International Applicants

Welcome to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences! We are committed to supporting our global community of scholars. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing visa requirements, financial documentation, English proficiency standards, travel logistics, and payroll onboarding for research assistants.

To apply for your F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will need your official TTUHSC acceptance letter, a valid passport, proof of SEVIS fee payment, proof of financial support, and your official Form I-20. First-time F-1 students may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to the report date listed on item 5 of your I-20.

• Designated School Official (DSO) Contact: If you experience any issues with your I-20, contact the Office of International Affairs immediately at I20@ttu.edu.
• F-1 Transfer Students: If transferring from another U.S. institution, notify your current DSO to release your SEVIS record to TTUHSC. You must maintain lawful status throughout the transfer process.
• Mandatory Check-In: Within 15 days of entering the U.S., you must report to the DSO, complete international student check-in, attend GSBS orientation, and register for classes.

Financial Documents & Sponsor Rules

International M.S. applicants (and select Ph.D. applicants holding government sponsorships) must demonstrate proof of funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses for their first year of study. Financial documents cannot be older than 6 months.

• Standard 1st-Year Financial Requirement: Minimum $39,537 USD (reduced to $29,721 USD if awarded a competitive scholarship).
• Dependents (Spouse/Children): Additional $6,948 USD for a spouse and $3,474 USD per child. Bank statements or sponsor letters must show a minimum of $7,500 USD for dependent I-20 issuance.
• Financial Sponsor Letter: If bank statements are under a sponsor's name, submit a signed Financial Affidavit Form.
• Government Sponsored Students: Download and complete the Sponsored Student Statement of Understanding alongside your official Financial Guarantee Letter.

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79 (exams taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 4 (exams taken after Jan 21, 2026). TOEFL Essentials minimum: 8.5. (ETS Institution Code: 6851)
• IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.5. (General Training is not accepted)
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 100.
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60.
• Cambridge English: CPE grade C or higher; CAE grade B or higher.

Automatic Testing Waivers

Testing is automatically waived if an applicant completed 4 consecutive long semesters of credit-bearing study at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution, attended 2 consecutive years of U.S. high school, or holds citizenship from an exempt country (passport copy required):

Exempt Countries & Territories:

American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Helena, South Africa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), United States, Virgin Islands, Zimbabwe.

Travel & Arrival Documents

Keep your physical Passport, Form I-20, and Official TTUHSC Offer Letter easily accessible in your carry-on luggage. Upon arrival in the U.S., retrieve your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record online. Verify that your name matches your passport exactly before applying for a Social Security Number.

Temporary Lodging & Housing Expenses

• Timing Recommendation: Plan to arrive 1–2 weeks before orientation to secure housing, buy household essentials, and set up utilities/internet.
• Temporary Lodging: Budget approximately $100 per night for hotel accommodations during your first week if permanent housing is not yet finalized. Food averages $10–$15 per meal.
• Apartment Rental Costs: Apartment rent averages $500–$800+ per month depending on campus location and roommates. Landlords generally require a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent due to lack of U.S. credit history.

Texas Weather & Lab Attire

• Summer / Fall Entry (May & August): Temperatures average 95°F–100°F (35°C–38°C). Lab Safety Rule: Pants/jeans and closed-toe athletic shoes are strictly required in laboratories. Shorts and sandals are not permitted in labs.
• Spring Entry (January): Winter weather can be extreme, dropping below 0°F (-18°C) with wind chill, snow, and freezing winds. A heavy winter coat, gloves, warm footwear, and insulated outer garments are essential.

Because international Research Assistants must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) after arrival, and TTUHSC pays monthly, it can take up to 2 months to receive your first paycheck. Arriving students should bring approximately $5,000 USD in liquid funds to cover initial tuition, fees, health insurance, and initial living expenses.

RA Onboarding Timeline & Steps:

1. July 1: Receive and submit your online TTUHSC employment application. (Answer 'YES' when asked if you are currently enrolled in good academic standing).
2. July 15: Accept job offer and submit background check details via HireRight email link.
3. August 5: Complete online onboarding forms using Adobe Acrobat. Enter the Temporary Placeholder SSN provided in your job request email. (Do not use your R-Number or a invented number).
4. Upon U.S. Arrival: Retrieve your alphanumeric I-94 record online. Submit I-9 verification documents (Passport, Visa, I-20, I-94) to TTUHSC Human Resources.
5. August 15 (Target Start Date): Once HR approves your I-9 and ePAF payroll document, you will receive access to Banner to complete mandatory laboratory safety training prior to starting lab work.

Crucial Rule: You must complete international student check-in with your DSO BEFORE visiting a Social Security Administration office, or your SSN application will be rejected.

Regional SSA Office Locations