International students are entitled to all student services and programs for which they are eligible according to the law and the guidelines defined by the university. The university reserves the right to establish policies for selected groups of students if the policies are in the student's and the institution's best interest. Applicants will be carefully screened for academic excellence, English proficiency, adequate health and financial self-sufficiency.

Internationals are encouraged and expected to participate in student activities and organizational programs so that they may fully experience the culture and lifestyles of southeast Texas. It is the student's responsibility to integrate into the campus environment.  The university provides an atmosphere that welcomes internationals and affords them every opportunity to succeed.

Since the presence of international students also entails the responsibility of the University to meetcertain distinctive needs, it is imperative that adequate provisions be made for doing so. The University recognizes this responsibility by setting entrance and exit standards for its non-native English speakers that take into account the minimal language skills necessary for success in academic work, as well as the minimal standards that a diploma from the university represents. 

In order for the international students to achieve their educational objectives, certain academic services are essential.  The university provides facilities and staff commensurate with those needs.  In addition, the university recognizes that English language proficiency, and not citizenship or immigration status alone, is a key criterion in determining and meeting the needs of students for whom English is a second language.

Guidelines for Admission

• Completion of 12 years of school
• Student is 18 years of age
• Eligibility for admission to a recognized univeristy in the student's own country.
• Marks or grades must be well above average.

Advanced standing credit will be granted for postsecondary work completed at a recognized college or university if marks are above average. A complete record of secondary school training and university training must be submitted. Complete and official translations must be furnished along with certified true copies of the original records. Records must show all subjects taken and grades or marks earned in each, both from the school and tests given by the Ministry of Education. The grading system should be clearly shown on each record. UNCERTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHIC COPIES OR OTHER DUPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Translations must be certified true and correct. Applicants applying as freshmen (first-year students) should submit acceptable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Scores of 500 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required. SAT scores may be waived for students who have completed a postsecondary academic degree with above average grades.

All foreign students who have not completed successfully a minimum of three college hours prior to Fall, 1989, must complete the State-mandated Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) Test. Registration forms for testing are available in the Lamar University Assessment, Advising and Research Center in the Wimberly Building.

International students who plan to transfer to Lamar University from another college or university in the United States must have completed at least two regular semesters with at least 30 semester hours of transferable work. An average of C (2.0) on all work attempted is required. English proficiency must be demonstrated by submitting scores of 500 or better on the TOEFL. Applicants may be required to submit recommendations from teachers or foreign student advisors. The usual transfer standards apply except that tests may be required if unconditional eligibility is not established. Students should be aware that certain departments may require higher academic proficiency for admission to their program.

International students must present proof of sufficient financial resources to meet the cost of attending Lamar University. Internationals also must present proof of adequate health insurance. Internationals who plan to drive an automobile in the state of Texas must have liability insurance.

Information on the SAT and TOEFL may be obtained by writing to the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 595, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, U.S.A. Scores must be received directly from the testing service. Photocopies or student copies of test scores will not be accepted. Application forms, test scores, financial statement and complete educational records must be on file by the dates indicated: May 15 for Fall Semester; October 1 for Spring Semester; and February 15 for Summer Sessions.

Special application forms and details on the procedures for applying to Lamar University may be secured by writing to the Office of Admissions. Applicants accepted by Lamar University are required to attend a special orientation program for internationals who are new to the Lamar campus. Dates for the program will be indicated upon acceptance and noted on form I-20, date of arrival. Failure to attend the program will delay registration for one semester. The program is designed to facilitate a smooth adjustment to the Lamar campus. Students whose native language is not English will be tested for English language proficiency. On the basis of these test scores, appropriate courses in English will be required.