International Special Student (ISS) Program Application Instructions and Checklist

Dear Applicant:

The International Special Student (ISS) Program at Gallaudet University is a study program designed for people from outside the United States who are interested in studying at Gallaudet for up to one year. The ISS is individually designed to meet the needs of each person by allowing them to take courses for credit and non-credit (audit) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are also great opportunities for self-directed research. While ISS is a non-degree program, it may be a way for you to prepare for entering a college degree program later.

As an ISS student at Gallaudet University, you have the unique opportunity to achieve your personal and professional goals in a barrier-free environment. Our liberal arts curriculum allows you to develop your individual skills while preparing you to be a vital part of an increasingly globalized world. We hope you will soon join our proud and strong community of excellence.

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.

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

Please refer to the attached Application Instructions for guidance in completing your application. The instructions include documents that demonstrate proof of adequate financial resources for your stay at Gallaudet University, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations require in order for international student applicants to obtain a student visa.

After completing the application, be sure to include financial certification forms and the $100 application fee.

We welcome your application, and are available to assist you through the process.

Thank you.

Office of International Affairs

Application Instructions and Checklist

Application Documents

Listed below are items that need to be completed for admission to the ISS program at Gallaudet University. The list is broken into four parts. Please carefully review each section to be sure that every document is included before you submit your application. All academic records and supporting documents must be official. If only one original is available, a copy that has been attested to or certified by the institution may be submitted. If an original document is not in English, a certified, literal English translation must accompany the original.

A completed ISS Application Form and supporting documents must be received by April 1 for enrollment in the fall semester (starts in August) and October 1 for enrollment in the spring semester (starts in January). Gallaudet’s academic calendar is found here.

***Your application cannot be reviewed until all items on the list are received***

Part 1 – Documentation of official identification, educational background and goals, English skills, etc.

• Application Type – Please complete questions
• International Information – Please complete questions and steps
• Official Identification and Documents – required by U.S. federal regulations. This is also used to determine if the applicant is qualified for developing nation tuition rates (http://www.gallaudet.edu/finance_office/student_financial_services/tuition_and_fees.html):
  • Passport identification page
  • Visa Stamp in passport
  • I-94 Card (both sides) or copy of the automated form (found at https://www.cbp.gov/) if you are already in the United States.
  • Form DS-2019 or I-20 or other immigration document (both sides), if you are in the U.S.
• Personal Information – Please complete questions
• Contact Information – Please complete questions
• Educational Information – Please complete questions
• Official Secondary School Transcript or Diploma—An official record must be submitted showing that you have completed an accredited secondary school equivalent to that of a United States high school.
• Official Postsecondary Transcript—If you are currently attending a university or have completed a degree program from a university, you must submit an official record or transcript of all your current and previous academic coursework.
• Other Information—Please complete questions
• Language Information—Please complete questions. Please include copies of the ACT for undergraduate-level applicants, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for graduate-level applicants, or acceptable alternative testing results.
• Statement of Goals—Answer the three questions asked in the Statement of Goals section of the application. You may use separate paper, if necessary.
• English language test results—Please load copies of ACT for undergraduate, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for graduates, or acceptable alternative tests.
• Two Letters of Recommendation—Must be submitted from teachers, school administrators, employers, or community leaders. These letters must describe your academic motivation, leadership potential, and your ability to succeed in a challenging college environment.

Part 2 – Financial documents for proof of adequate financial support

Please go to the ISS Certification of Finances page for Financial instructions and forms. These are required materials along with your application.

Part 3 – Application certification and payment of fees

• Application Fee ($100, nonrefundable)—Payable by credit card only. Please go to Payment Instructions to pay by credit card.
• Admission Fee ($100)—This is required after your application has been processed and evaluated, and you are accepted for admission. To make the payment, please follow the same steps as for the Application Fee.

Language Requirements

Applicants to programs at Gallaudet are expected to embrace the use of written English and American Sign Language (ASL), and to strive to continually improve their skill in the two languages. Gallaudet’s admissions requirements for English and American Sign Language (ASL), can be found on the webpage at admissions requirements for English and American Language (ASL).

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

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. For additional information, contact Residence Life Housing via:

Contact (Email)
(202) 651-5255 (Voice/TTY)
(202) 651-5757 (Fax)
http://www.gallaudet.eduhttps://gallaudet.edu/residence-life-housing/ (Website)

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 to receive your immigration documents and apply 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: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901.

School Fees Payment

A policy change within the Student Financial Services Office in 2013 requires all international students admitted to Gallaudet University or enrolling in a course offered by the University to submit payment in full prior to the start of the semester. This payment includes the student’s tuition, room, board, and additional fees.

Health Insurance

If your application is accepted and you are admitted to Gallaudet, you will be required to have medical insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying family members during the period of stay in the United States. If you decide to purchase your own health insurance, the minimum coverage is as follows:

The coverage should:

• Cover pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period
• Include provision for co-payment that does not exceed 25%
• Be underwritten by an insurance company that meets the rating requirements of the USIA
• Include an accompanying spouse and dependent(s), who may also be subject to requirements of the Affordable Care Act. [22 CFR 62.14(a)]

Final Steps

Now that you have completed the ISSP application, you must take two last steps:

• Submit financial certification forms (Please be sure to read the instructions for filling out these forms.)
• Pay application $100 fee ( click here).
• Please make a photocopy of your application forms, documents, and essays for your records.

Mission Statements

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Office of International Affairs (IA)

The mission of Gallaudet University’s Office of International Affairs (IA) is to offer and oversee international and intercultural education opportunities for students and faculty. The unit also serves as the point of contact for international partnerships, visitors, and scholars.

For Assistance

Office of International Affairs

https://gallaudet.edu/emailto/?intlsupport (Email)
(202) 651-5150 (Voice)
(202) 651-5746 (Fax)
(202) 218-6835 (Video phone)

For more information, please visit the ISSS Homepage.

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.