International Students

Southern College of Optometry Accepts Applications from All Countries.

International students are subject to the same requirements as US citizens for the application process (see Application Requirements), plus the following:

• Foreign (non-U.S./Canadian) transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation service and the evaluation forwarded to OptomCAS. Suggested evaluation services include World Education Services, Josef Sinly & Associates, Educational Credential Evaluators, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). 

• Each applicant must present official translations of their academic record, as well as certified originals. 

• Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit TOEFL scores. 

After a tentative acceptance has been offered, foreign nonimmigrant students must submit additional materials to the Admissions Office. These items include the following:

• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate 

• Financial Affidavit*

• Tuition Deposit Covering the First Year's Tuition and Fees, Plus Books and Equipment 

• Copy of Passport

*Foreign nonimmigrant applicants are required to present a financial affidavit stating that they have adequate funds for the proposed course of study. The affidavit needs to clearly establish the financial responsibility that the guarantor assumes for the applicant's expenses. A suitable form will be provided by the Admissions Office. Foreign nonimmigrant applicants must complete all requirements for acceptance by July 1 of the year of expected entry to the college. Please contact the Admissions office at [email protected] for detailed information.