How to Apply to the International Special Student (ISS) Program

While ISS is a non-degree program, college course credits are earned that may be applied toward a future degree. Your application and supporting documents express who you are, what you hope to gain here, and what you plan to contribute to our university. Please ensure that these documents are a complete and fair representation of your goals and interests in the ISSP. This page contains helpful guidance in completing your ISSP application, including language requirements and advice on certifying that you have sufficient funds.

Undergraduate

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Note: ISSP applications for fall semesters are due April 1. Applications for spring semesters are due October 1.

Gallaudet Admission’s Requirements for English and American Sign Language (ASL)

Due to Gallaudet University’s unique nature, every member of the campus community is encouraged to reach his or her potential in being bilingual in the visual modalities of ASL and written English. The University strives to accomplish this goal by creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters visual bilingual communication.

Because the vast majority of students at Gallaudet University rely on visual communication, the intent behind these guidelines is to help ensure that applicants can participate in effective and meaningful communication that promotes their success at the time they are admitted, and that they will avail themselves of University resources to reach proficiency in ASL and written English. Applicants to programs at Gallaudet are expected to embrace the use of written English and ASL, and to strive to continually improve their skill in the two languages.

Applicant’s English language skills

Gallaudet will determine the skill level in English that it feels is appropriate to help ensure an applicant’s academic success at the University. For undergraduates, these standards comply with ACT, and for graduates, they comply with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or by an alternative measure adopted by certain graduate programs. If the applicant has difficulty in taking these tests, an alternative test may be acceptable, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), although any alternative must be approved by Gallaudet. The applicant should arrange to have the English test results provided to Gallaudet by the application deadline.

Applicant’s American Sign Language skills

For undergraduate admissions, the University does not require an applicant to have a specific level of ASL competency prior to admission. Admitted students without prior knowledge of ASL are encouraged to participate in the JumpStart program, which acquaints them with ASL and learning in a visual environment, and/or take ASL classes online or in the first semester after being admitted to the University. At the graduate level, applicants who seek to become special (non-degree) students are required to possess “working knowledge” of ASL, as interpreted by each department within the Graduate School and specified in the 2016-2017 University Catalog. Graduate applicants are referred for ASL skills evaluation that is based on their proposed area of study. If the applicant has prior sign language skills and has been evaluated after taking the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview test, the student must provide the results of the test; if not, department administrators will interview the applicant to determine his/her readiness to study at Gallaudet without classroom communication support.

Application Fee

There is a $100, non-refundable application fee for all ISSP applications. This fee is paid when submitting your application.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities for international students attending the ISSP at Gallaudet University are not available. For the most part, international students are not eligible for federal, state, or university aid or scholarships.

Campus Housing

Please complete this application here. Once your application is complete and you are accepted to the program, you will be mailed your admission packet, which includes an On-Campus Housing Request Form.

Financial Statement

In order to obtain the immigration document needed to apply for a visa, you are required to complete and submit the Certification of Finances Form documenting proof of adequate financial resources for your stay at Gallaudet University. Financial documents indicating value in United States dollars (U.S. $) must be less than six months old and include the date they were prepared. The purpose of the Certification of Finances Form is to help Gallaudet University obtain complete and accurate information about the funds available for your stay at Gallaudet. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require all international applicants or admitted students to provide evidence of adequate financial support for their studies in the United States.

Student Visa Eligibility

Once your Certification of Finances Form is submitted, reviewed, and approved, Gallaudet will send you the proper immigration document, Form I-20 or DS 2019, you will need to apply for a visa.

Visa Information

Please allow sufficient time (three to six months) when applying for admission to the ISSP program, receiving your immigration documents, and applying for a visa at a United States Embassy in your country. All international students applying for a visa are required to pay a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. Proof of SEVIS fee payment must be submitted at the visa interview. More information is available at: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901.

Admission Fee

There is a $100, non-refundable admission fee for all ISS applications. This fee is paid when you accept an offer of admission, it must be paid before you arrive at Gallaudet.

School Fees Payment

All international students admitted to Gallaudet University or enrolling in a course offered by the University must submit payment in full prior to the start of the semester. This payment includes the student’s tuition, room, board, and additional fees.

EEO Statement: Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, hearing status, disability, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, covered veterans status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.