Maitripa College is honored to welcome international students to our campus. We are committed to supporting you from application to graduation. Cultural diversity and creating global community are among our core values. We value the contributions you will make to our community; your unique history, religious traditions, and philosophical perspective; your experience. The combination of immersion in Buddhist education that is both rooted in tradition and grappling with modern application, coupled with the incredible beauty and unique culture of Portland, Oregon, creates an excellent environment for learning.
Summary of How to Obtain F-1 Visa Status to Attend Maitripa College
- Apply and be accepted for admission to Maitripa College (follow the link for the current application period and deadlines)
- Provide Maitripa College with documentation of sufficient financing for at least one year of study, including living expenses and tuition
- Maitripa College will issue you an I-20 document
- Sign your I-20 and use it to apply for your F-1 visa at the US Consulate in your home country
After Receiving Your F-1 Visa
- Use your I-20 and F-1 visa to enter the US
- After arriving in Portland, you must check-in with the Maitripa College administrative office, bringing your passport, I-94, and I-20 documents, before the term begins.
- Receive information from our Administrative Office about adapting to life at Maitripa and your F-1 legal obligations
- You must continue to be responsible for maintaining your status and ensuring that you are able to complete your coursework
Your Responsibility
Maitripa College reports information to the Department of Homeland Security on a regular basis, but you are responsible for understanding your status, ensuring that you are in compliance with all laws, and maintaining your immigration status.
International Transcript Evaluation
Applicants whose prior academic credentials were earned at institutions outside the United States must submit a credential evaluation as part of the completed application.
- Maitripa College uses World Education Services (WES) as its primary credential evaluation service. WES is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and has expertise in the educational systems of more than 200 countries and territories.
- Applicants must request a degree equivalency evaluation from WES confirming that their credential is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have the official evaluation report sent directly to the Maitripa College Office of the Registrar.
- In cases where WES is unable to evaluate credentials from a specific institution or country, the Office of the Registrar will identify an alternative NACES-member organization to conduct the evaluation. Applicants in this situation should contact the Registrar before submitting their application materials.
To order a WES evaluation: www.wes.org
Questions about transcript evaluation: registrar@maitripa.org
Maitripa College Admissions Policy Requirement
English-Language Competency Scores
Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of admission. Maitripa College’s programs involve sustained graduate level reading, writing, discussion, and collaborative inquiry; strong English skills are essential to full participation and to the quality of the learning community as a whole.
The standard accepted tests are the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS Academic. Scores must come from a test taken within two years of the application deadline. Official scores should be submitted directly to Maitripa College’s Office of Admissions as part of the complete application.
For details on accepted assessments and minimum scores, please see English Language Proficiency in the Admissions section of the College Catalog.
