Credentials Evaluation

International Student Applications Effective February 27, 2008

• International students can send a copy of their transcript(s) directly to Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) www.fcsa.biz along with the application.
• The student must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy will be placed in the student’s file. This can be done at any time after submitting the application to graduate school or during the student’s first semester, but must be done before the student registers for the second semester. Students not complying with this requirement will not be able to enroll for their next semester.

FCSA Application Fee Waiver for Mexican Nationals applying to UTPA College of Engineering and Computer Science

Beginning October 28, 2011, the base fee of $110 is waived for applicants to the UTPA College of Engineering and Computer Science whose country of origin is Mexico. However, optional fees for expedited service will be charged to the student. If you qualify for this fee waiver, please use this application.

The fee waiver will include an electronic evaluation sent directly to UTPA only. If the student would like to request evaluations for other schools, he or she will need to submit a new FCSA application and pay all fees.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or if we can help you with your application.

Thank you.

Office of Graduate Studies
956/665-3661
gradschool@utpa.edu

Frequently asked Questions

I am not considered an international student yet my transcripts are not from the US. Do I need a foreign credential evaluation?
Yes, domestic applicants who attended foreign universities should evaluate their transcripts through FCSA.

I am a domestic applicant; do I need to take the TOEFL?
If your transcripts are not from the US, please review the TOEFL section to check if you will need the exam. Depending on the country you may or may not need to take it.

International Students from which universities are not required to send transcripts to FCSA?
Monterrey Tec (ITESM)
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)
Universidad de las Américas

Does the Indian 15-year Degree plan meet the requirements for a Master's degree?
According to Foreign Credential Services of America, depending on the undergraduate University and the degree conferred it might be sufficient. Note: This depends on the evaluation by Foreign Credential Services of America.

Is an Evaluation of Educational Records necessary?
International applicants must have their transcript(s) evaluated by Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA). Click here for the FCSA application. Additional information is available at www.fcsa.biz or (512) 459-8428

Do I need to send original transcripts to Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA)?
Not anymore. You may send copies of your transcripts to FCSA. Then you must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Office of Graduate Studies and a copy will be made to be placed in the student’s file. This can be done at any point after the application is submitted or during the student’s first semester, but must be done before the student registers for the second semester.

What documents do I have to submit to FCSA?
To complete an academic credentials evaluation, you must submit:
1. Completed FCSA application
2. Photocopies of your academic documents
3. Certified translations of the academic documents if they are not in English
Note: All translations must be certified unless the native language is Spanish, in which case it does not need to be a certified translation.
4. Payment—check, money order or credit/debit card (information to be entered on “Payment” section of the application).

Can I submit those online?
You may send the documents electronically via fax or scanned email attachments.

If you have questions about FCSA please contact:

Foreign Credentials Service of America
1910 Justin Lane
Austin, TX 78757-2411
Phone: (512) 459.8428
Fax: (512) 459.4565
Email: info@fcsa.biz