For consideration: applications must be complete and all statements made about a hardship must be well-supported with evidence or documentation of the situation. Examples would include: headlines or articles about monetary fluctuation, catastrophic events, a notice of termination from employment, supporting medical letters, etc... Making false statements for the purpose of consideration for a waiver may be a basis for expulsion from Georgia State.

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Georgia State offers a limited number of need-based, non-resident tuition waivers to international students on all Georgia State campuses each term. A committee will carefully review each application to ensure the disbursement of these waivers as generously as possible. If this is your 2nd application, please be sure to update all content. As the number of applications may exceed the availability of waivers, we cannot guarantee waivers to everyone who applies. We wish you success in this process and thank you for applying.

 

Eligibility and Application Instructions

Eligibility is indicated in section I of Non-Resident Tuition Waiver Application.

All required supporting documentation is indicated in the application itself.

Review the checklist at the end of the application to help you verify that your materials are ready to submit. You cannot re-submit or edit your application after submission.

Upload all components of your application as PDF files via iStart under the "Tuition Waiver Application" tab for your campus.

In the summer semester, a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours is required to receive the waiver. In Fall and Spring, normal full-time enrollment is required.

What is Covered?

Only out-of-state tuition is waived, not student fees or the in-state portion of tuition.

Is this different than a Graduate Assistantship?

Yes. This waiver is need-based, open to students at all degree levels and does not require a work commitment. If you have a GRA, you are not eligible for this waiver.

Is this different than the "Campus Atlanta Scholarship"?

Yes, this waiver is need-based and assists eligible students experiencing financial hardship in their final year. The Campus Atlanta Scholarship is merit-based at the time of undergraduate admission or transfer.

 Non-resident Waiver Application Open and Close Dates*

TIME FRAME	Applications Open	Application Close
Fall Semester	April 5th	April 30th, by 5 p.m.
Spring Semester	October 5th	October 26th, by 5 p.m.
Summer Semester	March 5th	April 2nd, by 5 p.m.

 *If the Non–resident Waiver Application Open or Close Dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the waiver will open or close on the next available business day.

Contacts

For more information or if you have questions about this process, please contact:

Atlanta Campus: isss@gsu.edu / 404-413-2070

Perimeter College: vbarnes8@gsu.edu / 678-891-3235

Graduate Assistantships

Full-time graduate students in F1 or J1 visa status may qualify for graduate research, teaching or administrative assistant position, also known as a GRA, GTA or GAA, commonly referred to as simply “Graduate Assistantships.” This funding generally waives tuition and provides a small stipend in return for work performed in the department. The availability of these positions varies by academic department. For more information, contact the graduate coordinators in your department.

Other Support for Graduate Students

For more information about external funding, internal funding such as Final Year Fellowships, Dissertation Grant Program and the Second Century Initiative (2CI) or for assistance with research writing, please visit Graduate Fellowship Resources.

ISSS understands that circumstances beyond your control may arise, so please inform your ISSS advisor if you are having unexpected financial problems. However, ISSS is unable to change or delay payment deadlines established by the University System of Georgia. Please contact Student Financial Services directly to discuss payment options.

• F-1 Work Authorization based on Economic Hardship. View details.

Remember: all international students submitted financial documentation of their ability to pay all costs in order to obtain the I-20 or DS-2019 from Georgia State.

All financial transactions are managed by Student Financial Services, including International wire transfers through an outside service called “Flywire”. This service allows you to send money directly to your Georgia State account easily and securely from abroad.

• Go to the Flywire Wire Transfer portal
• If Flywire is unable to process your wire transfer request, please contact Student Financial Services or visit the Cashier’s Office in person with cash, check or money order or for more assistance. Debit and Credit Card payments are not accepted at the window.

All Georgia State students must apply for graduation in order to trigger the process of an official audit. This will ensure that you have officially met all the requirements of your degree program in order to receive your diploma. However, you are not required to participate in the graduation ceremony. Failure to apply for graduation when you have completed your degree program requirements could put your immigration status at risk.

• All graduation matters are handled by the Graduation Office within the University Registrar's office.
• Read How to Apply information.
• Helpful frequently asked questions about graduation.

One semester before graduation:

• Meet with your academic advisor to ensure all degree requirements will be met in time to graduate.
• To take advantage of post-completion employment authorization through F1 visa OPT (Optional Practical Training) or  J-1 visa AT (Academic Training), be sure to apply within established deadlines.  Also visit the Georgia State Career Services Center for resume, job search and interview assistance.
• If you plan to leave the U.S. after graduation, make flight arrangements and submit the Notice of Future Intentions form in iStart.
• If you plan to stay in the U.S. for further study at a different school, talk to an ISSS about the process of transferring your SEVIS record.

2-3 months before graduation

• If family and friends are visiting for the commencement ceremony, prepare for their lodging or make hotel arrangements. If your visitors will need visas to enter the US, remind them to apply for their B2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate closest to them.
• Start the job search if you’re interested in staying in the United States for authorized employment.

1 month before graduation, departure from the U.S. or moving:

• Notify your landlord or housing office that you will be vacating your apartment. Most leases require 30-days written notice. Check your lease for details.
• Make sure your roommates are aware of your plans.
• Agree on a date to have a check-out appointment with your landlord and discuss your deposit if you had one.
• Contact your US service accounts to inquire about termination of service:
  • • Phone service
    • Gas
    • Water
    • Electric
    • Garbage
    • Cable TV / Internet
    • Newspapers/Magazines
    • Renter’s Insurance
    • Make arrangements with your bank to close your account(s).
    • Unsubscribe to e-mail lists you no longer need.
• Consider what to do with your vehicle if you have one
• Contact health, car and life insurance companies to discuss coverage options and whether to close the account.
• Leave a forwarding address at your local Post Office so they can send your mail to your new address if staying in the U.S.
• Pay any fines you may have (library, parking, etc.) or return library books.  If you owe money to Georgia State, your official transcript will not be released.
• Sell miscellaneous personal items like furniture, appliances, computers, automobiles, bikes, etc. by holding a garage sale or placing the items on a website such as Craigslist or eBay.
  • • You can also give away items to a local thrift shop, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
    • Contact shipping or storage companies if needed.
• Contact the Georgia State Alumni Association and register yourself to receive updates and establish yourself with the Georgia State Alumni Community.

ISSS congratulates you on your upcoming graduation. It is a major accomplishment indeed!

If you are planning to invite friends or family members from abroad to your graduation ceremony, they may need a visa. Application is made at their nearest US Embassy or Consulate for a visitor (B2) visa. They should prepare all the documentation indicated on the Embassy or Consulate website.

It will be very important for your visitor to demonstrate permanent ties to the home country to receive a visitor visa. Examples would include providing documentation of:

·        home or business ownership

·        loans to banks in the home country

·        utility bills

·        automobile ownership/insurance

·        bank statements, etc…

The Embassy will also want to know the address where your guests will be in the US, the exact dates of their visit, your US phone number and the full names and dates of birth of your visitors.

Invitation letters for international guests or family visitors

The Georgia State Registrar provides a number of services related to graduation, including support letters for international visitors. ISSS does not provide these letters since we are not able to confirm enrollment or graduation. To request this letter, visit the Degree Conferral and Diploma Information page and scroll down to “Services”.

• Sample Invitation Letter

Other support letters available at the same link include:

Certified Diploma

Replacement / Duplicate Diploma

Degree Verification

Letter of Completion

The Office of International Initiatives (OII), serves as the secretariat and repository for International Cooperation Agreements and as such, is responsible for guiding these agreements through the approval, renewal and termination processes and for maintaining the official searchable database. OII also develops and maintains the policy Guidelines and Procedures for International Cooperation Agreements. This document also contains examples of the three types of agreements, based upon the extent of cooperation, recommended by OII.  Program coordinators are asked to complete an Exchange Summary sheet that can be used by ISSS to help assist exchange students while they are here studying at Georgia State.

To initiate an International Cooperation Agreement, contact Ms. Anna Tapfer (404-413-2552) in the Office of International Initiatives or the respective college international representative.

ISSS works in collaboration with exchange program coordinators and admissions offices to issue incoming students their DS-2019 forms. The handouts and forms below assist in the process:

• Exchange Summary - This form needs to be completed only once when an exchange agreement is first initiated. It summarizes the agreement's specific administrative details and assists ISSS in better advising students who have questions or concerns during the semester.
• J-1 Exchange Student Admission - General handout for faculty & staff regarding the EV program, eligibility, visa issuance, 2-year home residency requirement, processing timelines and insurance
• J-1 Admission Process - Detailed flowchart showing the role of the program coordinator, admissions specialists and ISSS in the admission of J-1 exchange students
• Exchange Program Estimated Expenses - Chart with detailed costs per program per semester
• Exchange Student Application - This form should be completed by the exchange student and must be accompanied by original financial documents and a copy of the exchange visitor's passport ID page.
• Exchange Program Information Form - This form should be completed by the Exchange Program Coordinator and submitted to ISSS with the Exchange Student Application.

Once exchange students have entered the United States, they are required to attend new international student orientation held the week prior to the start of classes. An ISSS International Student Advisor can be consulted for services provided to current J-1 students.

Many students at Georgia State speak English as a second (2nd), third (3rd) or fourth (4th) language. They come from all over the world or from right here in the U.S. However, English is the medium of instruction in all courses, except foreign language classes. The goals, needs and challenges of these students are different. The following resources are available to help you succeed.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The IEP is an accredited, intensive, non-credit program designed for non-native speakers who want to develop the language and cultural competence necessary to make success at an American university an achievable goal. View more information.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Credit Program

This program offers selected courses at Georgia State for credit. It is available to students who are already enrolled in a Georgia State degree program. Instruction in these courses is designed for bi-lingual or non-native speakers of English. View more information. 

Tutoring for IEP and ESL Students

Tutoring is available to IEP students and all Georgia State students whose first language is not English. An appointment is required. These services are provided by Graduate Students in the Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL. View more information.

Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP)

GSTEP is an English proficiency exam for future or current university-level students whose native language is not English. The exam is administered by the Department of Applied Linguistics and required by some academic departments. View more information.

International students in the U.S. may want the option of purchasing or renting a personal vehicle during their stay. This is a common need if you don’t live in an area served by public transit and if your personal finances permit. To legally drive in the U.S. you will need a driver’s license (DL) issued by the U.S. state you live in. A state-issued DL or Georgia ID Care is also the most common forms of personal identification. For more information, please see below.

 

Do I Need a Georgia Driver's License?

An identification card contains the same personal information, photo, signature and special protection against alteration and fraud as a driver’s license. It is issued at the same Centers that issue driver’s licenses and looks very similar to a driver’s license. Go to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website to find the most convenient location for you.

To obtain a State of Georgia ID, take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired passport
• Unexpired visa
• I-94 card
• I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• 2 documents showing proof of local residence, such as a signed lease agreement, a utility bill or a bank statement (all must have your printed name and local address—each must be issued within the last 60 days)
• $20 cash
• Social Security Card (Your SSN will be verified if you do not have the original SSN card.)
  • Note: For those drivers who are not citizens and not authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a Form SSA-L676 'SSN Card Denial Notice' from a local SSA office before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center to apply for a driver's license. You may contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 or visit SSA website and select 'field office locator to find the SSA office nearest you. Form SSAL676 is not available from the website. After obtaining the form, please bring it to the Customer Service Center when you apply for your driver's license or identification card. In addition to the form, please remember to bring your valid passport and valid I-94 and proof of Georgia residency.

 

What is a Georgia ID card?

An identification card contains the same personal information, photo, signature and special protection against alteration and fraud as a driver’s license. It is issued at the same Centers that issue driver’s licenses and looks very similar to a driver’s license. Go to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website to find the most convenient location for you.

To obtain a State of Georgia ID, take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired passport
• Unexpired visa
• I-94 card
• I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• 2 documents showing proof of local residence, such as a signed lease agreement, a utility bill or a bank statement (all must have your printed name and local address—each must be issued within the last 60 days)
• $20 cash
• Social Security Card (Your SSN will be verified if you do not have the original SSN card.)
  • Note: For those drivers who are not citizens and not authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a Form SSA-L676 'SSN Card Denial Notice' from a local SSA office before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center to apply for a driver's license. You may contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 or visit their website and select 'field office locator to find the SSA office nearest you. Form SSAL676 is not available from the website. After obtaining the form, please bring it to the Customer Service Center when you apply for your driver's license or identification card. In addition to the form, please remember to bring your valid passport and valid I-94 and proof of Georgia residency.

 

How do I get a Georgia driver's license?

Please be sure to review the Georgia Department of Driver Services website Information for Non-US Citizens for more information on obtaining a Georgia Driver License

You may make an appointment at the South DeKalb Mall, Marietta, Lithonia and Lawrenceville Centers by calling 678-413-8500 and selecting option 3. Other Centers will provide the service but do not accept appointments.

Take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired passport
• Unexpired visa
• I-94 card
• I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• 2 documents showing proof of local residence, such as a signed lease agreement, a utility bill or a bank statement (all must have your printed name and local address—each must be issued within the last 60 days)
• $20 cash
• Social Security Card (Your SSN will be verified if you do not have the original SSN card.)
  • Note: For those driver’s who are not citizens and not authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a Form SSA-L676 'SSN Card Denial Notice' from a local SSA office before visiting a DDS Customer Service Center to apply for a driver's license. You may contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 or visit their website and select 'field office locator' to find the SSA office nearest you. Form SSAL676 is not available from the website. After obtaining the form, please bring it to the Customer Service Center when you apply for your driver's license or identification card. In addition to the form, please remember to bring your valid passport, valid I-94 and proof of Georgia residency.

All driver’s license applicants must pass a written test, road test and vision exam. See this website for additional information.

 

Where do I get a Georgia driver's license?

Go to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website to find the most convenient location for you. All locations are open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that they are closed on Mondays. Tuesdays are normally the busiest day. The closest Driver’s License Customer Service Center to downtown is the South DeKalb Center located at 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034.

Study Abroad Programs (SAP) offers many opportunities for international students to complete part of their degree requirements through affiliated academic programs outside the U.S. These range in duration from a full year or semester to short, 2-week programs.

Scholarships
Please check directly with the Study Abroad office (3rd floor Dahlberg Hall) to determine eligibility and current funding.

F1 and J1 enrollment requirements
You are considered properly enrolled at Georgia State – even when studying outside the U.S. – if the Georgia State study abroad program meets the “full-time enrollment” requirement of your U.S. F1 or J1 Visa. However, additional visas issued by the country you plan to visit may be required. That depends on the diplomatic relationship between your home country, your destination country and purpose. Your F1 or J1 visa only allows you to enter the U.S., not other countries.

You are encouraged to visit the Study Abroad office to learn more. Then, consult with the embassy of the country you will be visiting well in advance to inquire about visa requirements relevant to your citizenship.

Georgia State Study Abroad Programs
International Center, Dahlberg Hall, 3rd Floor
30 Courtland Street SE, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303
Tel: 404-413-2529
Email: mystudyabroad@gsu.edu

Definition of Study Abroad

Classes taken outside of the U.S. for Georgia State (GSU) credit, including Georgia State exchange agreements and dual degree programs that require full-time study outside the U.S. Study abroad through an external study abroad provider, other universities, or other outside programs that will result in transfer credit will not follow the guidelines outlined in this policy. Please consult with an ISSS advisor if you have any questions about your study abroad program.

ISSS Procedures During Study Abroad

Based on 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10), ISSS will continue to maintain the student's SEVIS record (including properly registering the student's record each term or session the student is studying abroad), pending that the student provides the appropriate documentation (defined below). The student’s SEVIS record will be annotated in the remarks section that the student is pursuing a full course of study while engaging in an authorized study abroad program.

International Student Responsibilities While Studying Abroad

Maymester or Summer Study Abroad:

Full-time enrollment is not mandated during Maymester or Summer study abroad sessions. Students who wish to study abroad during Maymester or Summer terms need to obtain a travel signature on their I-20 at least 2 weeks prior to their trip abroad.

One or More Academic Semesters Abroad:

Before studying abroad, students must:

• Have been enrolled in a full course of study at Georgia State for at least one full semester prior to the study abroad term.

• At least 1 month prior to their departure, provide written documentation from their academic advisor or program coordinator that they will be studying abroad. The documentation must include the following components:
  • Must be on Georgia State letterhead or from Georgia State email address
  • List program name, location, start and end date
  • State that health insurance will be purchased or has been purchased

• Obtain a travel signature prior to leaving the U.S. (Note: travel signatures are only valid for 6 months.)

• Update Student Accounts with their study abroad status, making sure that health insurance will not be charged during the term they are abroad.

While abroad, students must:

• Remain registered at Georgia State and continue to pursue a full course of study while abroad (9 credits for graduate students and 12 credits for undergraduates).

Note: ISSS does not recommend that international students study abroad during the final semester of their degree program if they intend to apply for OPT. Studying abroad during a student's final semester may endanger their chances of applying for OPT, as they will be unable to apply for OPT from outside of the United States and may not be permitted to return to the U.S. to apply after the last day of final exams.

Know Your Rights

Learn more about Georgia State Certificate Programs.

Definition:

A post-baccalaureate student is one who already holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited foreign or U.S. institution and who wishes to pursue the additional, non-degree track, undergraduate coursework at Georgia State.

Purpose:

To achieve a specific academic or professional objective (example: completing additional courses for admission to a graduate program). ISSS may issue a Georgia State form I-20 for post-baccalaureate, undergraduate study to eligible students.

Eligibility for I-20 Issuance and Statement of Objective:

The applicant must meet all requirements for post-baccalaureate undergraduate admission to be eligible for I-20 issuance by ISSS. In addition to the regular documentation required of all international students, prospective post-baccalaureate students must also submit:

• An official statement of objective written by the academic department of the institution where the student intends to enroll.

The statement of the objective must meet the following requirements:

• Specify the education or professional objective the student wishes to obtain through post-baccalaureate study.
• List all courses required in order to fulfill the objective, including the semester and year to be offered and completed.
• Written by an academic advisor or professor in the academic department where the academic or professional objective will be obtained. Letters from business managers or other non-academic professional staff will not be accepted.
• State the length of post-baccalaureate study required in order to meet the objective, not to exceed 12 months or 1 academic year.

Additional Requirement for International Students Outside the U.S:

• If the post-baccalaureate applicant is coming directly from outside the U.S. to Georgia State, the student must provide an additional letter to explain why the courses at Georgia State are not available or accessible in their home country.

Additional Restriction for International Students Outside the U.S:

• I-20's for post-baccalaureate study are only issued for enrollment at the Bachelor's degree level or higher.
• I-20's for Associate level enrollment is only issued for degree-seeking students; therefore, they are not available for post-baccalaureate study unless the student is already in the U.S. and will be transferring directly from an institution inside the US in active SEVIS status. In that case, the applicant must also satisfy the statement of objections to confirm that the desired prerequisite coursework for the future graduate program can be completed at the Associate level.

Duration of Post-Baccalaureate Study:

May not exceed twelve 12 months or one academic year.

Full-time Enrollment Requirement:

Post-baccalaureate students must maintain full-time enrollment each semester in order to maintain F-1 visa status. Full-time study is defined as at least twelve 12 credit hours.

University Career Services (UCS)

UCS is a comprehensive career center at Georgia State that is aware of the unique challenges facing international students. Their mission is: to assist students with the identification, preparation and transition into opportunities that reflect their purpose and passion in the pursuit of success in a global society. Many services are available in person or online, so please visit.

• Location: 25 Park Place NE, Suite 111, Atlanta, GA 30303. Tel:  404-413-1820
• View UCS website
• Handshake Career Center
• Goinglobal – jobs and internships database for international careers with 42 country guides.
• Glassdoor – profiles of jobs, salaries, company reviews and more in 11 major countries.