The general policies of the university as outlined in this catalog apply to foreign as well as domestic students. However, some special policies are necessitated by federal laws applicable only to foreign students.
A foreign student is any individual attending New Mexico State University while present in the United States on a nonimmigrant student visa. Legally admitted immigrants and refugees are not considered foreign students. Virtually all foreign students will hold either an F, J, or M nonimmigrant visa.
Immigration and Naturalization Service Rules
Some of the more important rules as established by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service are
1. Each student must maintain full-time student status for both the fall and spring semesters. This requires completion of a minimum of 12 credits for each undergraduate student per semester and 9 graduate credits (450 and above) per semester for graduate students.
2. Foreign students may not work off campus without authorization. On-campus employment may be authorized under certain conditions.
3. All foreign students must maintain an up-to-date record in the Center for International Programs. This record must indicate the student's current living address.
4. Prior to admission, a prospective foreign student must demonstrate the following:
Academic ability to succeed in the chosen course of study
Adequate financial support to complete the chosen course of study
Adequate command of the English language to maintain legal status as a full-time student for the fall and spring semesters.
UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
Scholastic Ability
1. The prospective foreign student must have completed a minimum of 12 years of schooling.
2. Official transcripts showing the classes taken and grades earned for the years 10, 11, and 12 must be submitted. No hand-carried documents will be accepted.
3. The scholastic average for the last three years of high school must be equivalent to 2.5. Foreign students are not admitted on a provisional or probationary basis.
4. Graduation from a high school in the United States does not automatically qualify a foreign student for admission to NMSU. If less than one year is spent in a high school in the United States, the student must submit official transcripts from his secondary school.
Financial Support
1. Each prospective foreign student must complete a financial support form and return it with the application.
2. The prospective student must submit official documentation showing (a) the person providing the financial support has the necessary funds, and (b) the funds can be transferred from the student's home country to the United States.
No financial aid is available from NMSU. The university reserves the right to demand advance deposit of funds for any period deemed reasonable prior to granting admission. A foreign student can never qualify for in-state tuition and must pay regular out-of-state fees.
English Language Proficiency
New Mexico State University requires a score of 500 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all foreign students, unless a waiver is granted. A waiver may be considered for
Students who are native speakers of English.
Students completing high school in the United States who (a) have attended the high school for at least two full semesters and (b) have scored in at least the 75th percentile in English on the American College Testing Program (ACT).
Students transferring from a junior college, college, or university in the United States who have earned a minimum of 30 acceptable semester credits (45 acceptable quarter credits) with a grade-point average of 2.5 or better. Acceptable credit means classes that require a high proficiency in both written and oral English.
The university reserves the right to require any prospective foreign student to meet the 500 TOEFL requirement.
For complete information concerning the TOEFL examination, applicants should write to: Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540 U.S.A.
New Mexico State University conducts intensive English language programs for graduate students from Spanish-speaking countries and a program for undergraduates and graduate students pursuing degree programs at NMSU. Foreign students are not admitted to the university for the sole purpose of studying English.
Prior to enrollment, each foreign student is administered an English screening examination. Based on the results, the student is either assigned to one of the special English classes for foreign students or is excused from special English instruction. Excused undergraduate students will be given credit for SPCD 104, Advanced ESL Composition. The student may then be required to complete one or more regular English classes as required for a particular degree. Participation in one or both of the special English classes will satisfy the degree requirements for English 111. Completion of basic English courses at other U.S. institutions does not automatically satisfy this requirement.
Admission Restrictions
Although New Mexico State University does not set a quota for the total number of foreign students, there may be several factors that would prohibit admission even though the person meets all general requirements.
1. The dean of a chosen college and the department head of a chosen major may refuse to grant admission.
2. There may be a disproportionate number of foreign students or a disproportionate number of a particular nationality in one department or college.
3. Academic advisers, especially in the Graduate School, may not be available.
4. Foreign students are not usually admitted to any nondegree programs unless special training has been requested by USAID or other sponsors.
5. Foreign students are not usually admitted to any of the university branch campuses.
6. Non-native speakers of English normally are not admitted for summer sessions.
All application material, including the application for admission, letters of recommendation, all transcripts or national examination scores and/or transcripts from colleges or universities (with an English translation), all test scores including the TOEFL, and proof of adequate financial support must be on file in the Center for International Programs by
Fall semester
March 1
Spring semester
October 1
Miscellaneous Regulations
1. All foreign students are required to have coverage at the Student Health Center. The charge for health center service is included in full-time tuition (12 or more semester credits).
2. All foreign students are required to purchase the NMSU student health plan for themselves and their dependents.
3. All foreign students are required to report to the Center for International Programs/Room 238, Garcia Annex, upon arrival on campus. New foreign students are not permitted to register until all CIP requirements are met, including attending orientation and taking the English screening examination.
4. All foreign students are required to carry a minimum of 12 credits. Only in the semester of graduation is a student allowed to register for fewer than 12 credits.
