Humboldt State University

 

International Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Scholarships & Employment
• Language Requirement
• Other Requirements
• Cost
• Transferability
• Sending Required Documents
• Life in Humboldt

Scholarships & Employment

Am I eligible for financial aid or a scholarship?

Unfortunately HSU currently does not offer financial aid or scholarships to international students. Some students come with government scholarships from their home country, others use their own funds or family funds. Most students rely on their own or family's savings. You may be able to find financial aid or scholarships in your home countries or through U.S. organizations in specific fields. If you are a graduate student, you may be able to find graduate assistantships and/or tuition waivers through some graduate departments. Please consult with your department for details.

Will I be able to work while studying at HSU?

International students are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Off-campus employment is not permitted during the first academic year and may only be granted with special work authorization by the Immigration service.

A limited number of internship positions are available with a waiver of a portion of non-resident tuition in exchange for hours worked. Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one year in order to be eligible for these positions.

Language Requirement

Can I send my TOEFL score myself?

No. TOEFL scores must be submitted by the testing organization.

Do I need to turn in my TOEFL score even if I have studied in the U.S.?

If you have attended a college or university in the U.S. and have completed English Composition (or equivalent) with a grade of B or higher, you do not need to submit your TOEFL score. Also, if you have graduated from an accredited four-year high school in the U.S. and have completed four years of English college preparation course work with grades of B or higher, you do not need to submit your TOEFL score.

What if my TOEFL score does not reach the requirement?

If the evaluators find you are eligible, they will send you a conditional letter of admission. This means that you have met all the requirements for admission except the TOEFL. You may decide to brush up on your English in the Intensive English Program (please refer to the Intensive English (IELI) section). Students in the IELI program do not require a TOEFL score; they may matriculate with the recommendation of the IELI Supervising Teacher.

Can I take the TOEFL at HSU?

Yes, the Testing Center at HSU offers iBT (Internet-based Testing).

Other Requirements

Do I need to take the SAT or the ACT?

No, you do not need to take the SAT or the ACT.

Is there specific requirements for graduate students?

Aside from the TOEFL, graduate students may be required to take the GRE and GMAT for specific programs. Please contact your graduate departments (PDF 160 KB).

Cost

What is the cost of attendance?

International students are required to pay non-resident tuition of $339 per unit in addition to registration fees ($3,168 per year for undergraduate; $3,750 per year for graduate). International students must be enrolled full-time (24 units per year for undergraduate; 18 units per year for graduate). On top of this, you will spend money on books and other school supplies, medical insurance, housing, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. These add up to the total of $22,803 per year for undergraduate students and $20,673 per year for graduate students approximately. Please note you are required to prove your ability to provide the amount above while you study here.

What is the cost for exchange students?

In order to study at Humboldt State University as an exchange student, the college or university you are currently attending needs to have an approved bilateral exchange agreement with us.

Transferability

Will the courses I have taken at my university count at HSU?

It depends on the course content. Some of your courses may be considered relevant to your major and others may be compatible with the General Education requirements.

Sending Required Documents

Can I send the required documents via e-mail?

No, we do not accept documents via e-mail.

Will a copy of my transcript be accepted?

No, you need to have your original transcript sent to us directly from your school in a sealed envelop. If your school issues only one transcript for all future use, you may submit a copy but it must have been compared with and certified as a true copy of the original document by an appropriate school or government official. In this case, you will be asked to present the original document to the evaluator for verification once you arrive.

Life in Humboldt

How many international students are enrolled at HSU?

There are about 60 international students enrolled in regular courses and 20 in the Intensive English Program, with various countries of origin.

Are there special events, clubs, or programs for international students?

Yes, HSU offers many opportunities for both domestic and international students to learn and experience diverse cultures in the world. We enjoy the International Education Week, Campus Dialogue on Race, International Cultural Festival, and other events with multicultural aspects, which of course international students can be part of. Also, you can join the Global Connections Club and hang out with other students who want to share cultures. If you are worried about your academic skills, the Learning Center provides workshops and one-on-one assistance on writing, reading, note-taking strategies and other study skills. They have a language skills specialist who can help you with language difficulties as well.

Will I need a car?

In most cases you will not. The city of Arcata, where HSU is located, has a good public transportation system and provides free buses for HSU students and faculty. You can take the bus, walk or bicycle to most places in town.