Applying to JBU
As an International Student

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Apply in just 15 minutes

Applying to JBU is quick and easy. Fill out the online application, send in your transcripts and other materials, and you'll receive an admission decision within as little as three business days!

Admission requirements for international students

Unless you have a six-semester transcript from a high school that is accredited in the U.S., you should submit an internationally recognized standardized test score. Scores must be sent from the testing organization. JBU will consider any of the following scores for admission:

  • ACT: 20+
  • SAT: 1020+
  • CLT: 66+
  • IELTS: 6.5+ (only accepted if English is not your first language)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based): 80+ (only accepted if English is not your first language)

We also accept O Levels, A Levels and Caribbean Exams. If you have a transcript from a high school that is accredited in the U.S., you may apply without test scores.

If you have questions about exams, scores or applying without test scores, please connect with the international student admissions counselor.

Application deadlines

JBU makes admission decisions on a rolling basis (students are notified of their admission throughout the year). However, you should apply as early as possible to give yourself time to apply for a student visa. There are also important dates to keep in mind, especially if you're interested in the benefits of the Early Commit Track.

Application fees

$25 for international students.

How to apply

  1. Determine if you want JBU to consider your test scores

    If you have a transcript from a high school that is accredited in the U.S., you may apply without test scores. While JBU's admission process is test-optional, consideration of your ACT, SAT, CLT or other standardized test scores may benefit you.

    Review our test-optional guide for more information.

  2. Complete the JBU application

    Start-to-finish, the application takes less than 15 minutes!

  3. Submit your high school and/or college transcript and other materials

    Official high school and/or college transcript (required)

    Work with your school(s) to provide JBU with an official transcript. High school transcripts should include at least six semesters of grades.

    JBU prefers to receive transcripts electronically via:

    • Parchment (Naviance)
    • SCOIR
    • Slate.org
    • Overgrad
    • EDI files through the National Student Clearinghouse

    JBU will also accept transcripts sent via email to systems@jbu.edu or postal mail to:

    John Brown University
    Attn: Admissions Office
    2000 W University St
    Siloam Springs, AR 72761
    USA

    Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of high school.

    For transcripts in languages other than English, please use SpanTran to send your transcript to JBU. SpanTran will translate and evaluate your transcript for a charge of around $120-150 USD. Get started with JBU's custom SpanTran request form. If you have questions or concerns about SpanTran or getting your transcripts to JBU, please contact the international student admissions counselor. JBU may waive the SpanTran requirement for simple high school transcripts or for missionary families.

    Standardized test scores (optional if you have a transcript from a high school that is accredited in the U.S.)

    If your standardized test scores are not included on your high school transcript, request that your test provider send JBU your official score report(s).

    • ACT: code 0130
    • SAT: code 6321
    • TEOFL: code 6321

    While JBU will calculate and use a superscore for academic scholarship consideration (for the ACT, SAT or CLT), we will not consider your superscore as part of your admission decision.

    Academic reference (required)

    On the application, you will be asked to include contact information for an academic reference. Please choose someone with knowledge of your academic background (guidance counselor, professor, school administrator, etc.). Upon submission of your application, your referrer will receive an email with a link to complete the reference form. Use your applicant portal to track the status of your reference.

    Other materials (potentially required)

    You may be asked to supply other materials. Use your applicant portal to find and upload requested materials.

  4. Get your admission decision in as little as three business days!

    In most cases, you'll receive an admission decision and your academic scholarship award within three days of completing your application!

After admission

You will need to submit a number of documents after admission to receive your Form I-20. Documents may be received via:

  • Submit the International Student Financial Information Form

    Once you have been admitted, please submit the International Student Financial Information Form.

  • Review and accept your financial aid offer

    Once your International Student Financial Information Form is received, JBU will begin the financial aid process. JBU begins sending financial aid offers to newly admitted students as early as October! You will be notified when your offer is ready and may use your applicant portal to review and accept it. 

  • Submit documents required for the Form I-20

    JBU must receive the following documents before we can issue you a Form I-20, which is required to apply for a student visa.

    Proof of ability to pay

    Copy of your passport

    Visa Information Form

  • Submit an enrollment deposit (required for the Form I-20)

    The deposit amount is one-third of your balance to JBU for the first year. Because the deposit amount varies depending on your financial aid offer, please connect with the international student admissions counselor to confirm the amount of your deposit.

    The deposit may be paid by wire, over the phone or by check and is refundable until you enroll in classes.

  • Receive your Form I-20 and apply for your F-1 student visa

    Once the deposit is received (along with the items in Step 3), JBU will create the immigration document (Form I-20) you need to apply for a student visa. It is your responsibility to present all documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a student visa.

    Learn more about applying for a student visa.

  • Attend International and MK Student Orientation

    International and MK Student Orientation will help you get to know other international students, connect you with the international programs staff and get you settled into your dorm before the remaining new students arrive. International orientation also includes getting your JBU ID, getting your Social Security card (for non-US citizens), setting up work-study, intercultural adjustment and re-entry sessions, an introduction to the Missionaries in Residence and lots of fun activities.

Important dates (fall 2023)

Date Deadline
Oct. 1 FAFSA opens
Oct. 2 Financial aid awarding begins
Nov. 1 Deadline to complete your application file for consideration for an invitation to the Fall Scholarship Competition
Dec. 1 Deadline to apply and be eligible to participate in the Early Commit Track
Jan. 15 Deadline to commit to JBU as part of the Early Commit Track
Jan. 25 Deadline to complete your application file for consideration for an invitation to the Spring Scholarship Competition
May 1 Priority enrollment deposit deadline
Jun. 10 Eagle Base Camp
Aug. 13–15 International and MK Student Orientation
Aug. 16–20 New Student Orientation
Aug. 21 First day of classes
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