English Proficiency
International students who have graduated with a G.E.D. in the United States or a degree (High School, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree) from an accredited school in the United States or another English-speaking country must meet the same admission requirements as U.S. students. Other English-speaking countries include Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Guyana, Cameroon (West/English-speaking), Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica/other West Indies, Kenya, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa (English schools), St. Helena, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks & Caico Isle, United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands.
For other international students, the English language requirement of SAU will be met when the applicant has submitted proof of ONE of the following:
- A score of 500 or higher on the written TOEFL
- A score of 173 or higher on the computerized TOEFL
- A score of 61 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
- A score of Band 5.5 (overall) on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- A score of 43 or higher on PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- A score of 90 or higher on Duolingo
- Completion of Level 109 at an ELS Language Center or its equivalent
- Completion of EF Level 4
- *A score of 410 on the SAT Verbal or *a score of 19 on the ACT English
Web links to English Proficiency Testing Companies and Language Center:
SAT/ACT Requirement
New international undergraduate students (*except those who have scores of 410 on the SAT verbal or 19 on the ACT English) must take the residual ACT prior to registration for classes to assess their English skills for placement purposes. An additional placement exam may also be offered (depending on the ACT score) to ensure proper advisement into appropriate English courses.
We highly recommend that a student take the ACT or SAT prior to admission. The test results are used for class placement and scholarship eligibility. In the event that the student is unable to take either test before arrival, a residual ACT test will be given at a designated date when the student arrives at SAU. If the student arrives too late to take the residual ACT then the student will be placed in the lowest class levels which may add an additional semester to the student’s education at SAU.
Application Fee
Application Fee of $90 must be submitted before your application is complete.
Payment link is available thru the application portal to pay online.
Secondary (High School) Transcripts
Official transcripts listing courses, examinations, grades, and marks from your high school or college/university. Photocopies may be temporarily accepted if they are certified by an official at the American Embassy or a known world organization.
Students from African countries that use the WAEC exam need to submit their scratch card and exam information so we can verify scores online.
Advanced Standing or Transfer Credit:
- Advanced standing can be achieved by the successful completion of the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) examinations in specific courses. These CLEP exams can be taken on the SAU campus after a student arrives or at any U.S. college or university and at some foreign locations.
- Courses completed at foreign (non-US) colleges or universities will be considered for graduate admission if the student has a transcript evaluation done by one of the following companies:
- IEE
- WES
- Educational Perspective
- Spantran
- or other private credential evaluation agencies approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
The evaluation needs to include a “course by course” analysis with GPA.
US Transcripts and foreign (non-US) Transcript Evaluations are to be sent to the university officially at the address below. Do not upload or mail these yourself.
- For the best results, the evaluation needs to be completed prior to registration for classes at Southern Arkansas University. After arrival on campus, the student will meet with the appropriate Dean/s to discuss the transfer credits and degree plan. It is also helpful to obtain a copy of a syllabus for each course or a course description of each course prior to meeting with Dean/s.
- Transfer credit for courses completed at foreign branches or satellite campuses of accredited U.S. colleges or universities (and reported in the standard U.S. format) will be considered for transfer credit without requiring validation.
