UNITED STATES · GREENWOOD

Lander University

public · Founded 1872 · Languages: en

In short

Lander University is a public institution in Greenwood, South Carolina, offering personalized undergraduate and graduate education with small class sizes and a vibrant campus community. International students can benefit from various scholarships and a structured first-year experience.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1872
Students: 3,513
International students: 90
Acceptance rate: 68%
Tuition (intl): €15–16k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Greenwood, United States

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Lander University · United States

Art Programs

Lander University's Department of Art offers programs designed to shape students into professional artists. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving, observation, and critical thinking, skills valuable both in artistic pursuits and the broader job market. Students will refine their craft under the guidance of experienced faculty who are practicing artists themselves, with work regularly featured in galleries and publications. The program offers a wide range of media and disciplines, including painting, photography, ceramics, and sculpture, with opportunities for travel and study abroad to enhance learning experiences.

Lander University · United States

B.S. in Nursing

Lander University's William Preston Turner School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for a respected and in-demand career in healthcare. With a focus on providing direct patient care, support, and compassion, the program equips graduates with a strong foundation in nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to address the complex healthcare needs of the 21st century, aiming to develop well-rounded professional nurses committed to lifelong learning and holistic care. The program boasts a close academic and clinical education relationship with Self Regional Healthcare, utilizing advanced resources in nursing education at the Self Regional Healthcare Nursing Skills Simulation Center. Lander is committed to nursing education, with plans for a new facility dedicated to nursing training to open in 2026. Graduates consistently achieve high scores on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), leading to strong employment prospects.

Lander University · United States

Chemistry, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry at Lander University is a program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry as an experimental science. This degree focuses on the atomic and molecular interpretation of matter's properties and behavior. A background in chemistry opens doors to a wide array of career paths and advanced study opportunities in areas such as industrial chemistry, government service, sales, secondary education, and graduate or professional schools. The curriculum is structured to offer flexibility, accommodating diverse student interests and career aspirations.

Lander University · United States

College of Business & Technology

The College of Business & Technology at Lander University offers programs designed for creative and forward-thinking students interested in the business world or technology. The college aims to equip students with practical skills for successful careers through a combination of academic knowledge and real-world experiences. Faculty are dedicated to sharing their expertise and supporting student success. Students gain hands-on project experience, internships, and engage with industry partners. The curriculum covers a range of disciplines including business administration, accounting, financial services, sport management, computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, digital media, and graphic design. Graduates are prepared to lead, innovate, and adapt in a rapidly evolving global market, with programs focused on connecting academic learning directly to career outcomes.

Lander University · United States

College of Education

Lander University's College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for fulfilling careers in education. The college focuses on improving education for all learners, providing relevant courses and experienced faculty. Undergraduate programs aim to equip graduates with the skills to lead their own classrooms, while master's programs offer opportunities for further specialization or career transitions.

Lander University · United States

Criminology

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology program at Lander University equips students with the knowledge and skills for careers in various fields related to law, law enforcement, government, and social services. The program emphasizes critical thinking, enabling students to analyze security issues from multiple perspectives within local, state, national, and international contexts. Graduates are prepared for roles in policing, corrections, homeland security, government service, and social service agencies that focus on prevention programs for at-risk youth or working with individuals exhibiting criminal behaviors. The curriculum aims to develop analytical abilities and a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and its societal impact.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate annual fees for international undergraduate students at Lander University?

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International undergraduate students can expect annual fees to be approximately 14,500–16,000 EUR per year. This cost covers tuition, and additional living expenses are estimated at 7,000–9,000 EUR per year.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

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International students generally need a TOEFL iBT score of 61 or an IELTS score of 6.0 to demonstrate English proficiency. Official transcripts from all previous institutions are also required.

What academic support is available for first-year students?

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Lander University offers a structured first-year experience through the LINK 101 course. This program is designed to help freshmen build essential college success skills and academic and personal transition.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

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Yes, Lander University offers several scholarships, including the Lander Merit Scholarship which can provide up to $4,000 per year for qualifying students. The Lander Foundation also offers various scholarships based on need and merit.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Lander University?

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Lander University maintains a small class size with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 15:1. This ensures that students receive individualized attention from their professors.

Lander University

Why study here

Student life

For international students