When you attend Kalamazoo College, the whole world is your campus.
Studying at K can open doors to new experiences for international students. Here, you’ll learn alongside curious, passionate classmates and work closely with supportive professors who know you by name. You’ll gain hands-on experience through research and internships, connect with alumni experts and business leaders, and have opportunities to explore the U.S. and beyond through K’s study away or study abroad programs.
We’ll help you feel at home here.
International students currently make up 4% of our student body, coming to K from more than 30 countries.
Our Center for International Programs (CIP) works to help all of our international students feel at home, providing an extensive orientation, cultural events throughout the year, and guidance with your required paperwork.
We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit Application
Apply to Kalamazoo College using the Common Application. We do not charge an application fee.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Materials
☑️ English Language Proficiency:
International students whose first language is not English will be asked to verify their English proficiency as part of their application process. Learn more here about the requirements and verification process.
☑️ High School and University Transcripts:
The high school transcript must be sent by your high school or university directly to admission@kzoo.edu or to your admissions counselor through regular mail. This includes all transcripts from dual enrollment or early/middle college programs.
Transcripts sent by the student cannot be accepted; they must come directly from the institution you attended.
Financial documents are required by the US government for visa processing and by Kalamazoo College for scholarship purposes. These documents are kept private. Kalamazoo College is need aware for admissions purposes.
☑️ Counselor Recommendation/School Report (required):
Contact your admission counselor if your high school counselor is unable to complete a recommendation by your application deadline.
☑️ Teacher Recommendation (optional):
We also accept alternative references (e.g., coaches, employers, pastors, friends of the family).
☑️ Bank statements:
Upload the bank statement of your parent(s) or sponsor(s). The money in the account needs to be available to fund your education. A bank statement is needed from every sponsor and parent funding your education. The bank statement should be as recent as possible, no more than 6 months old.
☑️ Income statements:
Upload a statement that shows how much your parents or sponsor currently earn over a week, month, or year. These could be a tax document, pay stub, or letter of appointment.
☑️ Sponsor or Resource Support forms:
Your parent or sponsor will commit to paying for a certain amount for your education. This form provides us information on who your sponsors are and how much financial support they are committing. Please use the Resource Verification form.
☑️ Financial aid form:
This can be found on your application portal. Kalamazoo offers minimal need-based aid, but this form must be submitted online or to admission@kzoo.edu to be considered.
☑️ Passport:
A passport is not required for admission to Kalamazoo College. However, you MUST have a valid passport for the visa application process. If you do not have a valid passport, we recommend getting started with the process now.
☑️ Additional materials, such as personal statements, resumes, etc., are accepted but not required. Send all additional materials to admission@kzoo.edu
Step 3: Once Admitted, Pay Deposit and Apply for a Student Visa
Are you admitted and ready to be a Hornet?
Pay your enrollment deposit as soon as possible to save your spot! Complete instructions for payments are on your application status page.
Apply for your Student Visa
Students may only begin applying for a student visa after they have been admitted to Kalamazoo College, made their deposit, and submitted the Resource Verification Form with supporting materials. The Office of Admission processes documents necessary for your student visa, including your Resource Verification Form [PDF].
After you receive your I-20 form, contact the International Student Advisor, Alayna Lewis, at Alayna.Lewis@kzoo.edu for assistance facilitating your arrival.
The Center for International Programs
The Center for International Programs offers the following resources to international students:
- Regular communication with students before arrival on campus
- On-site international student orientation
- Advising services for all topics related to your visa status
- Support with I-20’s and other U.S immigration issues
For assistance, please contact ISA@kzoo.edu.
Important Application Deadlines
| Application Timeline | Application Deadline | Notification Emailed to You |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1 | December 1 |
| Early Action | November 1 | December 20 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | April 1 |
| Transfer (Fall Admission)* | June 15 | June 22 |
Understanding Cost and Financial Aid
Kalamazoo College is committed to making your K education affordable and accessible, and the average financial aid award package for an admitted international student—including both need and merit awards—is roughly 55-65% of the total cost of attendance.
Please note that immigration laws require that international students have enough financial support to meet their expenses for at least the first year of studies in the United States, and the reasonable expectation is that the same level of funds will be available in subsequent years.
2025–26 Estimated Annual Cost to Attend (Three Terms)
Tuition and Fees: $63,426
Room and Board: $13,257
Health Insurance, Books, Supplies and Travel: $4,440
Total: $82,452
Personal expenses vary by student and are not included in the estimated budget. Students should plan for $2,000–$3,000 for these expenses. Summer expenses are not included as students don’t stay on campus over the summer.
PLEASE NOTE: In general, families must be able to pay $25,000–$35,000 per year to attend Kalamazoo College. The actual amount required will depend on any scholarship offered to the student.
Merit Scholarship Information
We consider all applicants who have excellent academic and co-curricular experiences (first-year and transfer, domestic and international) for merit-based scholarships. No additional application is required.
All international students are eligible to receive a merit-based scholarship worth between $40,000-$48,000 annually.
United World College (UWC) Scholars
Kalamazoo College is a proud partner institution of the Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program.
UWC Scholars are chosen in their home countries to spend the last two years of high school at a United World College campus, where they develop exceptional academic skills and a talent for connecting with people from all backgrounds. The Davis UWC Scholars Program provides need-based financial aid to graduates of the 18 UWC high schools to pursue higher education. If you are a UWC student or graduate applying to Kalamazoo College, you will qualify for a Davis United World College grant.
- All UWC applicants receive the Lux Esto Merit Scholarship and Davis Scholarship.
- Davis Scholarship = $15,000 annually (every UWC applicant receives this)
- Lux Esto Scholarship = $40,000–$48,000 annually (every UWC applicant receives this)
- Van Dolson Scholarship = $10,000 annually (non-US citizen UWC applicants receive this)
Learn more about the Davis Projects for Peace.
Global Leadership Scholarship (Full Tuition)
Kalamazoo College proudly offers a select number of full-tuition Global Leadership Scholarships (GLS) to incoming international students. These prestigious awards recognize academic achievement and are renewed all four years, based on current cost of attendance. Recipients of the GLS are not eligible for additional merit scholarships from Kalamazoo College.
- All applicants must have fully completed their Common Application by November 1 and received an admission decision by December 18, 2025. Additional requirements include:
- GLS Application: Can be accessed through the student’s Kalamazoo College application portal
- Leadership Resume: One-page resume highlighting professional/volunteer experience, coursework, or training, that demonstrates leadership and/or has a global focus
- Essay Response: 300 words or less answering the prompt, “Global leadership requires a deep understanding of diverse cultures and the ability to foster collaboration. Reflect on a personal experience that has shaped your perspective on global leadership.”
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from someone who can reflect on student’s leadership abilities and dedication to broadening your global perspective.
Applying for Need-Based Aid
To apply for need-based financial aid, you can either submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the College’s International Student Financial Aid Application. These forms must be submitted with your application for admission for your case to be considered; we strongly encourage you to submit either form as soon as possible.
- International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA): After completing your Common Application, upload your completed ISFAA into your Applicant Status Page or send it to our records team.
- The College’s International Student Financial Aid Application: After completing your Common Application, the College’s financial aid application will be listed with the rest of your supporting materials (transcript, letters of recommendation, essays, etc.). Once you have filled out the form, you can upload it through the Common App.
Once a student has submitted one of these forms, the Office of Financial Aid will determine if they are eligible for need-based grants and or work study. For more information, refer to the Office of Financial Aid.
International students who do not fill out either of these forms at the time of admission should not expect any need-based aid for the duration of their four years at Kalamazoo College.
Learn More About Studying at K
Want to know what makes Kalamazoo College special? Explore our website to dive deeper into our K-Plan, academics, and life at K, and see what sparks your interest! You can also visit the EducationUSA website for more guidance about studying abroad in the U.S.
Additional resources:
Attend a Virtual Information Session
During a virtual information session, you can learn about Kalamazoo College’s distinctive K-Plan, ask our counselors about the admission and financial aid process and get a current student’s perspective on life at K—from anywhere in the world!
Note: If there are no virtual, international student information sessions currently available. Please email the International Admission Team at admission@kzoo.edu to schedule a personalized admission meeting.
Email admission@kzoo.edu with additional questions.
Visa and Immigration Support
Applying for your Student Visa
Kalamazoo College will communicate by email through every step of the immigration process. Students may only begin applying for a student visa after they have been admitted to Kalamazoo College, made their deposit, and submitted the Resource Verification Form with supporting materials.
Required documents for I-20 form can be uploaded in your student portal:
- Resource Verification Form [PDF]
- Updated Affidavit of Financial Support
- Recent and original bank statement
- Copy of passport
After you receive your I-20 form, contact the International Student Advisor, Alayna Lewis, at Alayna.Lewis@kzoo.edu for assistance facilitating your arrival.
The Center for International Programs
The Center for International Programs offers the following resources to international students:
- Regular communication with students before arrival on campus.
- On-site international student orientation.
- Advising services for all topics related to your visa status.
- Support with I-20’s and other U.S immigration issues.
- Tips and tricks for your visa application and interview.
For assistance, please contact Alayna.Lewis@kzoo.edu.
About Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Kalamazoo is a vibrant, welcoming city that blends big-city energy with small-town charm. Our campus sits on a beautiful hill overlooking downtown, just a short walk from cafes, theaters, art galleries, and local shops.
You’ll find a strong international community here—including students from all over the world at both Kalamazoo College and nearby Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo also boasts a multicultural food scene that includes everything from Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern to Turkish and Malaysian cuisines.
Whether you’re into live music, outdoor adventures, or just exploring new places, there’s something for you here. You’ll have easy access to 83 lakes, miles of trails for biking or hiking, and even a 34-mile path that leads all the way to Lake Michigan. Need to travel? Kalamazoo’s airport and train station make it simple to get to cities like Chicago or Detroit.
At K, you won’t just find a great college—you’ll find a place to meet new friends, share cultures and feel at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Starting your journey to K from another country comes with lots of questions. Visit our International Student FAQ for helpful answers and resources.
Meet Your Admission Counselor
Sarah Pelyhes
Admission Counselor
WhatsApp: +1 269 716 8721
Meet our 2024–25 International Student Ambassadors
My name is Asha Dawson, and I am an international student ambassador from Eswatini! I am in my second year and am planning on double majoring in Anthropology/Sociology and Art History. I love nature, wall climbing, crocheting, drawing, and spending time with my many pets 🙂 I have greatly enjoyed my time at K College so far, and am looking forward to studying abroad in Italy next year!
Hi, my name is Renzo Palomino. I’m a freshman from Peru, and I’m planning to major in Economics. I’m passionate about connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so if you ever need free guitar lessons, I am always here to help.
Want to chat with a current international student at K? Contact Sarah, and she’ll connect you with someone who can share their experience at Kalamazoo College.