The out-of-state tuition waiver for international students is based upon regulations passed by the Georgia legislature which permits universities and colleges in the University System of Georgia to waive (not charge) fees for a limited number of international students who are presently in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa. This waiver covers only the out-of-state portion of your tuition; the student must still pay the in-state portion of the tuition.

1. Merit-based
2. Need-based
3. Recruitment-based

For all waivers: You must maintain lawful F-1 student status during Fall and Spring semesters as per USCIS full-course load requirement of 12 minimum course credit hours for undergraduate students OR 9 minimum course credit hours for graduate students. You must also provide documentation of your "Credentials" signed by all professors every Fall & Spring semesters as well as documentation from VKSU of campus/community volunteer activities of at least 20 hours per Fall & Spring semesters. The International Services and Programs Office will communicate with all waiver applicants/recipients via e-mail and therefore students should be sure to check their KSU e-mail accounts on at least a weekly basis.

1. MERIT-BASED TUITION WAIVER (The merit-based waiver is awarded until completion of one degree program of studies/graduation up to a maximum total of 123 semester course credit hours as long as you continue to meet the requirements for maintaining the merit-based waiver.)

   Merit-based waiver requirements:

   • The process for earning the merit-based waiver takes two full academic semesters-Fall/Spring OR Spring/Fall. (Summer is not a full academic semester.) This requirement is essential to remain consistent with USCIS regulations which require students to document adequate financial resources for one year in order for the visa and I-20 to be issued.
   • Complete & return an application to the International Services and Programs.
   • Achieve and maintain minimum 3.25 adjusted GPA for undergraduates OR minimum 3.5 adjusted GPA for graduates. Students with less than a 3.25 adjusted GPA may apply for the waiver and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, IF there are additional waivers available. There will be qualifications requiring the student to raise their adjusted GPA, with additional requirements possible.
   • Campus/community volunteer activities of at least 20 hours per semester.
     
     
2. NEED-BASED TUITION WAIVER (The need-based waiver is awarded for one academic semester)
   Need-based requirements:

   Need-based waiver requirements:

   • Complete & return an application to the International Services and Programs Office.
   • Be a student in a non-immigrant F-1 visa status and be enrolled in a degree-seeking course of studies program.
   • Have been a full-time student at KSU for a minimum of one academic year. This requirement is essential to remain consistent with USCIS regulations which require students to document adequate financial resources for one year in order for the visa to be issued.
   • Earned a minimum 2.5 adjusted GPA as an undergraduate OR a 3.2 adjusted GPA as a graduate student.
   • Provide complete documentation supporting your present financial situation.
   • Unforeseen circumstances.
     
     
     
3. RECRUITMENT-BASED TUITION WAIVER (The recruitment-based waiver is awarded until completion of one degree program of studies/graduation up to a maximum of 123 semester course credit hours as long as you continue to meet the requirements for maintaining the recruitment-based waiver.)

   Recruitment-based requirements:

   • As a recipient of the recruitment-based tuition waiver, you must return a completed information sheet to the International Services and Programs Office.
   • Achieve and maintain a minimum 3.25 adjusted GPA for undergraduates OR minimum 3.5 adjusted GPA for graduates.
   • Provide documentation of campus/community volunteer activities of at least 20 hours per Fall & Spring semesters.