Contact Information
- JFK Office of International Education
Deadlines
- 3 months prior to the enrollment quarter
Resources
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Overview
John F. Kennedy University attracts students from all over the world, enriching the diversity of our educational experience. Becoming a student in the U.S. can be a complicated process, and we recognize the importance of making your student experience a positive one. We are here to help!
We advise all students ready to apply to consult the admissions page specific to their program of choice for information about the full application process. International students will also want to consult this page for information about specific additional steps their process will require.
If you have questions or require further assistance at any step of the way, please email iss@jfku.edu or call 925-969-3339. Our International Admissions Office is at your service and able to offer support throughout the entire admissions process. We can offer our international students support by:
- Helping with completion of the Admissions Application process
- Preparing student files for evaluation of foreign transcripts
- Advising students on English proficiency requirements
- Preparing students for life in Northern California
- Advising students on immigration regulations and requirements
Finally, if you are planning a visit to the area, please stop by our main campus in Pleasant Hill at your convenience or contact us to arrange a campus tour. We look forward to meeting you!
How to Apply
International Student Supplemental Application
Fill Out Credential Evaluation Service Report
Apply for an F-1 U.S. Visa
Information about Documentation
In addition to the general application for your degree program of choice, as an international student you are required to complete this form.
Undergraduate
Applicants must have all international transcripts evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service showing course-by-course detail and lower/upper division breakdown.
Graduate
Based on a review of the unofficial international academic documents, the International Admissions Advisor will determine whether a credential evaluation report is required for the application process.
Once admitted, international applicants receive a letter of admission and the documents needed for F-1 U.S. visa status. The International Student Advisor will guide you through the visa regulations and assist you with the use of your F-1 entitlements throughout your period of study at John F. Kennedy University.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that the name of the applicant match exactly with the name on the passport.
International Student Supplemental Application
In addition to the general application for your degree program of choice, as an international student you are required to complete this form.
Fill Out Credential Evaluation Service Report
Undergraduate
Applicants must have all international transcripts evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service showing course-by-course detail and lower/upper division breakdown.
Graduate
Based on a review of the unofficial international academic documents, the International Admissions Advisor will determine whether a credential evaluation report is required for the application process.
Apply for an F-1 U.S. Visa
Once admitted, international applicants receive a letter of admission and the documents needed for F-1 U.S. visa status. The International Student Advisor will guide you through the visa regulations and assist you with the use of your F-1 entitlements throughout your period of study at John F. Kennedy University.
Information about Documentation
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that the name of the applicant match exactly with the name on the passport.
Additional Requirements for International Students
You will be required to meet all standard requirements for your degree program of choice. Please visit the admissions page for the appropriate degree to see the requirements for your program.
Additionally, John F. Kennedy University requires prospective international students (non-immigrants) to:
- Have an academic background equivalent to the appropriate educational preparation in the United States;
- Fulfill the specific admissions requirements of the degree or certificate program;
- Speak and write English fluently; and
- Have sufficient financial resources to meet the expenses of studying and living in the United States as there are strict limitations on work authorizations. No financial aid is available for non-immigrant students.
Applicants who wish to transfer from other accredited US educational institutions must fulfill all application and admission requirements and be in good standing as full-time students in their present institution.
English proficiency may be met by achieving one of the following:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- 550 and above on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer test, or 79–80 on the Internet-based test. The TOEFL exam must have been taken within two years prior to submitting an application.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- A score of 6 with no band lower than 5.5
International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP)
- A score of 3.9 on the iTEP Academic-Plus test
By other measures which may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to an English proficiency test, applicants and students may be required to take University-administered writing competency examinations.
The Basics
You will be required to meet all standard requirements for your degree program of choice. Please visit the admissions page for the appropriate degree to see the requirements for your program.
Additionally, John F. Kennedy University requires prospective international students (non-immigrants) to:
- Have an academic background equivalent to the appropriate educational preparation in the United States;
- Fulfill the specific admissions requirements of the degree or certificate program;
- Speak and write English fluently; and
- Have sufficient financial resources to meet the expenses of studying and living in the United States as there are strict limitations on work authorizations. No financial aid is available for non-immigrant students.
Transfer Applicants
Applicants who wish to transfer from other accredited US educational institutions must fulfill all application and admission requirements and be in good standing as full-time students in their present institution.
Proof of English Proficiency
English proficiency may be met by achieving one of the following:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- 550 and above on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer test, or 79–80 on the Internet-based test. The TOEFL exam must have been taken within two years prior to submitting an application.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- A score of 6 with no band lower than 5.5
International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP)
- A score of 3.9 on the iTEP Academic-Plus test
By other measures which may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to an English proficiency test, applicants and students may be required to take University-administered writing competency examinations.