Independence Day

Campus will be closed Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4 in honor and observance of Independence Day. 

We welcome students of diverse backgrounds from around the world!

University of the Cumberlands welcomes international students from over 40 countries in both our undergraduate and select graduate programs.  From maintaining your international student status to participating in orientation programs and international student association events, UC has a variety of support resources available to help you excel!

Getting Started Internationally

Getting Started Internationally

We welcome all international students. Regardless of citizenship or geographic location, all applicants must complete the application.

Getting Started as an Undergraduate Student

  1. Complete your Cumberlands application as an on campus undergraduate student
  2. Prepare all required documents including transcript evaluation and translation along with English proficiency scores. 
  3. Learn more about the F-1 visa process and how to maintain status – you can review this information further down the page. 
  4. After receiving an admission decision and paying your enrollment deposit, complete your I-20 request form through UC Global. Keep in mind, you will need to upload a bank statement showing sufficient funding for the year. If you have a sponsor, you will also need to complete the Affidavit of Support. Your application may take a few days for your DSO to process. 
  5. Request your official I-20 through MyEduDocs. The UPS mailing cost must be paid directly to MyEduDocs shipping service by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover cards only).
  6. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  7. Schedule an appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate as soon as you receive your official I-20. Make sure you review how to prepare for your visa interview and check appointment wait times at your embassy. 
  8. Apply for housing.
  9. Once your visa is approved, you can begin making travel arrangements! Complete your airport pick up form and review your pre-departure guide. 
  10. Register for orientation and meet with your Student Success Coordinator regarding scheduling classes. 
     

For any questions, please email the admissions [at] ucumberlands.edu (Office of Undergraduate Admissons) or Courtnie.kirby [at] ucumberlands.edu (Office of Student Affairs).

Graduate Admission Requirements

Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English, such as a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the 8 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a report from Duolingo. This requirement is waived for students who have completed bachelor’s or master’s level coursework in the U.S. at an accredited institution.

The minimum acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission are: 

  • Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) - 550 
  • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) - 79 
  • IELTS - 6
  • Duolingo - 100

Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts demonstrating the level of education completed (high school or postsecondary) prior to being considered for admission by the university. Transcripts from institutions in the United States may be sent directly from the institution. All transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be evaluated by one of the transcript evaluation services listed below:

The cost of a transcript evaluation varies depending on the detail involved in the evaluation. Most general evaluations cost $75 - $150, while course-by-course evaluations (required for students transferring from foreign colleges and universities) cost $150 - $250. Please be aware that transcript evaluations based on unofficial transcripts or in-progress coursework are acceptable for admission to the university, but official transcripts that include completed course information are required prior to enrollment.

Prospective students are also required to demonstrate English proficiency for admission to the university.

Admitted International Students

Congratulations on your admission to the University!  Now that you are admitted, you need to complete several additional steps in order to receive your I-20 and apply for your F-1 student visa. All non-immigrant visitors are required to have a valid visa (*except Canadians) in their passport to be allowed entry into the U.S.   For general information, see the U.S. Department of State website.

To get an F-1 Entry Visa

1. Obtain I-20 (F-1) From  The University Of The Cumberlands

  • You will receive an I-20 form directly from your Admissions Counselor for completion.
  • Submit your financial documentation to the Office of Admissions that demonstrates funding for your first year of enrollment.   
  • If you have dependents traveling to the US with you, complete F2 dependent request form.
  • Complete the MyEduDocs request (see below for more information)

2. Check The Current Wait Times For Visa Appointments And Issuance In Your City.

3. Pay The SEVIS Fee.

4. Make A Visa Appointment And Go To An Interview At A U.S. Embassy Or Consulate.

*Canadian Citizens: Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter the U.S. as an F-1, but must still pay the SEVIS Fee and present their I-20 at the port of entry to the US.

Travel Information

Important Travel Information

THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SERVICE HAS AN INFORMATION SHEET THAT PROVIDES USEFUL INFORMATION ON WHAT AN F-1 STATUS INDIVIDUAL CAN EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL AT A U.S. PORT OF ENTRY. IT IS HELPFUL TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THIS FORM TO CARRY WITH YOU AS YOU TRAVEL TO THE U.S. DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SHEET

**All information is subject to change without notice.

Directions to University of the Cumberlands

Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky.  Williamsburg is located at Exit 11 on Interstate 75.  If you are traveling from the north, then you will turn left after taking the exit.  If you are traveling from the south, you will turn right after taking the exit.  At the first traffic light, turn left.  Travel on this street to the top of the hill where you will come to a traffic light at Main Street.  Turn right at this light.  Travel a short distance to the main entrance to the university.  Turn right.  Immediately on the left is the Bock Security and Information Building.  You can stop at this building for additional directions to the buildings where you want to visit.  (Office of International Relations, Residence Halls, etc.)

Pre-Arrival Information

Take these steps before you arrive…

  • Submit all required university forms. download here
  • Submit your $1,000 non-refundable tuition deposit.
  • If you have not already paid the balance due for your charges in advance, these fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.  Arrange to send or take funds with you. DO NOT TRAVEL WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH.  Local banks do not exchange currency from different countries.  It is best to make arrangements to pay funds with Travelers Checks or by Credit Card.

**NOTE – If you intend to pay your fees by Credit Card, be sure to check with your bank about raising the daily amount that can be charged to the credit card.  Many banks put daily limits on cards as a security measure for your protection.  With these limits in place, it is not possible to pay a large on-time payment on your account.  Please make the necessary arrangements to insure that you can make the payment on arrival.  If this is not possible, it would be best to pay the amount due in advance.  To make an advance payment by credit card, click here.

F1 Basics

Once you enter the United States as a University of the Cumberlands student, our international staff are here to help you maintain a positive standing with your F-1 student visa.

Answers to Your Biggest Questions

18 sec
Diversity leadership council member Anne
Transcript
Our goal is to break those cultural barriers that is holding you back from truly thriving in an environment that you have never been in. Because I understand you're probably from Germany or Australia or from Africa like me. So when you come here, we talk, we build and most importantly, you get an education.
What is the goal of the diversity & leadership council?
20 sec
How do students get an airport shuttle?
Transcript
You will receive an email with a link that will direct you to the school website form to book your shuttle. You will have to fill in all your flight information and then students affairs will provide your shuttle. There are different time slots from 6 a.m. up to late afternoon and they will make sure you will get to the airport 2 hours prior to departure.
How do I get an airport shuttle?
18 sec
Housing staff answer questions about things to do on campus.
Transcript
For fun. Residents have access to a wide variety of activities and facilities on campus, including a free fitness center, a game room, tennis court, volleyball and basketball courts. Throughout the week, students can engage in a variety of events hosted by Campus Activities Board, athletics, residents life and other departments and groups on campus surf, she said.
What is there to do on campus?
12 sec
Students answer questions about embracing diversity on campus.
Transcript
Biggest thing they do is just get everybody involved. You know, it makes everything feel at home, you know? Just from different races and different cultures, you know, wherever you step foot on campus, you know, it just makes you feel truly loved.
How does Cumberlands embrace diversity on campus?
What's included in your tuition? Everything.

What's included in your tuition? Everything.

At Cumberlands we empower you to learn on your own terms, at your own pace, with zero fine print, exceptions, or funny business. One focus: You. One price for everything, all included, even books. Why? Because that's Cumberlands' One Price Promise.

International Undergraduate Employment

No matter where you are from in the world, Cumberlands is home. Learn more about earning your way to a college degree.

Fans cheering in gym bleachers

International Graduate Admissions

The Department of International Graduate Services provides support resources for our international students.

CPT & Employment

International Student FAQ

We hope that we can answer your most pressing questions below. Please reach out to us for any assistance. 

Reach Out to Us!

Let our enrollment counselors guide you through process to make sure you're ready for that big trip to campus.