General Admission Questions
Where is Walsh College located?
Walsh College is in Troy, MI approximately 30 miles from Downtown Detroit. There are 4 seasons in Michigan with cold and snowy winters, approximately November-February, hot summers, starting in the end of May through the beginning of September. We have a beautiful fall season from early September through the end of October, and a rainy spring season from early March through May.
What is the population of Indian students at Walsh, and what is the Indian community like in the area?
Indian students are currently the largest population of international students currently at Walsh. There are many Indian immigrants in the state of Michigan. Many students use the following link as a resource for Indian culture and community available in Michigan – https://www.miindia.com/.
What is the cost of tuition for the program?
Please refer to the financial documents provided to you for a breakdown of sufficient financial funds needed. Tuition is charged per semester for the number of credits students are enrolled in. You will also see additional fees, which include international student fees and service fees. For a breakdown of tuition and fees per credit hour, please refer to our Tuition and Fees Page. The cost of living depends on housing accommodations (e.g. apartment, house, etc. and food and transportation). Tuition and fees are non-refundable once enrolled.
What is the difference between the direct and the hybrid program?
The direct program is a direct admission to Walsh College through Great Learning, where students meet the GL admission requirements and attend Walsh in person, on campus for two years, after meeting additional F1 student admission requirements. The hybrid program allows students to complete their first year of study through GL, and then complete the second year of their studies in the United States on the Walsh College campus.
What are the admission requirements specifically for F1 Students?
Aside from the GL general admission requirements, students must provide proof of funds to receive I20 certificate of eligibility to schedule visa appointment in the US Consulate. There is a sponsorship form as part of the F1 International Student packet. Any bank statements must be in U.S. currency. Please contact Great Lakes with assistance on completion of required F1 International Student Documents.
Can I receive financial aid and assistance?
F1 international students are not eligible for financial aid/Federal U.S. student loans. However, we do offer a few scholarships students are welcome to apply for upon visa approval. The list of outside scholarships will allow you to read through the requirements for applying – https://walshcollege.edu/scholarships/.
What happens after the completion of the program?
F1 students are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Please refer to the specific OPT section for a more detailed description.
Is there assistance with job placement?
Our career services can assist with internships and job placement opportunities.
Questions Related to F1 Status
Why do I need to show proof of funds to have my I20 issued?
Prospective F-1 or M-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel. Designated school officials (DSOs) must collect evidence of the student’s financial ability before issuing a Form I-20 https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/financial-ability.
How do I answer a question during my visa interview, why did I choose Walsh?
Walsh College is very reputable business school in the state of Michigan and in the US with over 100 years of experience, providing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees for domestic and International Students. Because of the school partnership with Great Lakes Executive Learning I can see how this school can enhance professional skills in my field. Walsh College Alumni networking is well known for students helping each other with getting post completion OPT jobs to get hands on experience before returning to my home country.
What is CPT? Curricular Practical Training?
Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study. Training is an integral part of the school’s established curriculum. Designated school official (DSO) authorized CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20. Occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20. Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time. Student must secure the training opportunity before CPT can be authorized. CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work. Student can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time. One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt
What is OPT? Optional Practical Training?
Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/f-1-optional-practical-training-opt
How soon can I start to work as an F1 student in the US?
There are 2 types of employment available for F1 students: on campus and off campus. F1 student can start working on campus as soon as their first semester of study if positions are available. Off campus requires authorization to work, CPT is one way to receive employment authorization based on internship related to the major or program of study, and it can happen during the student pursues the degree. Normally students need to be enrolled for one year in their program to receive CPT authorization, Certain STEM Walsh graduate degrees allow students to receive CPT authorization in their first semester, or as soon the student presents job offer to the school DSO.
How many courses do I need to take per semester as an F1 student?
Graduate students need to take minimum 2 classes equal to 6 credits per semester to maintain full time enrollment, as required by SEVIS. Certain programs require of students to take 1 credit hour class, in this case students need to take 3 classes total to meet the full-time enrollment requirement.