 International Admissions Process
The following information is intended to assist international students, accepted into the MPH program, during the process of applying for the required immigration document, the F-1 non-immigrant student visa, for studies at Mercer University. In order to obtain an F-1 visa from the U.S. consulate, Mercer University must issue a form I-20 for the applicant and, upon request, for dependent joining the student. With each I-20 issued for an F-1 student or F-2 dependent visa, Mercer University’s Office of International Programs requires proof of adequate financial resources for one academic year, or for the duration of the planned course of study, whichever is the lesser of the two. In order to prove adequate financial support, the applicant must submit a recent bank statement, or a letter showing the amount of funds available in a bank account. The letter must be on the official letterhead from the bank or other financial institution in question. If the account is not in the applicant's name, but in the name of a sponsor, then the sponsor must complete form I-134 stating in U.S. dollars how much he or she intends to financially support the applicant while studying at Mercer. Letters showing scholarship awards from outside organizations or Mercer University departments, or, if applicable, letters showing the amount of any student loans that the applicant has secured are also accepted. If necessary, funding may come from several sources. Applicants may submit multiple bank letters and multiple sponsor letters. In this case, the financial amounts stated in each statement must total the estimate of expenses. We recommend that applicants ask for two copies of the financial information. Mercer University needs an original in order to issue the I-20, and the applicant should keep an original for other purposes. (Original documents will be required during the visa application process, for example.) Students are only required to submit support for one year. 2009-2010 cost estimates are as follows: Tuition and Fees: $18,000.00*
Room and Board: $10,000.00
Books and Personal Expenses: $6,000.00
Total: $34,000.00
Note: While the U.S. government requires proof of financial resources for one academic year, the Mercer University Master of Public Health Program requires two years of successful full-time study (fall, spring, and summer semesters) for completion. The cost of the full program, including tuition, fees, room, board, books and personal expenses is estimated as follows: Total cost estimates for the Master of Public Health program at Mercer University: | Tuition Costs | Per Credit Hour | Three Classes
(9 hrs) | Cumulative Hours | | First Semester | $788 | $7,092 | 9 | | Second Semester* | $788 | $7,092 | 18 | | Third Semester* | $788 | $7,092 | 27 | | Fourth Semester* | $850 | $7,650 | 36 | | Fifth Semester | $850 | $5,100(6 hrs) | 42 | | Total Estimated Tuition Costs | | $34,026** | 42 Hours |
Total Room and Board Estimates for 5 Semesters: $37,500
Total Personal Expenses for 5 Semesters: $15,000 *The rates in this table are subject to change. They are based on a 10% yearly increase in tuition costs. Five Semesters: Tuition and Fees: $34,026.00*
Room and Board: $37,500.00
Books and Personal Expenses: $15,000.00
Total Expenses: $86,525.00 * 18 credit hours over three semesters (These estimates are subject to change. The applicant should also refer to the Mercer University website.) **This is an estimated final cost only. (Remember: You must provide financial support for one year only, not the full course of study.) Applicants who plan to bring their dependents (a spouse and/or children) must submit information about the accompanying dependents and prove additional financial support to receive the appropriate immigration documents for their travels (I-20 forms for the F-2 visa). Additional support for a spouse is $3,000. Each child dependent, however, requires an additional proof of $2,000 financial support. Please note that dependents of F-1 students are not allowed to work in the US. Also, applicants who are planning to bring family members must notify their graduate admissions officer. Applicants must provide the following information, which will assist us in preparing the documents needed for an appointment at a U.S. consulate. Applicants should print or type the information required on the following page, sign it, and send it to: Mercer University, School of Medicine - Admissions, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31207. | 
