International Students

D&E is currently test-optional for students from English-speaking countries. All international students whose native language is not English are required to submit one of the following official test scores:

• TOEFL — minimum 500 (paper version) or minimum 63 (internet version)
• IELTS — minimum 5.0
• PTE Academic — minimum 45
• Duolingo — minimum 85
• D&E must receive the official score report. International students may also submit SAT or ACT scores; all international applicants seeking maximum financial assistance are encouraged to submit SAT scores.

• Fall semester: May 30
• Spring semester: September 30

Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Although there are no strict deadlines, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for maximum financial aid consideration.

• A completed application
• Official transcripts of all high school and college work (sent by and attested to by an authorized school official, translated into English; international transcripts must be evaluated course-by-course by SPANTRAN)
• Official ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores (unless transferring from an English-speaking institution)
• A completed Certification of Finances form

D&E offers a limited number of scholarships and grants to international students. Students in a cost-share program or with full sponsorship may not be eligible for the International Scholarship. For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 304-637-1271.

International Scholarship

International Scholarships are available to students who graduate from a foreign high school or transfer from a foreign institution. Students in a cost-share program or with full sponsorship may not be eligible.

Step 2: After Acceptance — Admitted International Students

Upon submitting the international student enrollment deposit, the International Student Services Office will reach out within 1–3 business days regarding I-20 issuance (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

After submitting the enrollment deposit, completion of the following forms will finalize enrollment:

• Individual Course Registration — Registration is open for Fall 2026 classes. Registration for Fall 2027 classes opens in April 2027.
• Vehicle Registration & Parking Permits (complete upon arrival on campus)
• Housing for Residential Students — Information sent to D&E email from eRezLife
• SEVIS Registration — complete within the first 10 days of each semester (see below)
• College transcripts not in English — submit to SPANTRAN for translation and evaluation

Step 3: Preparing for Travel to Campus

Arrival window

You may arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Airport shuttles

D&E provides shuttles from two airports:

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

West Virginia climate

Four seasons. Pack for a wide range of temperatures. January overnight lows average 18°F; July daytime highs average 81.7°F. Driest month: October (2.86 in.); Wettest month: July (4.83 in.).

Dress code

Casual for class. Bring a few formal outfits for special events.

Documents to hand-carry at all times

Passport, I-20 or DS-2019, financial documents, D&E admission letter, SEVIS fee receipt, and D&E pre-arrival guide.

Step 4: International Student Arrival Checklist

After the Visa Interview

• Contact International Student Services for shuttle sign-up and the orientation schedule.
• Make airline reservations and travel arrangements.
• Get any missing immunizations, including an English-language translation of your immunization record.
• Consider prescription medications you may need; carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
• Put your I-20 or DS-2019, financial documents, passport, immunization records, and admission letter in your carry-on luggage.

On the Plane

• Complete your I-94 and customs declaration form (CF-6059) during the flight (flight attendants will distribute these). If arriving by land or sea, the immigration officer provides these at the port of entry.

At the U.S. Port of Entry (Customs)

• Give the immigration official your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and customs declaration form with the I-94 form attached
• Before leaving, confirm the immigration official has stamped both your I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019 with either F1 D/S or J1 D/S
• The address on the I-94 form should reflect where you will reside in the U.S., even if temporary

If sent to Secondary Inspection: Give the CBP officer D&E’s contact information: Lowe Del G. Aviles, International Student Services Director, 304-637-1311, avilesl@dewv.edu. State that you are a student. Be prepared to provide the College’s address and financial/admission documents. Do not leave without I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card stamped.

Do not leave without I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 card stamped.

Upon Arrival at D&E

• Check in at the Office of Student Life – International Student Services, Liberal Arts Hall.
• Attend the orientation program.
• Get your D&E ID card — bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and I-94 card.
• Present immunization records to the Office of Student Life.
• Pay tuition and health insurance fees.
• If you plan to live off-campus, read the international student off-campus housing policy.

Step 5: Maintaining Your F-1 Status

International students on F-1 visas have ongoing legal obligations. The following are required:

Keep Your Passport Valid

Renew your passport at the Embassy or Consulate of your home country. You will need a certification of student status from D&E (available from the Office of Admission). Find embassy/consulate addresses at state.gov.

Report Address Changes

Report any address change to International Student Services within 10 days. If subject to U.S. Government Special Registration Procedures, also report to the government within 10 days.

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

You are required to pursue a full course of study during normal enrollment periods (fall and spring semesters). Full-time at D&E is 12 credit hours. You may deviate from a full course of study only with prior authorization from International Student Services, and only under very limited circumstances.

Report Early Departure

If you will leave the College before the date on your I-20 (early graduation, leave of absence, suspension, expulsion, or family emergency), inform International Student Services and provide the reason.

Abide by Employment Regulations

Students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session. Off-campus work requires prior authorization from the U.S. Federal Government and/or International Student Services, depending on visa type.

Apply for Extension of Program

If you cannot complete your program by the expiration date on your I-20, apply for an extension before that date. Requests should be submitted before the I-20 expiration so the extension process can be completed in time.

Change of Academic Program or Degree Level

If you change your major/field of study, you must obtain a new I-20 from International Student Services.

Travel Authorization

Notify International Student Services before any travel outside the U.S. so your I-20 can be endorsed for re-entry. Notify ISS as soon as you know your anticipated travel date.

Report Dependents

Notify ISS if you are adding or removing a dependent due to marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or a dependent moving to or from the U.S.

Report Changes in Financial Information

You are required to report any change in who is paying for your education.

Step 6:

International Tuition Payments — PayMyTuition

D&E has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments through the Self-Service Portal. PayMyTuition allows payment from any bank, in any country, in any currency at better-than-bank exchange rates. It is fast, simple, and cost-effective.

Step-by-Step Payment Instructions – in Multiple Languages

• How-To: Website Landing Page
• How-To: Add an Authorized User

PayMyTuition Customer Support

Toll-free: 855-663-6839
Email: support@paymytuition.com
Access their Support page here.
Available via live chat, email, and phone — across all time zones