International Study Center

New Student Information

Welcome!

On behalf of President Linda A. Livingstone, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to Baylor University. My colleagues and I commend you on the academic accomplishments that have earned you a spot in the new class. When you become a Baylor student, you will join an academic community grounded in Christian faith and rich with a heritage that reaches back to our founding in 1845. Additionally, you’ll become part of the Baylor family, a worldwide network of Bears who share your college experience.

If you have questions as you complete these next steps to prepare for your online study with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Jessica King Gereghty
Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions

Preparing to Study Abroad at Baylor

You’ve been offered and accepted your place to study the Baylor University Global Gateway Program, and now you can start preparing for university. Here we have put together all the pre-arrival information for international students like you.

Before you join us in the Global Gateway Program, you’ll need to make sure you’ve done a few important things:

  1. Confirm your place

    The first thing to do after you receive an offer is pay your deposit. You must do this in order to confirm your place. You can then begin the student visa process. To see what payment is required, and pay it online, visit our Fees page.

  2. Apply for your visa.

Refund Policy

If you are enrolled in virtual learning in the Fall 2020 intake, you are eligible for a 100% refund (including deposit) up to two weeks into the program.

Fall 2020 Dates

Online Orientation: August 17-20
First Day of Classes: August 24
Last Day of Classes: November 25
Thanksgiving Break (No Classes): November 26-29
Final Exams (All Online): November 30-December 4

Fall 2020

Students on Baylor University campus

We will work with you closely to make sure you are successful in your classes.

Visa Information

Socially-distanced students on campus at Baylor University

Find out how and when to apply for your student visa to study in the USA.

Future Plans

The Baylor University campus

Find out what will happen once you know when you are arriving on campus.

There are a few important documents you should keep in your hand luggage, to keep them safe and make sure they are easily accessible when you need them. These are:

  • Your valid passport and visa
  • Offer letter
  • Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs
  • Accommodation documents
  • English language test results
  • Insurance documents.

If you need to bring any medication with you, make sure to pack it in your hand luggage. Hold luggage can sometimes be delayed, and you don’t want to end up without important medication. Any prescriptions will need to be translated into English.  

There is no formal dress code at the International Study Center, so you will be able to wear what you would wear at home. Texas weather is generally warm for most of the year, but can be cold in winter. Bring whatever you will be comfortable wearing - and remember that you can buy more clothes when you get here.

Your First Week As A Baylor Student

You will be welcomed at Baylor from the moment you arrive at the International Study Center. At the start of the year, you will take part in orientation week activities. You will be introduced to the campus, staff, facilities, and meet other students. There are also tours of Waco, so you can get to know the city.

At the International Study Center, staff will help you settle in. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about your course, or life in the USA.

What It's Like To Arrive At Baylor

We’ll get you to where you want to be – Read our latest guidance for current students, or find out more about online learning.