Any Questions?

1. When is the application deadline?

Spring and Summer terms, Fall semester:

New Freshman - Feb. 1st Transfer and Former student - Mar. 1st.

Winter semester:

New Freshman and Transfer - Oct. 1st.

See the admission deadline link for more information

2. When will I know if I have been accepted?

Students are notified regarding admission approximately 3 weeks after their application is complete. If your application is incomplete, you should receive a letter from the CES office telling you what is missing. However, you should check your status regularly online by going to www.BeSmart.com.

3. What tests do I need to take to enter BYU Hawaii?

All international students whose first language is not English must take the international TOEFL, IELTS or Michigan tests. To be considered for admissions, you will need to score at least 153 on the TOEFL (computer based test) or 475 (on the paper test). Before registering for classes, international students will be required to take a language proficiency test on campus. Most international students, including those with scores of 215+(computer test) or 550+ (paper test) on the TOEFL, may be required to take from 4 to 12 months in BYU-Hawaii's EIL (English as an International Language) program.The Michigan Test is often offered by CES facilitators in select countries. A score of 75 or more is required for admission to the university.

4. What other factors are considered in the application process?

In addition to strong academic skills (an average of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0), other factors we consider are:

•The ecclesiastical interview:

–Do you have a strong recommendation from your Church leaders?

•Your extracurricular activities:

– Have you participated in a variety of activities in your school and social life?

•Participation in the seminary, institute, and missionary programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

–How committed have you been to spiritual growth and service?

•Your essay:

–We want to know more about you and to hear why you want to be a BYU-Hawaii student.

•Financial information:

–Will you be able to pay for your school and living expenses through personal and family funds or through academic or work scholarships?

5. Can I work while going to school?

Yes. There are a large number of jobs on campus including cafeteria work, janitorial services, ground crews, and office and clerical work. For information regarding the application process, please contact the Employment Office or to see a list of currently available jobs please click here (check often as job availability changes frequently).  BYU-Hawaii is very unique because of its relationship with the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) next to the campus. Students who are resident of the Pacific Islands or Asian Rim countries, and have specific skills in language, and/or entertainment may qualify to work at the PCC under the International Work Experience Scholarship (IWES) program for a maximum of 19 hours per week.

6. How much does it cost to study at BYU-Hawaii for an academic year?

Full-academic year costs for LDS students average $15,500 (Non-LDS $19,950). This includes tuition for 2 semesters and 2 terms, all housing and meal costs for one year, books, and other school fees.BYU-Hawaii was recently rated by U.S, News & World Report as one of the Best Buys (lowest priced schools) in the United States. Many students receive scholarships, work opportunities, and other financial help to pay for their education and living costs.According to US New & World Report, BYU-Hawaii students graduate with one of the lowest rates of debt of any U.S. college or university.

7. What scholarships are available at BYU-Hawaii?

Approximately one-third of all new freshmen earn some type of merit-based award. These awards are provided on the basis of demonstrated excellence in academics, performing arts, or athletics. In addition, there are Returned Missionary Scholarships for missionaries who have honorably completed their missions within one year of beginning classes at BYU-Hawaii.BYU-Hawaii offers scholarships to select students who have demonstrated a serious and diligent commitment to academic and leadership excellence. Consideration for scholarship awards is usually given to current students based on college grades, and the quality of course work related to the major degree programs. There are many scholarships available to transfers students. Moreover, every year BYU-Hawaii offers Private and Department Scholarships. These awards are distributed from March 1st - 31st, with a distribution period for the whole school year beginning every Fall semester. Please long into the Scholarship Website for further information.

8. Where will I live while studying at BYU-Hawaii?

There are approximately 1100 spaces for single students in university dormitories on campus. In addition, there are apartments for an additional 250 married students and families. Freshmen are required to live in the dormitories.Transfer students with at least 30 credit hours are not required to live in the college dormitories. Private housing and rooms in Hawaii are quite expensive and are somewhat limited in the Laie area. For addition information access the Housing Department Website.

9. What kind of visa do I need to study at BYU-Hawaii?

All international students will need an F-1 (Student) Visa. To get your visa, follow these steps:

Send in the application and all required documents. If you are accepted, BYU-Hawaii will send you an I-20 (An I-20 form is an official government document which certifies that a person is eligible to be an F-1 non-immigrant student in the U.S.).

Take the I-20 with a Bank Letter such as a Bank Statement (showing that you have enough money to study at BYU-Hawaii) to the American Embassy or Consulate.

The Embassy or Consulate will interview you and determine whether you qualify to receive a student visa or not.

You must arrive in the United States no later than the date listed on the I-20. The I-20 is invalid (not usable) even one day later.

10. Do I have to be a Mormon to attend BYU-Hawaii?

No. However, because the school is supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints funds and donations from members of the LDS Church, members will be given priority. In addition, members who have attended seminary or institute and who have served missions for the Church will be given extra consideration for admission.

11. How does the LDS Church influence campus life at BYU-Hawaii?

There is a strong spirit of love and friendship here - a love that extends beyond race, ethnicity, geography, or religion. Twenty LDS Church congregations organized into three stakes meet on campus each Sunday for religious services. At least twice a month the campus closes and the student body gathers to listen to a devotional speaker. In addition, religion classes are required for graduation and BYU-Hawaii students, staff, and faculty agree to abide by the BYU-Hawaii Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards.Overall, BYU-Hawaii is a great place to learn, live, worship, and grow.

12. What services are available on campus?

BYU-Hawaii boasts a modern library with Internet and computer services, a beauty/barber shop, state-of-the-art language and computer labs, health center with a full-time doctor, bowling alley, game center, campus post office, and full-service snack bar and cafeteria.The BYU-Hawaii sports complex includes an outdoor swimming pool, weight training and exercise room, handball and racquetball courts, a 4000-seat sports arena, and ample outdoor tennis and basketball courts.

13. Is BYU-Hawaii a well-rated university?

The prestigious US News & World Report consistently ranks BYU-Hawaii among the top six comprehensive universities in the Western United States. Several of the academic majors are listed amongst the best of their kind in addition to its strong academic program, BYU-Hawaii's volleyball and tennis teams are consistently nationally ranked.

14. How many students study at BYU-Hawaii and where are they from?

Each Fall Semester BYU-Hawaii enrolls nearly 2400 students. Last Fall of 2006, BYU-Hawaii hosted 77 different countries and many states in the U.S. making it the most internationally diverse campuses in the United States of America.Approximately 35% of BYU-Hawaii students are from the mainland USA. Another 15% are from Hawaii. The remaining 50% are primarily international students from South Pacific, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.This diversity enhances the BYU-Hawaii experience, exposing students to other ideas, culture, and ways of thinking.

15. What majors are offered at BYU-Hawaii?

BYU-Hawaii offers degrees in 38 areas. Popular business majors we offer include Computer Science, Business Management, International Business Management, Information Systems, Accounting, and Business Education.Popular non-business majors include Exercise & Sports Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Art, Math, Psychology, Accounting, Biochemistry, Social Work, Music, Theatre, Communication Studies, and more.BYU-Hawaii also offers excellent Education majors in the following fields: Art Education, Social Science Education, Biology Education, Elementary Education, Mathematics Education, Physical Science Education, and Special Education.

16. What can you tell me about Laie?

Laie is a small town of approximately 8000 people on the north shore of Oahu, about one hour from Honolulu. It is a safe, beautiful location with some of the best beaches on the island. Because the Polynesian Cultural Center and LDS Temple are located in the town, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Approximately 90% of the population of Laie are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.A small shopping mall in Laie provides students with most of the services they need including restaurants, a major supermarket, hardware store, banks, post office, dentist, movie theater, pharmacy, optometrist, etc. Please click here for more information about the Laie Shooping Center.

17. Are BYU-Hawaii and Laie safe places to study?

Without a doubt! Hawaii prides itself on its reputation as a safe state. In addition, because of its rural location, BYU-Hawaii and Laie are far from any big-city problems. BYU-Hawaii has its own campus security and all dorms and buildings are monitored carefully. Therefore, your stay here should be safe.

18. What career or educational opportunities will there be for me after I graduate?

Approximately 20% of BYU-Hawaii graduates go on for higher degrees. Our graduates have been accepted into such prestigious schools as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale as well as the University of Hawaii, Brigham Young University (Provo), and other well-known private and public universities and colleges. BYU-Hawaii's Job Placement Service works with domestic and international employers to help each student find employment in his or her field or study. Internship programs and employer networking are also part of the after-graduation services provided by the university.

19. Who will meet me at the airport?

Students are asked to arrive in Hawaii on set dates if possible. Upon request, BYU-Hawaii will send a vehicle known as the Coconut Express to the Honolulu International Airport to pick up new or returning students. You may make contact and/or make reservation for this service by logging into http://tma.byuh.edu/coconut.html.

20. Why should I choose Brigham Young University Hawaii?

Here are just a few of the many things we hope you will consider:

A strong academic tradition;

A culturally diverse student body;

A spiritually enriching environment;

A beautiful location;