1. Activate your CampusID and set up your PAWS account and email
- Activate your CampusID. Your Campus ID is your passport to access online services at Georgia State.
- Set up your student email account. All official communication form the university is sent to your student email.
- Access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account. This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid and pay tuition and fees and much more!
2. Submit your Intent to Enroll Form
- All students will need to submit the Intent to Enroll form. We request that you inform us of your decision to accept or decline our offer of admission by logging in to your GSU/CAS Liaison application and “View the Status” page. MPH students must also submit a nonrefundable $100 tuition deposit to reserve a space in the class (please refer to your acceptance letter for more information).
3. Verify your citizenship
- Georgia State University admits all academically qualified students, regardless of immigration status. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires all students applying to Georgia State University to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United States to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes. This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policy:
- Policy 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence
Students may be verified through one of the following options below:
- Verification through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen (this does not apply to international students on a visa) who has completed and submitted a FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your lawful presence. If you cannot be confirmed as lawfully present, the Office of Financial Aid will follow up with you for additional documentation. - Submission of one of the following documents:
Current Georgia driver’s license issued by the state of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
Current Georgia State ID Card issued by the state of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
Current U.S. passport*
Certified U.S. birth certificate (must be submitted in person)
Permanent Resident Card (front and back copy)*
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization ( (must be submitted in person)
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (must be submitted in person)
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (must be submitted in person)
Military ID (must be verified in person)
*Copies of these documents are acceptable.
Submit documents directly to the Office of Academic Assistance & Career Services in person or through the application document upload. - Verification through Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS)
If you have or are applying for an F or J visa, we will verify your lawful presence through SEVIS. As this is already part of the immigration process, there are no additional steps required to have your Citizenship Verification Hold removed. Simply comply with the requirements outlined by our Office of International Student and Scholar Services before you arrive at Georgia State University. - Verification through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)
All nonresident alien students on some sort of visa will need to submit immigration documents verifying their lawful status to International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Such documents may include an I-94 card, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) approval notice or receipt notice, or other documentation confirming the student is in lawful visa status.
This includes students who have been previously enrolled at Georgia State and are either returning (re-entry) to a degree program or applying for a new degree program. Transient students must also be verified.
What If I Do Not Provide Proof of Lawful Presence?
While eligible for admission, individuals considered by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents to be unlawfully present in the United States, such as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, shall not be classified as in-state for tuition purposes and shall not receive any waiver of tuition differential (tuition waiver).
4. Update your emergency contacts
- To ensure Georgia State University can reach you or close contact person in case of an emergency each student must update his or her information each semester. A hold is placed on your PAWS account each semester to remind you to update your information. Instructions on removing the hold are located here.
5. Submit your final transcript and proof of degree
If you have not already done so, you are required to turn in the final transcript showing proof of earned degree from your graduating institution (unless Georgia State University) before the first day of classes. You should submit that transcript to:
- Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services
- Georgia State University
- School of Public Health
- P.O. Box 3995
- Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
6. Submit your immunization records before classes begin
- This is required for accepted applicants who have never attended Georgia State University. If admitted, you must submit this form to Georgia State University Health Services prior to registration. The form can be printed from the Student Health Clinic’s Immunization Page. Be sure to submit your immunization records by the first day of classes. You can fax your immunization records to the Immunization Office at (404) 413-1955.
Please do not fax or send your immunization records to the School of Public Health. If you can’t secure immunization records you can receive the needed vaccines from your local health department, private physical or the Georgia State University Health Services. There is a fee at all locations for vaccines. For more information on university services visit the University Health Services web page.
7. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
- Filling out your FAFSA application is important if you are looking for any type of federal financial aid (loans, grants etc.). If you have not already filled out the form, take a few minutes to do so HERE. You will be able to review your award status online through your PAWS account once it is processed and sent to Georgia State University. For questions about federal financial aid you may contact Student Financial Services.
8. Register for classes using PAWS
- Be sure to register early and pay your tuition and fees by the due date to secure your class schedule. MPH, Graduate Certificate, and non-degree students: If you need assistance, you can schedule an advisement appointment with the Graduate Advisor HERE. Please make sure to view semester calendar for important dates.
9. Log into iCollege
- iCollege is the university’s central learning management system. Log in to access your course syllabi and materials.
10. Attend the mandatory orientation
- All new PhD, DrPH, and MPH students are required to attend an orientation program typically held during the week before the first day of classes.
- International Students: Information on International Student Orientation can be found HERE. PLEASE NOTE—some graduate international students may be required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) during International Student Orientation. Test results could cause you to alter your initial class schedule in the unlikely event you are required to add an English course. For more information about the GSTEP please see this link. ISSS will let you know if you need to take the test (as determined by your academic department) when you arrive at orientation.
11. Pick up your PantherCard
- The PantherCard is the official Georgia State University identification card. It is used for library privileges, after-hours access and can also be used as a debit card for PantherCash. PantherCards are available online at the PantherCard office.
12. Organize your transportation and parking
- Students have multiple transportation options including: discounted monthly MARTA cards, shuttle service, and on-campus parking. All parking requires that a vehicle be pre-registered and display a valid parking permit. Vehicle registration can only be done online through PAWS/GoSOLAR. Complete and current information can be found online or by calling Auxiliary Services at (404) 413-9500.
13. Review your student health insurance options and requirements
- Georgia State University offers health insurance to two primary groups of students, mandatory and non-mandatory (voluntary). Students receiving a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and International Students are required to carry health insurance. For more information on this requirement please review student health insurance.
14. Review your housing options
- Atlanta and the surrounding area have many affordable housing options for graduate students. If you are interested in living on campus, you can view your options on the university’s housing site. Georgia State also offers an off-campus housing site to start your housing search.
15. Familiarize yourself with campus
- As a new student of the School of Public Health you are also part of the Georgia State University community. Plan a campus tour to find important locations, resources and opportunities on campus. You can also take a virtual tour of campus.
16. Get to know Atlanta
- Atlanta is a great place to study and live. Metro Atlanta offers a number of events to attend, places to see, and activities in which to participate. See what Atlanta has to offer by browsing Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Tourism Bureau.
1. Activate your CampusID and set up your PAWS account and email
- Activate your CampusID. Your Campus ID is your passport to access online services at Georgia State.
- Set up your student email account. All official communication form the university is sent to your student email.
- Access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account. This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid and pay tuition and fees and much more!
2. Submit your Intent to Enroll form
- All students will need to submit the Intent to Enroll form. We request that you inform us of your decision to accept or decline our offer of admission by logging in to your GSU/CAS Liaison application and “View the Status” page. MPH students must also submit a nonrefundable $100 tuition deposit to reserve a space in the class (please refer to your acceptance letter for more information).
3. Submit your Residency Form
- If you have not already submitted a Residency Form with your application for admission, you will need to complete and submit it to the Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services via [email protected] or fax to 404-413-1489.
4. Learn about using iStart to request immigration documents
iStart is Georgia State University’s web portal to immigration services, requests and benefits for our international student, scholar, and employee community. You can access iStart by CLICKING HERE.
6. Update your emergency contacts
- To ensure Georgia State University can reach you or close contact person in case of an emergency each student must update his or her information each semester. A hold is placed on your PAWS account each semester to remind you to update your information. Instructions on removing the hold are located here.
7. Register for classes using PAWS
- Be sure to register early and pay your tuition and fees by the due date to secure your class schedule. MPH, Graduate Certificate, and non-degree students: If you need assistance, you can schedule an advisement appointment with the Graduate Advisor HERE. Please make sure to view semester calendar for important dates.
8. Log into iCollege
- iCollege is the university’s central learning management system. Log in to access your course syllabi and materials.
5. Attend the mandatory student orientation
- All new PhD, DrPH, and MPH students are required to attend an orientation program typically held during the week before the first day of classes.
- International Students: Information on International Student Orientation can be found HERE. PLEASE NOTE—some graduate international students may be required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) during International Student Orientation. Test results could cause you to alter your initial class schedule in the unlikely event you are required to add an English course. For more information about the GSTEP please see this link. ISSS will let you know if you need to take the test (as determined by your academic department) when you arrive at orientation.
9. Submit your required immunization forms
- Immunizations are required for MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Varicella and Hepatitis B. Fax your Immunization Form to the Immunization Office at 404-413-1955. For questions, call 404-413-1940.
10. Acquire required accident and sickness insurance
- All international students and exchange visitors at Georgia State University are automatically billed for the university’s student health insurance plan (SHIP) provided by United Health Care, Inc. You may wish to apply for a waiver of this coverage if you have adequate health insurance from another sources.
11. Plan for transportation and parking
- Students have multiple transportation options including: discounted monthly MARTA cards, shuttle service, and on-campus parking. All parking requires that a vehicle be pre-registered and display a valid parking permit. Vehicle registration can only be done online through PAWS/GoSOLAR. Complete and current information can be found online or by calling Auxiliary Services at (404) 413-9500.
12. Prepare for possible English language testing
- Some graduate international students may be required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) during International Student Orientation. Test results could cause you to alter your initial class schedule in the unlikely event you are required to add an English course. For more information about the GSTEP please see this link. ISSS will let you know if you need to take the test (as determined by your academic department) when you arrive at orientation.
13. Review your housing options
- Atlanta and the surrounding area have many affordable housing options for graduate students. If you are interested in living on campus, you should apply for housing via the online housing application. Georgia State also offers an off-campus housing site to start your housing search.
14. Visit the International Student & Scholar Services website and read the Student Handbook
1. Activate your CampusID and set up your PAWS account and email
- Activate your CampusID. Your Campus ID is your passport to access online services at Georgia State.
- Set up your student email account. All official communication form the university is sent to your student email.
- Access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account. This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid and pay tuition and fees and much more!
2. Submit your Intent to Enroll Form
- All students will need to submit the Intent to Enroll form. MPH students must submit also submit the nonrefundable $100 tuition deposit online using PantherPay via PAWS.
3. Submit your Residency Form
- If you have not already submitted a Residency Form with your application for admission, you will need to complete and submit it to the Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services via [email protected] or fax to 404-413-1489.
4. Verify your citizenship
- The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires that any student applying to Georgia State University will be required to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United States before their admission to the university can be finalized.This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policies:
- Policy 4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in the United States
- Policy 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence
In compliance with the above policies, a Citizenship Verification Hold preventing registration will be placed at the time of admission for any student admitted for Fall 2011 or later until lawful presence is verified.
How Can the Citizenship Verification Hold be Removed?
Students may be verified through one of the following options:
A. Verification through the Federal Aid Financial Aid Form (FAFSA)
If you are either a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or eligible non-citizen (does not apply to international students on a visa) who has completed and submitted a FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your lawful presence. If you are not able to be confirmed as lawfully present the Office of Financial Aid will follow-up with you for additional documentation.
B. Submission of one of the following documents:
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization *
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship *
- U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad*
- Current U.S. Passport *
- Current GA Driver’s License issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
- Current GA ID Card issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
- Permanent Resident Card*
- Certified U.S. Birth certificate (must be submitted in person)
- Military ID (must be verified in person)
*Copies of these documents are acceptable. Documents should be submitted directly to the Office of Academic Assistance.
C. Verification through SEVIS (Student and Exchange Information System)
If you have or are applying for an F or J visa the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office will verify your lawful presence through SEVIS. As this is already part of the immigration process there are no additional steps required to have your Citizenship Verification Hold removed. Simply comply with the requirements outlined by the ISSS office as you prepare to arrive to Georgia State.
D. Verification through SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)
If you are not a U.S. citizen and are not able to be verified by one of the options above, please contact the International Student and Scholar Services office in order to query the SAVE Database.
The Citizenship Verification requirement applies to all newly admitted students at the Georgia State University beginning fall 2011. This includes students who have been previously enrolled at GSU but are either returning (Re-entry) to a degree program or applying for a new degree program. Transient students must also be verified; however Cross-Registration students do not.
What If I Do Not Provide Proof of Lawful Presence?
Admission will be withdrawn for any student who is unable to provide proof of lawful presence by at least one of the methods outlined above.
5. Update your emergency contacts
- To ensure Georgia State University can reach you or close contact person in case of an emergency each student must update his or her information each semester. A hold is placed on your PAWS account each semester to remind you to update your information. Instructions on removing the hold are located here.
6. Submit your final transcript and proof of degree
If you have not already done so, you are required to turn in the final transcript showing proof of earned degree from your graduating institution (unless Georgia State University) before the first day of classes. You should submit that transcript to:
- Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services
- Georgia State University
- School of Public Health
- P.O. Box 3995
- Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
7. Submit your immunization records before classes begin
- This is required for accepted applicants who have never attended Georgia State University. If admitted, you must submit this form to Georgia State University Health Services prior to registration. The form can be printed from the Student Health Clinic’s Immunization Page. Be sure to submit your immunization records by the first day of classes. You can fax your immunization records to the Immunization Office at (404) 413-1955.
Please do not fax or send your immunization records to the School of Public Health. If you can’t secure immunization records you can receive the needed vaccines from your local health department, private physical or the Georgia State University Health Services. There is a fee at all locations for vaccines. For more information on university services visit the University Health Services web page.
8. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
- Filling out your FAFSA application is important if you are looking for any type of federal financial aid (loans, grants etc.). If you have not already filled out the form, take a few minutes to do so HERE. You will be able to review your award status online through your PAWS account once it is processed and sent to Georgia State University. For questions about federal financial aid you may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
9. Register for classes using PAWS
10. Log into iCollege
- iCollege is the university’s central learning management system. Log in to access your course syllabi and materials.
11. Attend the mandatory orientation
- All new Ph.D. and MPH students are required to attend an orientation program typically held during the week before the first day of classes.
- International Students: Information on International Student Orientation can be found HERE. PLEASE NOTE—some graduate international students may be required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) during International Student Orientation. Test results could cause you to alter your initial class schedule in the unlikely event you are required to add an English course. For more information about the GSTEP please see this link. ISSS will let you know if you need to take the test (as determined by your academic department) when you arrive at orientation.
12. Pick up your Panther Card
- The PantherCard is the official Georgia State University identification card. It is used for library privileges, after hours access and can also be used as a debit card for PantherCash. PantherCards are available online at the PantherCard Office.
13. Organize your transportation and parking
- Students have multiple transportation options including: discounted monthly MARTA cards, shuttle service, and on-campus parking. All parking requires that a vehicle be pre-registered and display a valid parking permit. Vehicle registration can only be done online through PAWS/GoSOLAR. Complete and current information can be found online or by calling the Auxiliary Services Office at (404) 413-9500.
14. Review your student health insurance options and requirements
- Georgia State University offers health insurance to two primary groups of students, mandatory and non-mandatory (voluntary). Students receiving a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and International Students are required to carry health insurance. For more information on this requirement please review student health insurance.
15. Review your housing options
- Atlanta and the surrounding area have many affordable housing options for graduate students. If you are interested in living on campus, you can view your options on the university’s housing site. Georgia State also offers an off-campus housing site to start your housing search.
16. Familiarize yourself with campus
- As a new student of the School of Public Health you are also part of the Georgia State University community. Plan a campus tour to find important locations, resources and opportunities on campus. You can also take a virtual tour of campus.
17. Get to know Atlanta
- Atlanta is a great place to study and live. Metro Atlanta offers a number of events to attend, places to see, and activities in which to participate. See what Atlanta has to offer by browsing Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Tourism Bureau.
1. Activate your CampusID and set up your PAWS account and email
- Activate your CampusID. Your Campus ID is your passport to access online services at Georgia State.
- Set up your student email account. All official communication form the university is sent to your student email.
- Access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account. This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid and pay tuition and fees and much more!
2. Submit your Intent to Enroll form
- All students will need to submit the Intent to Enroll form. MPH students must submit also submit the nonrefundable $100 tuition deposit online using PantherPay via PAWS.
3. Submit your Residency Form
- If you have not already submitted a Residency Form with your application for admission, you will need to complete and submit it to the Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services via [email protected] or fax to 404-413-1489.
4. Learn about using iStart to request immigration documents
iStart is Georgia State University’s web portal to immigration services, requests and benefits for our international student, scholar, and employee community. You can access iStart by CLICKING HERE.
Georgia State University will continue to review international applicants for admission, regardless of country of citizenship or nationality. Please be advised that students from the seven countries (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) listed in the January 27, 2017, Executive Order may have difficulties obtaining a visa and entering the U.S. in the near future.
5. Attend the mandatory student orientation
-
After you receive your Visa, make your airline reservations with enough time to arrive in Atlanta before Mandatory International Student Orientation.
6. Update your emergency contacts
- To ensure Georgia State University can reach you or close contact person in case of an emergency each student must update his or her information each semester. A hold is placed on your PAWS account each semester to remind you to update your information. Instructions on removing the hold are located here.
7. Register for classes using your PAWS account
- Log into PAWS! This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid and pay tuition and fees, and much more.
8. Log into iCollege
- iCollege is the university’s central learning management system. Log in to access your course syllabi and materials.
9. Submit your required immunization forms
- Immunizations are required for MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Varicella and Hepatitis B. Fax your Immunization Form to the Immunization Office at 404-413-1955. For questions, call 404-413-1940.
10. Acquire required accident and sickness insurance
- All international students and exchange visitors at Georgia State University are automatically billed for the university’s student health insurance plan (SHIP) provided by United Health Care, Inc. You may wish to apply for a waiver of this coverage if you have adequate health insurance from another sources.
11. Plan for transportation and parking
- Students have multiple transportation options including: discounted monthly MARTA cards, shuttle service, and on-campus parking. All parking requires that a vehicle be pre-registered and display a valid parking permit. Vehicle registration can only be done online through PAWS/GoSOLAR. Complete and current information can be found online or by calling the Auxiliary Services Office at (404) 413-9500.
12. Prepare for possible English language testing
- Beware that that some graduate students may be required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) during Mandatory International Student Orientation. Test results could cause you to alter your initial class schedule in the unlikely event you are required to add an English course.
13. Review your housing options
- Atlanta and the surrounding area have many affordable housing options for graduate students. If you are interested in living on campus, you should apply for housing via the online housing application. Georgia State also offers an off-campus housing site to start your housing search.