New International Graduate Students
The Student Visa Application Process
When an international student is accepted into a master's degree at HPU, the University sends the student a non-immigration form called the I-20. This form indicates your field of study (degree program), the length of your course, and the date when you are required to report to the university. The form I-20 allows a student to apply for a student visa known as the F-1.
HPU encourages students to start the visa application process as soon they receive their I-20 form. For most applicants, a personal appearance interview will be required as a standard part of visa processing. At the present time, additional screening requirements by the U.S. government may cause delays in the visa application process. The U.S. government recommends that individuals build in ample time before their planned travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.
Certain U.S. embassies and consulates experience a high number of visa applications and requests for interviews. Please make your appointment as soon as you receive your I-20 form for the University. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, the following documents must be brought to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country: your passport, the I-20 form, your admission (acceptance letter) and financial support documents. Students are advised to check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country for additional Requirements.
Please note that the form I-20 does not guarantee receipt of an F-1 visa. The local Consular official makes the final decision on whether or not to issue a student visa upon review of your application. Before meeting with a consular official, we strongly recommend that students read "Tips for a Successful Interview."
If you have been accepted to a master's degree program at Hawai‘i Pacific University, but you have not yet received your I-20 form, please contact our Center for Graduate Studies at 1-808-544-1417 or email graduate@hpu.edu to inquire about your status.
Please keep Hawai‘i Pacific University's Center for Graduate Studies updated on your progress:
-Contact us when you have scheduled your visa interview
-Inform us when your visa has been issued
For more information on the Student Visa Application Process, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
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New Visa Regulations
New visa regulations allow you to enter the USA up to 30 days before the first day of classes (the reporting date shown on your I-20). For example, Fall 2004 begins on September 7, 2004 therefore you are allowed to come into the country after August 7, 2004, but no later than September 7, 2004. If you attempt to enter the USA before August 7th, you will be denied entry at the airport immigration area. Please plan your flight itinerary with this important policy in mind.
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Medical Clearance and Health Insurance
At Hawaii Pacific University, health insurance is mandatory for all international students. The U.S., unlike some other countries, does not offer a socialized health care program that automatically covers everyone. As a result, individuals must secure their own medical coverage. International students may purchase HPU's student medical plan or bring proof of acceptable coverage from their home country (in English).
HPU offers several health plans at reasonable rates for HPU students. Students frequently purchase health insurance coverage from either Kaiser Permanente or Hawai'i Medical Service Association (HMSA). Kaiser, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), requires that students use the Kaiser clinics for treatment. Kaiser will not refund your medical bills if you see a doctor who does not belong to the Kaiser group. HMSA is a medical group that allows you to choose the doctor you wish to see. Choosing the right type of medical insurance will depend on your needs, your age, your general health and other considerations. It is important to read all the information provided by the insurance company very carefully. No company provides 100 percent coverage, and many companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. The Center for Graduate Studies has brochures from Kaiser, HMSA, and other insurance companies, and can assist you in choosing medical insurance.
To request health insurance information to be sent to you, please email the Center for Graduate Studies or you may inquire in-person at the Registrar's Office.
International students must also provide proof of measles (or MMR) clearance and a tuberculosis test. Students may receive the measles (or MMR) clearance in their own country (Must include 2 doses and a doctor's note with a certified English translation) or they may opt to take their measles shots upon arrival at HPU. Students are required to take the tuberculosis (T.B.) test in the U.S.A. HPU will provide you with information on how and where to get tested when you check in.
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Checking in at Hawaii Pacific University
After you arrive into Honolulu and have settled into your accommodations, please check in with Hawaii Pacific University's Center for Graduate Studies. The U.S. government requires that the University update contact and address information for all international students. Please bring in the following:
- Your passport
- Your I-20 form
- Your I-94 form
- Measles (or MMR) clearance (if applicable)
- Current Hawai'i Address
Important information on health insurance and tuberculosis testing may also be picked up at this time.
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Wire Transfers, Tuition Payment, and TMS
Credit card payments have a daily charge limit in a foreign country. International students may find it more convenient to electronically transfer the amount of the tuition to an account in their name at HPU two to three weeks prior to your arrival. For detailed information on HPU's wire transfer process, please contact the Business Office at 1 (808) 356-5275.
To help you afford education expenses, Hawaii Pacific University is pleased to make the services of Tuition Management Systems available to you. Tuition Management System’s Interest Free Monthly payment Option allows you to spread your education expenses over smaller monthly installments, which are paid over the course of the school year. Your only cost is a $40.00 enrollment fee for the semester or $55.00 for the year.
You may enroll on their website by visiting www.afford.com/hpu or by calling them toll-free at 1-888-356-8329. Once you enroll, Tuition Management Systems will bill you for monthly payments as they come due, or you may arrange to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account.
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International Student Handbook
The International Student Services (ISS) office is also available to help international students adapt to their home-away-from-home. Located on the downtown Honolulu campus, the ISS office provides numerous services for enrolled international students and, most importantly, keep them informed about ever-changing immigration regulations. The ISS office publishes an International Student Handbook which contains general information about the university, about adjusting to American life, and about living in Hawai'i. If you would like a copy, please stop by the Center for Graduate Studies upon your arrival or e-mail graduate@hpu.edu to request a copy to be mailed to you.
Studying English at HPU
Beginning with the June 2, 2008 session, ELS Language Centers will open a new education center in Honolulu on the downtown campus of Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU).
With the exception of the MA/TESL program, HPU will offer Conditional Acceptance to students who complete the ELS Intensive English Program level 112 in place of the TOEFL requirement.
ELS Language Center Application
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