INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
TXST classifies international undergraduate applicants as freshman (entering right after high school) or transfer (with college credit). Identifying your category early means preparing the right documents and deadlines.
$90
International application fee
ApplyTexas / Common App
Application channels
Freshman / Transfer
Two applicant types
ACT / SAT
Optional for most international applicants
Deadlines for international students
| Intake | International Freshman | International Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | October 1 | October 15 |
| Summer | March 1 | March 15 |
| Fall (Priority) | December 1 | February 15 |
| Fall (Final) | June 1 | June 15 |
If you need an I-20 and visa, treat priority dates as your real target rather than waiting for the final deadline. Deadlines can change by year — contact the International Office to confirm the latest dates.
English proficiency requirements
International students must submit proof of English proficiency via one of the options below, unless exempt.
| Test / qualification | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Total 78; each section 19, Writing at least 18 |
| TOEFL Essentials | Overall 8.5 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; each band 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 105 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 52 |
| SAT EBRW | 520 |
| ACT English | 21 |
| IB English | 4 |
| GCE / GCSE / IGCSE | Grade C in non-ESL English |
| Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | 176 |
Possible English proficiency exemptions
U.S. high school
Graduating from an accredited U.S. high school with the required years of non-ESL English.
30+ transferable credits
30 or more transferable credit hours including courses equivalent to College Writing I and II with qualifying grades.
Degree from an exempt country
A high school diploma or equivalent from an English-speaking country recognized by TXST.
TSIE pathway
Completing TXST's intensive English program (TSIE) as a bridge before your degree.
Requirements by applicant type
Freshman
- High school graduation or U.S. equivalent
- Meet TXST's freshman admission standards (holistic review of curriculum, course quality, grades)
- Meet the English requirement or qualify for an exemption
Transfer
- 14 hours or fewer: 2.0 cumulative GPA + freshman standards
- 15–29 transferable hours: 2.5 cumulative GPA
- 30+ transferable hours: 2.25 cumulative GPA
- Meet the English requirement or qualify for an exemption
Documents to prepare
| Item | Key notes |
|---|---|
| Application for Admission | Apply online via ApplyTexas or Common App with the correct applicant type and campus |
| Application fee | $90 for all international applications — no fee waivers |
| Secondary school documents | Freshmen submit high school transcripts with courses and term results |
| College transcripts | Transfers need official transcripts from every institution attended |
| English proficiency | Scores sent directly from the testing agency, unless exempt |
| ACT / SAT | Optional for many international applicants |
Frequently asked questions
How are international undergraduate applicants classified?
Mainly freshman (entering right after high school) and transfer (with transferable college credit after high school). Requirements and deadlines differ.
How much is the international application fee?
$90, with no fee waivers for international applicants. Documents are processed only after payment.
Which English tests does TXST accept?
TOEFL iBT (78), TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (105), PTE (52), SAT EBRW (520), ACT English (21), IB English (4), Cambridge (176) and several international qualifications.
What GPA do transfers need?
14 hours or fewer: 2.0 GPA + freshman standards; 15–29 hours: 2.5; 30+ hours: 2.25.
Is SAT/ACT required?
For many international applicants ACT/SAT is optional — not required for every application.
What if I don't meet the English requirement?
Consider the TSIE pathway (intensive English in San Marcos) or OTSIE (online), then transition into your bachelor’s program. Contact the International Office for guidance.
Start your undergraduate application
The International Office will help you determine your applicant type, check English requirements and build an application timeline — free of charge.