FAQs

General Questions

How many current students are attending TU from my home country?

To find out if your country is represented at The University of Tulsa please click here.

Questions Related to Money

Does TU offer scholarships to International Students? 

The United States government funds many of the scholarship awards to US citizens, and therefore that money is not available to international students. The University of Tulsa offers very limited scholarship assistance to first time freshmen that meet the established admission criteria. This is a merit based scholarship and all qualified applicants will be automatically considered for this scholarship. The only paperwork that is necessary to receive the scholarship is a completed application and all of the supporting materials. The earlier you complete your application the better your chances are for being awarded a scholarship.

What is the cost of tuition and the fee structure?

The cost of tuition at The University of Tulsa is $26,722 per year. For the 2009-2010 school year, the total amount that will be spent on tuition, fees and cost of living expenses is approximately $39,130 per year. A complete breakdown of tuition, fees and expenses can be found at the following website: International Student Requirements and Deadlines

What are the “personal expenses” listed fees and tuition budget?

Personal expenses are listed so the students have a reasonably good idea about the total expense of attending The University of Tulsa. Personal expenses include items such as movie tickets, dining out, personal items, and other personal expenses not listed in the cost breakdown.

Questions Related to I-20 and Visa Status

I have changed my degree program or level (for example: from engineering to business or from undergraduate to masters). Is it necessary to change my I-20 to reflect my current program or level?

Your I-20 should always reflect your current degree program. So, if you change degree programs you need to come by our office so we can issue you another I-20 that reflects the changes.

I have changed my major. Should I get a new I-20 that reflects my new major?

Under current F-1 regulations it is required that your new I-20 reflect your change in major.

I would like my spouse and/or children to join me in the United States. What do I need to do to allow them to come with me?

You will need to request a dependent I-20 form from the International Student Services Office. Your dependents must apply to the US Embassy/Consulate for F-2 entry visa stamps. They must also present the dependent I-20, evidence of financial resources, and evidence of intent to return home. They may also be asked to present a copy of your transcript.

Questions Related to the TOEFL

Can I take English classes at TU before enrolling in academic courses?

Yes, The University of Tulsa offers conditional academic admission and permits students to begin studies at our English Institute for International Students (EIIS) prior to enrolling in academic courses. Interested students should complete the International Undergraduate Admission form and indicate that they wish to fulfill the English requirement by studying at TU’s EIIS. Upon official acceptance to TU, a place will be reserved in the English program for the student and upon successful completion of English studies; the student will be permitted to select academic courses.

Can I take English Institute classes at the same time that I am taking academic classes?

If your TOEFL score is less than 173 then you are not eligible to take academic courses. The EIIS courses that you would be taking are full time. However, students who are in level 5 of the EIIS may, with permission of the International Student Services Office, enroll in one academic class that does not interfere with their EIIS classes.

What are the charges for taking English Institute courses?

The estimated costs for one session or a full academic year consisting of five sessions (11 months) are as follows:

TUITION AND FEES:   PER SESSION  PER YEAR
 Tuition  $2,131 $10,655 
 International Fee  $50 $250
 Health Insurance  $195 $975 
 Total Tuition and Fees  $2,376 $11,880 
     
LIVING EXPENSES: PER SESSION PER YEAR
Books $300 $1,500
Housing $1,206 $6,030
Food $955 $4,775
Personal Expenses $300 $1,500
Total Living Expenses $2,761 $13,805

TOTAL TUITION, FEES,
& LIVING EXPENSES:

$5,137

$25,685

 

Why must I take English classes? My TOEFL score is only a little lower than required. I promise that I will work very hard and will improve my English by taking other classes.

This idea appeals to many students, however it is not as easy as it sounds. The level of academically sound English that is required for you to be successful in your classes at TU is high. Learning a language without a teacher is very difficult. You need to work with a teacher who is especially trained to teach English as a Second Language. You will also need to be in a small class environment. So, we do not allow you to take both English Institute courses and academic courses at the same time.

Questions Related to Work

Is it possible to work on campus?

Yes. F-1 international students do not need permission to work on campus. J-1 students require SEVIS updates prior to working on campus, so you will need to come to the ISS office to discuss work opportunities with the SEVIS compliance coordinator. However, the jobs must not exceed 20 hours per week and must be paid from local, not government, funds.

What are some of the on campus jobs?

There are jobs available in several of the computer labs across campus. There also are jobs in recreational sports and the library. In addition, the Career Planning and Placement office may know of jobs that are available on campus.

My spouse is here on a F-2/J-2 visa and he/she would like to work to supplement our income. Can he/she do this?

No. Individuals holding F-2 status are not, under any circumstances, allowed to work in the U.S. This includes student positions on campus. However, individuals holding a J-2 visa may request work authorization from USCIS. Please call and make an appointment with the SEVIS compliance coordinator if you have questions about this process.

I am an F-1 student who would like to gain work experience off-campus in a job related to my field of study. Am I allowed to do this?

You may be able to obtain off-campus work authorization to work in a job related to your field of study. Come to the International Student Services Office to discuss this option. You must have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year to be eligible for off-campus employment.

I am an F-1 student who will graduate soon. How do I receive permission to work in the United States after graduation?

If you are completing your program of study, you may be eligible to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training. This application must be recommended by our office and approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The employment authorization will allow you to work in a job related to your field of study.

I am a J-1 student who will graduate soon. How do I receive permission to work in the United States after graduation?

You may be eligible to apply for Academic Training once you receive your job offer. The application must be completed and signed by your academic advisor and submitted to the ISS office for approval. If it is approved, the employment authorization will allow you to work in a specific job directly related to your field of study for 18 months. Please come to the ISS office for additional information regarding academic training.