Atchison, Kansas

International Students & Admission

Attend one of America’s best Catholic, liberal arts residential colleges.

Benedictine College accepts applications for international students all year long; however, students should apply as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time to be admitted, apply for a visa, and sit for a visa interview in their home country.

Read the International Student Guide.

To be admitted to Benedictine College as an international student, you will need to:

  • Apply online and pay the $50 application fee.
  • Send a copy of your passport or national ID card.
  • Send official transcripts from all high schools and/or secondary schools attended, as well as secondary school leaving certificates, exit exam results, and other academic credentials.
  • Provide proof of English Language Proficiency via a language exam. Benedictine requires a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS, minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL, or minimal score of 110 on the Duolingo test.
  • Provide SAT, ACT, or CLT scores if possible.
  • Official transcripts from all universities, colleges and other post-secondary schools attended. All transcripts must be evaluated by InCred to be admitted.
  • Provide bank account information showing capability of covering the annual cost of Benedictine.

Questions? Please contact Mary Margaret Mulvaney at mmulvaney@54zhangmi.com.

How to Send Documents

Please have all official academic documents sent directly to Benedictine College from your foreign institution through either standard mail or email:

If you are transferring to Benedictine, your SEVIS record will be transferred with you. Please be sure to communicate with your current school’s DSO and PDSO about transferring your SEVIS record to Benedictine.

Costs and Scholarships

Undergraduate Costs

The academic year is two semesters with a break in between. The fall semester is August to December and the spring semester is January to May. The estimated costs for tuition, fees, room and board for the 2024-2025 academic year can be found here.

Scholarships

International scholarships are available and awarded based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and English proficiency. Applicants must be admitted before a scholarship can be awarded.

Payment Deadlines

Students are billed at the beginning of each semester: August 1 and January 1. New international students, including exchange/study abroad students, are not allowed to use the payment plan. International students starting their 3rd semester at Benedictine will have the option to use the monthly payment plan offered by the college.

Newly Admitted Undergraduate International Students

Your I-20 and F-1 Student Visa

Admitted Undergraduate International students will be issued an I-20 and will need to use their I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa in their home country.

Once you have received the enrollment packet from Benedictine that contains your I-20, you are ready to apply for your student visa. There are two fees associated with your student visa: the SEVIS Fee and the Visa Application Fee.

After completing the visa application, you will schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Make sure to check if additional documents are required in your country for the interview. Prepare and take the necessary documents with you to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If you are attending Benedictine College through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) on a J-1 visa, you will receive the DS-2019 directly from ISEP. All other documents, official accept letter, and enrollment packet will come from Benedictine College.

Arriving to Benedictine

New International Student Check List

As your move-in date approaches, please be sure to complete the following items:

  • Submit proof of financial support; email RavenMail@Benedictine.edu.
  • Submit Enrollment fee and housing application.
  • Read Immunization requirement policy, complete the Student Health Form, and return by email to Laura O’Grady at logrady@54zhangmi.com.
  • Submit proof of medical insurance to Laura O’Grady at logrady@54zhangmi.com.
  • Login to your Benedictine College email and RavenZone account.
  • Purchase your airplane ticket to arrive at the Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
  • Pay your bill by August 1 (fall semester) or January 1 (spring semester) with one of these options:
    • Students can login to RavenZone and pay using a debit/credit card.
    • Students can use Flywire. Students will need to create an account on Flywire. Before submitting payment, students will need to use their RavenZone account to check the amount owed to the college. Go to the Flywire website, follow the directions to select the method of payment and the currency you will be using to pay your bill.