International Student

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

‌‌Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Privet! Hej! Guten tag! Ni hao! Konnichiwa!

Welcome to Rockford! At Rockford University, we welcome students from all backgrounds and all walks of life.

Rockford University recently announced a locked-in tuition rate for new students. For more information on this head here.

‌‌Admissions Checklist

The following documents are required for Rockford University international admission:

     1.  Submit your application 

     2.  Email your transcript(s) to globalaffairs@rockford.edu*

• *Transcripts are considered official if they are sent directly from an institution or approved evaluation company.
• First-year students: Submit a copy of your secondary school transcript and examination score (if applicable) with the English translation if the transcript is not in English.
• Transfer or graduate students: Submit copies of all post-secondary level transcripts with English translations (if applicable).  U.S. transcripts must be officially sent from your university to Rockford University;  foreign transcripts may be copies for admission purposes.  (Official/original foreign transcripts will be required upon arrival.)
• *An official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES or AICE member may be required by Rockford University.
• Exclusive course-by-course transcript evaluations may be ordered at a 10% discount from the following companies:
  • Scholaro
  • The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran)
  • International Education Evaluation (IEE)

     3.  Submit a copy of the data/photo page of your passport.

     4.  Submit a bank statement equivalent to the following amount:

• Undergraduate—39,000 U.S. dollars
• Masters of Business Administration–28,100 U.S. dollars
• Master of Education—24,000 U.S. dollars
• English as a Second Language Program—24,300 U.S. dollars

     5.  Submit an affidavit (affidavit form available upon request).*

• *Not required if the bank statement is in the student’s name.  Affidavits must be notarized.

     6.  Submit an English language proficiency score.*

*Not required for applicants with 12+ U.S. university credits or from approved countries.

• Rockford University accepts Cambridge, Duolingo, IELTS, Pearson PTE, and TOEFL.

     7.  Submit a copy of your most recent graduation certificate (if applicable). 

• Please submit all documents to globalaffairs@rockford.edu.

Admitted Student Checklist

• Apply for a visa.
• Pay SEVIS 901 fee
• NAFSA 10 Points for Visa Interview
• Argo Day of Visa Tips

Arrival Information and Orientation Information Fall 2024

Rockford University’s International Orientation will be on August 16, 2024. All new international students who will enter the U.S. on a visa are required and should arrive on August 15, 2024.  Free airport pickup will be available on August 15, 2024, at O’Hare International Airport from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  During orientation, you will be able to open a bank account, go shopping for items you need for your room, set up your cell phone, and get to meet your Global Ambassador and new classmates.  During orientation, you will have the chance to explore Rockford University and the city of Rockford.

What to Bring

Your dorm room will have a bed, desk, dresser, and chair.  Rockford University will provide you with a welcome basket which includes, bed covers, sheets, pillow, towel, laundry detergent, water, and snacks.  During international student orientation, we will offer shopping trips so that you can purchase any items may need.

Weather in Rockford

The weather in Rockford is very hot in the summer and cold in the winter.  If you are from a warm climate you will need to purchase a winter coat, which you will be able to do once in Rockford.  Our packing list will help you decide which items to bring from home and which items you can easily purchase once you arrive on campus.

Arriving at Rockford University

New international students should plan to arrive to Rockford University on August 15, 2024.  You are allowed to arrive in the United States up to 30 days before your program start date.  Check your I20 in the “Program of Study” for your program start date.  It is very important to arrive before your program start date.  You may be denied entry if you try to enter the United States after your program start date.  Please notify the Office of Global affairs if your travel plans are delayed.

Prior to making travel plans during the school year, check the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

Mission Statement of the OGA

Create a supportive and interactive learning environment that celebrates multiculturalism by bringing all of Rockford University’s diverse student body together, in such a way that the academic, as well as extra-curricular experiences of all students, are enhanced and enjoyed.

Services provided by the OGA:

• Assist both U.S. and international students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad
• Provide services related to U.S. immigration regulations
• Offer international student orientation
• Provide international student with academic advising and support

Who is classified as an international applicant?

• A student requiring an F-1 Student Visa to study in the U.S.
• A holder of an “Arrival-Departure Record (I-94)” who has a visa that allows for study in the United States.

Why Rockford University?

Rockford University, located just 90 minutes from Chicago, is a great place to experience the United States and gain an exceptional education. A four-year, private liberal arts university, Rockford University offers a variety of programs and services, including more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations; small class sizes; wireless internet; and on-campus housing and food service; to name a few. Rockford University is an institution that values global and ethnic diversity. Today, students from a variety of different states and countries call Rockford home.