in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs can be quite expensive, especially for students who choose to live alone.
- Students who live on campus may find their costs to be lower and more predictable compared to renting an apartment off campus. You can review current on-campus housing rates here: https://www.govst.edu/housing.
- Once students are admitted and have an approved visa, they will be connected with other new students through a WhatsApp group. This helps students find roommates, which can greatly reduce housing costs.
- Transportation costs can vary depending on the mode of transportation. Access to buses and trains is very common throughout the metro area, which can be much cheaper than buying and owning an automobile.
- How do I obtain a student visa (F-1/M-1)?
- Obtaining a Visa for Entry to the U.S.
- A visa is a stamp in your passport from the U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad that permits you to enter the U.S. at a Port of Entry. It only needs to be valid for your entry into the U.S. and does not need to remain valid while you are here as long as you maintain our status. This means that as long as you remain within U.S. borders, your visa is allowed to expire. However, your I-20 or DS-2019 must remain valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S.
- Once you are admitted to Governors State University, you will need to obtain a student visa for your initial entry to the U.S.
- The Office of International Services will send you an I-20 or DS-2019. Once you have this document, you should make sure the information is correct then print and sign the document. Please email ois@govst.edu if you have any questions or concerns about your document.
- The following are required steps to obtain your visa:
- Pay the SEVIS fee. Once you pay the fee, you will receive a receipt of payment that you must keep. You will need to present the receipt at your visa interview. You will also need this receipt notice for travel and future visa renewals.
- Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule a visa appointment. To find the nearest embassy, please refer to www.usembassy.gov.
- To obtain a visa, you need to prepare the following documents for your visa interview:
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- I-20 or DS-2019 from Governors State University
- Your admission letter to GovState
- One passport size photograph (2X2)
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Proof of application fee payment
- Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable)
- Other documentation, as necessary:
- Evidence of financial ability to meet expenses
- Evidence of English ability sufficient for course of study
- Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. after completion of studies
- Any other documents listed on the website of your Consulate or Embassy
- You should be prepared to show:
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
- Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc.
- Applicants with dependents must also provide:
- Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.);
- It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
- Obtaining a Visa for Entry to the U.S.
| The visa interview is not a document review, but a conversation. If you are denied a visa, make sure to get the decision in writing. Please contact OIS if you are denied for a visa. |
- What are my options for on-campus housing?
- Governors State University opened its first on-campus student residence in Fall 2014. The application for new students is available online by visiting the University Housing page. In addition to the application, you will find information regarding the available rooms, the living and learning community, the benefits of living on campus, and much more.
- How safe is the campus and surrounding area?
- Governors State University is recognized as one of the safest public university campuses in Illinois. The university employs a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe environment, including an all-day hotline, trained security personnel, late-night transportation services, and electronically operated dormitory entrances. The campus is patrolled 24/7 by State of Illinois certified police officers, and emergency phones are available for immediate assistance.
- What student support services are available (counseling, tutoring, health)?
- Governors State University offers a range of student support services to assist students in their academic and personal development.
- These services include:
- Office of the Dean of Students: Provides support for students, including reviewing Emergency and Medical Leave requests, responding to student complaints, and holding students accountable to the University’s Community Standards.
- Career Services: Offers career counseling, resume critiques, and job fair opportunities.
- Financial Aid Office: Assists students in obtaining financial resources to cover educational costs, including grants, loans, work, and tuition waivers.
- Academic Resource Center (ARC): Provides academic support services such as writing assistance, subject tutoring, academic recovery plans, and disabilities services.
- ARC Retention Support: Assists students in creating a goal-oriented success plan to address obstacles impeding their academic and personal success.
- Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC): The CWC empowers students, faculty, and staff with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to support healthy decision-making and promote mental health and wellbeing.
- Students can contact the respective offices for more information or to schedule an appointment. The university's commitment to student support is evident in the variety of services available to help students succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.
- Are there cultural, international, or student clubs to help me integrate?
- GovState supports over 70 to 80 student clubs, organizations, and honor societies, providing diverse opportunities for engagement in academic, social, and special interest groups
- Student Clubs and Organizations
- How do I get from the airport to campus?
- Students can travel from the airport to campus using the university’s shuttle service, which is available for those living in on-campus housing and includes airport pickup upon arrival.
What healthcare and insurance requirements exist for international students?
- All F-1 & J-1 visa holders will be automatically enrolled in valid health insurance while at Governors State University. This mandatory insurance requirement will be billed to your student account every fall and spring semester you are enrolled. The insurance plan is offered through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk. Please be aware that if you have dependents, you must also make sure you get insurance coverage for them, either through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, or another US insurance company.
- Below are some highlights of the insurance plan benefits and services available to you:
- 80% Coinsurance up to the first $10,000 of Medical Expenses, then 100% up to $250,000 Medical Maximum per Covered Accident or Sickness
- You can go to any doctor or hospital of your choice and present your ID card at time of service
- $100 Deductible per Covered Accident or Sickness
- Pregnancy coverage
- Mental health coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation including Emergency Reunion
- What options are available to international students after they complete their program?
- Students successfully completing their degree program will be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in their final semester at GovState. Students will receive more information about this option during their final semester
- Students also have the option of starting a new degree program either at GovState or a new school. OIS can assist students with the transfer process if they choose to go elsewhere
- Students can also apply for a change of status to another visa type if they are eligible.
- Students can depart the US and return home if they don't want to pursue any of the above options
If I choose to apply for OPT, how do I know if I am in a STEM OPT eligible program?
- Many programs at GovState are eligible! Please reach out to the Office of International Services at ois@govst.edu if you have a question about a specific program's STEM OPT eligibility.
Your path to success starts at Governors State University.
The OIS staff at Governors State University is dedicated to supporting international students at every stage of their academic journey. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive experience where students can focus on their goals and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage you to apply now and take the first step toward joining a community committed to your success.
International Students Guide
- Office of International Services
- Governors State University
- 1 University Pkwy, GMT 168, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.235.7611
- ois@govst.edu