Frequently Asked Questions

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

QUESTIONS RELATED TO MONEY
Does TU offer scholarships to International Students?
What is the cost of tuition and the fee structure?
What are the “personal expenses” listed fees and tuition budget?

QUESTIONS RELATED TO I-20 AND VISA STATUS
I have changed my degree program. Is it necessary to change my I-20 to reflect the new degree I am studying?
I have changed my major. Should I get a new I-20 that reflects my new 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?

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOEFL
Can I take English classes at TU before enrolling in academic courses?
Can I take English Institute classes at the same time that I am taking academic classes?
What are the charges for taking English Institute courses?
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.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO WORK
Is it possible to work on campus?
What are some of the on campus jobs?
My spouse is here on a F-2 visa and he/she would like to work to supplement our income. Can he/she do this?
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?
I am an F-1 student who will graduate soon. How do I receive permission to work in the United States after graduation?
 

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 $20,658 per year. For the 2006-2007 school year, the total amount that will be spent on tuition, fees and cost of living expenses is approximately $31,804 per year. A complete breakdown of tuition, fees and expenses can be found at the following website: http://www.utulsa.edu/iss/studentguide/expenses.html

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.

I have changed my degree program (for example: from engineering to business). Is it necessary to change my I-20 to reflect the new degree I am studying?
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.

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:

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.

Is it possible to work on campus?
Yes, international students do not need a work permit to work on campus. 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. The ISS office notifies students by e-mail when we learn of job possibilities on campus.

My spouse is here on a F-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.

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.