Application Instructions for International Students

Important Dates & Deadlines

Date Deadline
November 15
  • Early Decision I Application Deadline (Binding application; Learn more about our Early Decision Program
  • Decision letters will be postmarked by December 1
December 1
  • Early Action I Application Deadline (Non-binding application)
  • Decision letters will be postmarked by January 15
January 15
  • Early Decision II Application Deadline (Binding application; Learn more about our Early Decision Program)
  • Decision letters will be postmarked by February 1
February 1
  • Early Action II Application Deadline (Non-binding application)
  • Decision Letters will be postmarked by February 15
  • Applications received thereafter will be considered within our Regular Decision plan
May 1
  • Enrolled student deposit due and priority deadline for housing

All applicants will be automatically considered for scholarships.

Applications received after the above deadlines will be reviewed and accepted on a case-by-case basis (Nursing applicants must adhere to ED or EA deadlines). Applying in advance of the deadlines will be to your benefit by giving you time to reserve your student visa interview appointment and register for campus housing and orientation/advising programs prior to starting classes.

How to Apply

International students have a choice of two online application forms (see links below.) Common App is used among high schools in the USA and worldwide; it requires an application fee and a SHU supplemental form. The SHU International Application may be used only by international students applying to Sacred Heart University and does not require a fee.

All applicants will receive instructions how to upload documents after submitting the application form.

All US Citizens and Permanent Residents must submit Common App. Domestic students using the international application will be asked to re-submit Common App. International students seeking an F-1 student visa are not permitted to enroll in online programs.

After you apply, you will be instructed to upload the following documents:

  • Official scholastic records from all secondary schools and college/universities attended
  • One letter of recommendation
  • All students who wish to receive academic credit for coursework taken at a foreign university will have to provide a course-by-course evaluation issued by WES, ECE, FIS, TEC or by any other accredited organization listed on NACES. In addition to the course-by-course evaluation, an official description of each university course must be provided in English. The following will be considered an acceptable document:
    • Certified translation of the course description/syllabus;
    • English version of the course description issued by the university.
  • For all non-native English speakers, an official score report of one English language proficiency examination—or acceptable waiver—is required. To request a waiver, submit a transcript showing English coursework taken.
  • Copy of your passport, specifically the page(s) containing your identification data and signature of bearer
  • Proof of financial support: An official bank letter (do not send pages of bank statements) on bank letterhead, signed by a bank official and dated within six months of enrolling at Sacred Heart University verifying the student's, the student's family and/or sponsor's ability to pay the current cost required to attend SHU (tuition, room, board, books, travel expenses).  View a Sample Bank Statement.
  • Admitted students should refer to their SHU Awards Portal for a total cost breakdown. The I-20 takes into account anticipated costs of housing, meal plan, health insurance, travel, books, tuition and fees.
  • The Immigration I-20 form (the form needed to obtain a student F1 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate) will be issued by SHU after the student has been accepted to the University, tuition and housing deposits are received, and proof of financial support in the form of an official bank statement is submitted. The issuance of an I-20 and subsequent F-1 visa constitutes a legal agreement with the U.S. government binding the student to maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits per semester) at all times except during the summer session. Employment in the U.S. is only allowed if authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Materials that are received by fax at 203-365-7607 or email will be used as working documents only and are considered to be unofficial. Only original or photocopies with a school seal and signature will be accepted. Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

If you have any questions, contact: