FAQS

This page is designed to cover the most frequently asked questions. However, there are always questions that are not covered or that need further clarification. In this case, we strongly recommend that you contact your Academic Advisor for more information.

 Q. As a new/prospective student, what documents must I submit to the office?

In order for the Cultural Office to begin work on a new or prospective student's case/file, the office must have the following (for more information you can e-mail Reggie De La Cruz:

• An official decree/correspondence from a sponsoring agency indicating a student's name, classification, and intended program of study (major).
• Documents required for a student's file:

1. Student Application Form
2. Official transcripts (high school, post-secondary, certificates of training, etc..)
3. Official test scores: TOEFL, SAT, GRE/ GMAT.
4. Personal documents: copy of passport, birth certificate.
5. Medical records
6. Personal statements, essay, letters of recommendation (if required)
7. Privately sponsored students must have a financial deposit decree from the Ministry of Higher Education in their file.

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Q. Are there limits on how many times I can take the TOEFL test?

You have to take the TOEFL test within your first term of Intensive English. You are expected to earn a score of 500 or better since this is the minimum score required by most universities' academic admissions standards. Keep your scores, cancelled checks or other receipts as proof of payment for reimbursement (reimbursement is allowed up to five times).

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Q. How do I know which school and program I should apply to?

The Ministry of Higher Education has information that will help you decide which school you should apply to. If you are applying for Intensive English, you are expected to enroll at a university that also offers your assigned field of study (major) and that is on the list of universities approved by the Ministry. It is best to refer to the information provided by the Ministry before applying to any institution. You may also refer to our List of Approved Universities.

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Q. How long does it take to make an admission decision?

Once an application has been submitted to a school, it takes about 3 to 8 weeks for an Intensive English Program admission and a minimum of 3 to 6 months for an Academic Program admission. Please note that this time frame is based on the fact that a student has completed all documents and application requirements. Any missing documents will delay the application process.

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Q. I have received my admission package from my university. What should I do next?

The I-20 form should be taken to the American Embassy to obtain a student visa. Also included in every admission package is information about campus arrival, housing, and accepting your admission. Documents such as housing contracts and admission contracts may also be included. If it is required by the school, these documents should be filled out and returned immediately to the school to avoid missing any deadlines.

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Q. When should I arrive in the U.S.?

It is recommended that students first come to the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, D.C. for orientation and registration two weeks before a school's starting date. Embassy orientation takes about 1 to 2 days.

Q. Can I enroll in any school once I come to the U.S.

To avoid immigration problems, you must attend the school whose I-20 you used to enter the United States. Also, do not change schools or majors without the permission of the Cultural Office.

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You should contact the embassy and provide the following information in order to be registered and receive orientation information, salaries, health insurance, etc.:

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your I-20
• Copy of your I-94
• Official letter of enrollment from your school
• Three ID-sized photos
• Permanent (Kuwait) and U.S. addresses, email address and phone numbers
• Copy of voided check

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 January

• Request to have your home school send your official Fall transcript to the Embassy.
• Send your Verification of Enrollment Form for Winter or Spring, including a list of courses for the term (form must be signed and stamped by the Registrar's office).

• Request to have your home school send your official Spring transcript to the Embassy.
• Send your Verification of Enrollment Form for Summer, including a list of courses for the term (form must be signed and stamped by the Registrar's office).
• Fill out and send your Ticket/Summer Salaries Form.  Form must by signed & stamped by the Registrar's office.

• Request to have your home school send the Spring (if it has not already been sent) and/or Summer official transcript to be sent to the Embassy.
• Send your Verification of Enrollment Form  for Fall, including a list of courses for the term (form must be signed and stamped by the Registrar's office).

• Fill out and send in your Ticket/Advance Salaries Form.  Form must be signed & stamped by the Registrar's office.

• Study Plan - is required by the end of the second term for students enrolled in a four-year school/university.

Also see the Study Plan Form in the Rules and Regulations Section. 

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Q. Can I change my major during the course of my scholarship?

Requests for a change of major must be done in writing and supported by relevant documents (request letter should include the reason for the change, a study plan, transcripts, etc.). This is a one-time request only. Also see: Changes of Major in the Rules and Regulations Section.

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Q. Is summer registration required?

Summer registration is optional if a student has completed 30  semester/45 quarter credits during the regular school year. Also see: Summer Credits in the Rules and Regulations Section.

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Q. Can I take independent studies or on-line (Internet) courses?

In accordance with Ministry correspondence WTA/10/R/12522, dated July 31, 2000, students are allowed to take a maximum of two courses through independent study, on-line (Internet) format or a combination of both provided the following conditions are met: Prior to enrollment in these courses, students must provide a comprehensive description of the courses and the format in which they are offered by the university Also, the credits earned from the on-line (Internet) or independent study courses must be accepted by the student's home school. On-line (Internet) courses may be earned at any university that is on the list of approved universities. Independent study courses must be earned at the student's home school. In both the case of independent study and on-line (Internet) courses, students must have the written consent of this office prior to enrollment in these courses. Correspondence study is not allowed. Exception: You are NOT allowed to take English or Mathematics courses through on-line (Internet) or independent study.

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Q. Can I register for courses during the same term but in two different schools?

Concurrent registration, or registration at two different schools for the same term, is not allowed. Also see: Concurrent Registration in the Rules and Regulations Section.

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Q. Can I attend a community college and, if so, for how long?

The maximum allowable period of study in a community college is two years for supervised special scholarship students. However Ministry of Higher Educationsponsored students are NEVER ALLOWED to attend a community college.

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Q. What is the minimum number of credits I need to take each term?

You are expected to register for and complete at least 12 credit hours per term. Also see: Required Credit in the Rules and Regulations Section.

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Q. What is the minimum GPA I need to maintain?

You are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 average (based on a 4.0 scale). A GPA below 2.0 will warrant an academic warning letter. Accumulating 3 consecutive or 4 non-consecutive warning letters is grounds for suspension/dismissal.

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Q. Can I drop a course after the drop/add period and refund date?

To answer this, consider the following:

1. The number of credits that will be earned after the courses are dropped. Remember that you are required to maintain an enrollment of 12 credits per semester or 12 credits per quarter. Also see: Required Credit in the Rules and Regulations Section.
2. The total number of credit hours that will be earned at the end of the academic year. Remember that regulations require the completion of 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits per academic year . Also see: Required Credit in the Rules and Regulations Section.
3. The financial penalty (if it applies). See: Deduction in the Rules and Regulations Section.

Also see: Dropping Courses in the Rules and Regulations Section.

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Q. Are independent study or special topics approved?

A total of two courses (6-8 credits) for any combination of Internet, Independent study, and Special Topics courses over the entire undergraduate study of the student provided that the following requirements are met:

• All Internet and independent study courses must be approved by this office before the student enrolls in the course.
• Internet courses may be taken at any university approved by the office.
• As before, independent study courses may only be  earned at the student's home university.
• All requests for Internet or independent study courses must be accompanied by a letter from the student's home university describing the courses.

Exception: You are not allowed to take English or Mathematics courses through the Internet or independent study courses.

 

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Q. I'm a private, unsupervised student. How do I certify my degree/transcript upon graduation?

The requirements for transcript certification for private, unsupervised student are as follows:

• All transcripts must be official; i.e., they must bear the official seal of the university and must be received directly from the university. Under no circumstances will transcripts be certified if they are hand-carried or mailed by the student. You may send the Transcript Release Request Form to the Registrar's Office of your college or university to authorize the release of your transcript to this office. Click here to print the Transcript Release Form.
• The final/official transcript must have the degree posted on the transcript. 
• Official transcripts are required for all colleges and universities attended. The certification will not be done until official transcripts are received from all colleges and universities for which transfer credits were awarded towards the student’s degree.
• Certification will only be done for students enrolled in recommended colleges, universities.
• Colleges and universities should mail all transcripts to the following address:

Authentication Department

Embassy of the State of Kuwait Cultural Division

3500 International Drive, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20008

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Q. I lost my health insurance card. What should I do?

Contact the Health Office immediately at (202) 686-4304. The Health Office is responsible for all health insurance related issues.

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Q. My passport has expired? What should I do?

First, inform your Academic Advisor at the Cultural Office. Then contact the main Embassy at 202-966-0702 for instructions on renewing your passport.

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Q. Can I claim an allowance for my dependent(s) if he/she is not present with me in the U.S.?

Students can only be eligible for an allowance for their dependent(s) if he/she is present with you in the U.S. (You should send a copy of your dependent's(') I-94 to your Academic Advisor once he/she/they enter the U.S.). Any allowance claimed for a dependent not present in the U.S. will be subject to salary deduction.

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Q. I did not receive my salary or I need a check replacement? What should I do?

First, you should contact your Embassy Advisor to find out if there was a hold on your check for any reason.  Second, please be aware that all address changes must be reported to your Embassy Advisor no later than the 15th of the month. In addition, it is advisable that you file an Address Forwarding Form with your local post office. It usually takes longer to receive your mail if forwarded by the post office. Therefore, you should always inform your Embassy Advisor of any changes in your address.  Third, please note that no replacement check will be issued until the first of the month it is due (i.e., March salary will be replaced on or after March 1st).

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Q. Are Co-op / Internship credits counted towards summer salaries and tickets?

Students must provide a letter from the university listing the equivalent semester/quarter credits recognized for the Co-op/Internship program.

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