International Students

Welcome to Thiel College.

At Thiel, we embrace a vibrant community enriched by students from diverse international backgrounds and we value the unique contributions each student brings to our community.

Thiel At-A-Glance for International Prospective Students

Studying abroad is a significant step, but the benefits are immense, including the opportunity to enhance soft skills and cross-cultural communication. Here are four reasons to consider Thiel:

• Explore a New Region

Located on a beautiful 135-acre campus in Greenville, PA, Thiel offers access to outdoor activities and is just 90 minutes from Pittsburgh and Cleveland. It’s the best of all worlds - access to a myriad of outdoor activities and access to four international airports and vibrant urban centers bustling with opportunities for internships, service learning, educational trips, shopping, and entertainment.

• Personal Growth

Immersing yourself in a different culture broadens your worldview and fosters personal development.

• Lifelong Friendships

At Thiel, you'll meet peers from diverse backgrounds and form lasting connections.

• New Opportunities

Studying abroad can open doors to further education and career networking in the U.S.

Applying to Thiel

Our admissions process takes a comprehensive approach, ensuring we understand each applicant as a whole person. We look forward to learning about your interests and goals and exploring how Thiel can be part of your journey!

Navigating the application process in the U.S. can differ significantly from other countries. To help you understand the terminology and procedures, we recommend visiting EduPass, where you’ll find valuable information on cultural differences and English proficiency exams.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is An International Student?

Who qualifies as an international student during the admission process at Thiel?

An international student at Thiel is defined as a non-U.S. citizen whose immigration status requires a visa to be in the United States.

I am a U.S. citizen but I live outside of the United States. Am I considered an international student?

Your application is reviewed by where you attend school currently. However, for financial aid, you are considered domestic due to your U.S. citizenship.

How to Apply

How much is the application fee to apply to Thiel?

No fee is required to apply to Thiel.

English Proficiency & Standardized Testing

Who is required to submit an English proficiency test?

If English is neither your native language nor the primary language of your secondary school instruction, then results of an English-proficiency test, the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, are required. The Office of Admission accepts all versions of the TOEFL or IELTS tests.

Is standardized testing optional for international students?

The English Language Proficiency Test Score is required for International students. Score reports should be sent directly from testing site.

Financial Aid

Does Thiel offer need-based financial aid to international students?

Thiel offers scholarships to international students based on English language proficiency test scores. Currently, we do not provide need-based financial aid for international students.

International Student Application Checklist

All application materials must be in English and submitted through Common Application or directly to admissions@thiel.edu. Your admissions application will be ready to review for acceptance once we have received the following items:

1. Complete a Thiel application.

• Apply online with the Thiel online application (preferred)
• Download a printed application
• Apply using the Common Application

2. Secondary school transcript

Official transcripts (in English) must include the original stamp or seal of the school. Electronic copies must be submitted in PDF format directly by a school official to admissions@thiel.edu. We cannot accept transcripts directly from applicants.

3. Statement of objective

Submit an essay (up to 500 words) explaining why you would like to study at Thiel.

4. School report with a school official recommendation

Recommendations can be written by a counselor, advisor, or school principal.

5. Recommendation from a core academic subject instructor

Faculty recommendations can be emailed directly by the recommender to admissions@thiel.edu. Core academic subjects include literature, mathematics, and sciences.

6. English language proficiency testing

All international applicants are required to submit English Language Proficiency testing. Thiel accepts TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, or Duolingo to fulfill this requirement. Scores must be sent directly by the testing center; we cannot accept score reports directly from applicants.

7. A Copy of Your Passport

Thiel encourages applicants to meet with a member of our admissions team via

Teams/Zoom

• Once Admissions receives your application, they will reach out to schedule a brief “Getting to know you” meeting.
• Or you can register here for your virtual appointment (admissions@thiel.edu).

UPON ACCEPTANCE

The following documents will be required before an I-20 can be issued

• Official Bank Statement of Sponsor: The sponsor must document the availability of a minimum of one year’s total costs (tuition, fees, room and board, etc.).
• Financial Certification Form or Sponsor’s Affidavit of Support. The sponsor must state their willingness and ability to sponsor the applicant’s education and living expenses. Additionally, the sponsor must list the various sources of income that will be used to support the applicant.
• US Visa approval - Once admitted, we will proceed with creating an I-20 packet. Accepted students will need to schedule an appointment with the US Embassy. Following the Embassy interview, students approved for a Visa will send a registration deposit ($150 USD) to reserve a place in the incoming class and start the registration and enrollment process.