Frequently Asked Questions

A liberal arts college places an emphasis on undergraduate study in the arts and sciences. A liberal arts education aims to deliver a broad, well-rounded education in the sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and humanities. The goal is to provide students with experiences that help prepare them to think critically and communicate more comprehensively, and encourages exploration across disciplines.

A student must list their country of citizenship on the Common Application or the Coalition Application during the application process. Applications from U.S. citizens who are living outside the United States will be reviewed by both domestic and international admissions.

Non-U.S. citizens should apply as international students and list their country or countries of citizenship on the Common Application or Coalition Application. Applications from non-U.S. Citizens will be reviewed by International Admissions.

Minimum scores required:

• TOEFL: 100. School Code: 5222
• IELTS: 7.0 (Overall band score)
• Cambridge English Exam Advanced (CAE): 180 (Overall score)
• Duolingo English Test: 120 (Furman is unable to provide fee waivers)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Completion of IB Diploma
  • Higher Level English Grade of 5 or Better
• English Composition Courses
  • Grade of C or 2.0 or higher in two college-level English composition courses from a U.S. college/university.
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ACT English Score Equivalent)
  • Minimum score of 550.
• Completing Four Full Years of Secondary School in the U.S.
  • Must have completed a minimum of 3 full years of English courses at the time of review (excluding English as a Second Language Courses).
• Letter on letterhead with official signature confirming English is the primary language of instruction at your school; or email from school official sent from a school-affiliated email account confirming English is the primary language of instruction at your school

Exception:

Applicants who are citizens of the following countries are exempt from providing an English proficiency test score at the time of admission.

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada (except Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Montserrat
• Namibia
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Papua New Guinea
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Uganda
• United Kingdom
• Vanuatu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Furman requires proof of English proficiency from all non-native English-speaking international students. International students are required to submit at least one of the required test scores listed on the “How to Apply” page.

If students have attended high school in the United States for four years (since freshman year), they do not need to submit test scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

Yes. For admissions consideration, Furman will accept scores reported on the application, sent by the student as a PDF via email to [email protected], or uploaded to a student’s admissions status portal. All enrolling students must submit official test scores from the testing agency.

Transcripts are required to be submitted in English and should be submitted directly from your school.

If you would like to demonstrate your English language proficiency or help personalize your application, we recommend scheduling an interview through Initial View or Vericant. If, during the course of our review of your application, we feel that an interview would be mutually beneficial, we will be in touch regarding scheduling.

Furman University is a SAT/ACT test optional institution. If you choose to submit these test scores, they will be super-scored to provide us with the best representation of your standardized test-taking skills. Furman’s school code for SAT is 5222, and the code for ACT is 3858. If you do not want your test scores considered, please indicate that you wish to be reviewed as a test optional candidate on the Common Application (proof of English Proficiency is still required).

Furman University recognizes the academic challenge of these programs. Please instruct the International Baccalaureate Organization or the College Board to send scores directly to the Furman University Office of Admissions. Exam course equivalencies [PDF] can be found on our website.

Furman offers academic scholarships up to full tuition per year. Applicants will be automatically considered for academic scholarships once they have submitted a Common Application or Coalition Application.

If you are not able to attend the music audition at Furman, you can submit a recorded audition by submitting your portfolio to the admissions office through your status page. For additional details about this process, we encourage you to visit our Music website for more details.

In order to get your F-1 visa to study in the U.S., you need your I-20 ready. Please view our I-20 checklist for more details.

Review our financial document requirements [PDF] for further information.

Furman students come from all over the world with diverse backgrounds. They represent 43 different countries and 44 U.S. states. Furman embraces diversity and equality as implicit values and as explicit practices in all of its endeavors.

Furman students will find a variety of support services available, depending on the individual students’ needs. Prospective students are encouraged to visit Furman Student Services to learn more about academic advising, accessibility resources, the Earle Student Health Center, the Office of Spiritual Life and more. Additionally, Furman’s Center for Interpersonal Connections provides additional support for international students as they embark upon a successful educational and social experience at Furman.

Furman University International Student Association (FUISA), Student Diversity Council (SDC) and the Association of Students Interested in Asia (A.S.I.A) are some of the most popular organizations among international students. In addition, there are more than 160 clubs and organizations for you to get involved in on campus.

Furman University is 100% residential, so housing is guaranteed for every student.

Furman is a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville, South Carolina, and is an 1.5-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina, and approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia. The average temperature during summer is 30 degrees Celsius, and 15 degrees Celsius during winter months.

Students have access to many different types of cuisine across campus. Please visit our Housing & Dining website for additional details about the cuisine and choices our students enjoy across the twelve dining options!