Now That I've Been Admitted

Congratulations on being admitted to Texas A&M University! As an international graduate student, there are many preparations you will need to make prior to your arrival at the university. Our goal is to make this process easier by explaining the steps you need to take between being admitted and getting registered for your classes. Several departments may be involved in this process and we will provide links that will direct you to their website where you will find additional information.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1. Certificate of Eligibility (I-20)
   For information about obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20), or to track the progress of the processing of your I-20, click http://international.tamu.edu/iss/people/newstudents.asp.
2. International Student Check-In and Orientation
   Check-in and Orientation is mandatory for incoming international students and must be completed prior to your being allowed to register. For more information on check-in dates, click http://international.tamu.edu/iss/checkin_orientation/checkin.asp.
3. New Graduate Student Orientation
   The New Graduate Student Orientation is a university-wide program offered to all incoming graduate students. It will provide a terrific overview of what you can expect at Texas A&M University - both as a student and as a resident of “Aggieland.” Orientation will also offer you a chance to meet campus leaders, administrators, and fellow graduate students. For more information click http://ogs.tamu.edu/orientation.
4. Expenses & Financing for Graduate Students
   For information on topics such as Tuition and Fees, Fellowships, Grants and Financial Aid for graduate students, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies web page http://ogs.tamu.edu/prospective/financial/, click on the Prospective Students heading and again on Expenses & Financing Your Texas A&M Graduate Education.
5. Immunizations
   International students are required to provide proof of immunizations. To view the list of recommended immunizations, visit Texas A&M University Health Center’s Immunizations page http://shs.tamu.edu/immunizations.htm.
6. Housing Options
   Texas A&M University offers shuttle bus transportation for a large area in the surrounding Bryan/College Station community. For a listing of stops on the shuttle bus route, click http://transport.tamu.edu/transit/offstops.aspx. This information will provide useful if you need to choose housing in an area on the shuttle bus route.
   
   International Student Services has several links that you will find helpful in locating off-campus housing at their Arrival and Housing Information for New International Students web page at http://international.tamu.edu/iss/checkin_orientation/resources_arrival.asp#Housing_Information.
   The following web page http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss/ offers additional links and information to housing locator services, information about the local community, as well as information for graduate students with children.
7. Off-Campus Survival Manual
   This annually-updated manual provides information and resources beneficial to all new Aggies! From types of housing available, local properties amenities, guide to signing a lease, helpful forms, map of properties, utilities, and other great resources. Visit this link (http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss/publications/SurvivalManual/) to request a Survival Manual to be mailed to you.
8. English Language Proficiency
   Texas A&M University requires students from other countries to demonstrate their ability to speak, write, and understand the English language.

   There are two levels of English Proficiency Status for graduate students: English Proficiency Verified and English Proficiency Certified. An English Proficiency Certification is required, by the State of Texas, before a graduate student is eligible to serve as a Graduate Assistant-Teaching, or any other position considered to be a teaching position (e.g., instructor, lecturer, etc.). All other students must be either English Proficiency Verified or English Proficiency Certified.

   English Proficiency Verification can be achieved by presenting:

   1. A TOEFL score of at least 213 computer-based [cBT] (80 internet-based [iBT], 550 paper-based [pBT]), or
   2. An IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall band, or
   3. A GRE verbal score of at least 400, or
   4. A GMAT verbal score of at least 22, or
   5. Obtaining a US Bachelor’s or Master’s degree through study solely in the US
   Individual colleges may choose to establish minimum TOEFL standards that exceed the University minimum for English Proficiency Verification. Scores from TOEFL examinations administered more than two years before submission of the application for admission shall not be eligible for English Proficiency Verification.

   English Proficiency Certification can be achieved by:

   1. Scoring at least 80 on each of the six sections of the English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE), or
   2. Obtaining grades of A or B in English Language Institute (ELI) courses at the 300 level or higher, or
   3. Requesting alternative certification by the Office of Graduate Studies. Students who have received a baccalaureate degree following four years of study at an accredited U.S. institution will qualify for English Proficiency Certification under this alternative.
   International students who fail to attain a score of at least 80 on ONE of the six sections but attain a score of 80 or more on the other sections, may appeal their results. Such students should contact their departmental graduate advisor for further information.

   Graduate students who have completed an equivalent English training program at an institution other than Texas A&M may request English Proficiency Verification or Certification. Verification or Certification on this basis is requested through the Departmental Graduate Advisor. The student should provide the Departmental Graduate Advisor with documentation to support their Verification or Certification. If the department concurs with the request, the Department Graduate Advisor will submit a letter, recommending and requesting Verification or Certification and documentation, to the Office of Graduate Studies. The Office of Graduate Studies will determine on a case-by-case basis whether Verification or Certification is granted.

   For more information about English Language Proficiency, please visit the following site: http://international.tamu.edu/iss/people/newstudents_elpe.asp.
9. Arrival Information
   Shuttle service is provided for new incoming international students from select airports on specific dates. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please visit http://international.tamu.edu/iss/checkin_orientation/resources_arrival.asp for more information.
10. Financial Resources
    International applicants who are accepted must submit evidence of their ability to support themselves and any accompanying dependents before a Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. For information about the amount and type of evidence that must be submitted, visit the ISS website at http://international.tamu.edu/iss/checkin_orientation/resources_arrival.asp. On this website, you will find an Estimated Expenses Sheet to guide you.
11. Transfer-In Form
    An international student who is accepted to the University and who has attended another school in the United States (language school, college, or university) will receive a Transfer-In Form (TIF) with the acceptance letter. This form describes the student’s immigration status for the semester immediately before enrolling at Texas A&M University. It also prompts the current school to release the student to Texas A&M by entering a release date in the federal government’s SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database. The TIF needs to be received and processed by the International Student Services (ISS) Office before an international student can receive the Certificate of Eligibility. The TIF can be downloaded from the ISS website at http://international.tamu.edu/iss/people/prospective.asp.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).