Congratulations, you’re a Rattler!

You’ve been admitted to a graduate program at St. Mary’s University. Now what’s next?

As you prepare for graduate studies at St. Mary’s University there are some important details, dates and tasks to keep in mind. We invite you to review the information below as you prepare for the next steps in your educational journey.

International Students: Visa information and more details for entering international students are available in the International Graduate Student section.

I’ve been admitted to St. Mary’s as a graduate student. What’s next?

Watch for an email from the Office of Graduate Admission with information on how to:

  • Submit your Graduate Enrollment Confirmation Form online.
  • Pay your non-refundable $100 Graduate Enrollment Deposit, if applicable.
  • Confirm your deposit. After the Graduate Admission team confirms your deposit (usually about two business days), you will receive an email containing your St. Mary’s University login credentials (username and password), which will allow you to complete the next steps.
  • Submit final transcripts and required documents. Accepted students who have not submitted all required documents detailed in their admission letter must submit an official copy of their final transcript showing the date their degree was conferred.

I’ve confirmed enrollment to St. Mary’s. What are my next steps?

Academic Preparation

Incoming graduate students should attend an orientation session, scheduled before their first day of class. You will receive more information.

graduate orientation
1. Complete Graduate Student Orientation.

You are encouraged to email, call or introduce yourself face-to-face to your Program Director, staff and faculty. Contact information for your Program Director was provided in your acceptance letter.

2. Meet or connect with your Program Director.

Gateway in the University’s portal. Use your St. Mary’s University login credentials (username and password) to access course registration, course schedules, student account, student records, housing application, Graduation Planning System (GPS) and more.

For questions about accessing Gateway, contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 210-436-3126 or graduate@stmarytx.edu.

3. Familiarize yourself with Gateway.

Graduate degree requirements are available in the online Graduate Catalog. In addition, you may review the status of prerequisite courses and your progress toward meeting degree requirements using the online degree audit, Graduate Planning System (GPS), in Gateway. Access Gateway using your St. Mary’s University username and password.

4. Review Degree Requirements.

Students register for courses through the Gateway portal. View the Academic Calendar to learn when registration opens.

5. Register for Classes.

For admission dates and deadlines, review the Graduate Admission page. For important dates including the first day of classes, review the online University Academic Calendar.

6. Review Important Dates and Deadlines.

Financial Aid and Your Student Bill

The Office of Financial Assistance is committed to helping you understand the many federal, state and institutional resources available to help finance your graduate education at St. Mary’s University. All students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online as soon as possible. Contact the Office of Financial Assistance at 210-436-3141 or finaid@stmarytx.edu.

Please note that students applying for the Summer 2024 term should complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA, and those applying for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 or Summer 2025 terms should use the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

graduate aid
7. Connect with the Office of Financial Assistance.

A notification will be emailed when student bills for the semester are available in Gateway. Students can review statements, enroll in a payment plan,and submit payments via Gateway. For information on tuition and fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Contact the Business Office at businessoffice@stmarytx.edu or at 210-436-3731 with questions or concerns regarding student account information.

8. Familiarize Yourself with Your Student Bill and the Business Office.

On-Campus Parking

All students with a vehicle on campus property are required to display a parking permit. You may register your vehicle online to purchase a parking permit. Students are encouraged to park only in designated student lots. View the Campus Map for student parking lots.

8. Purchase a parking permit.

Student Health Requirements

As a member of the St. Mary’s University student population, all currently enrolled students are eligible for services at the Student Health Center. Those students who attend classes on campus and/or live in our graduate residence hall may need to satisfy additional health insurance and immunization requirements.

For more information on required immunizations and student health insurance information, please contact the Student Health Center at 210-436-3506.

9. Review Student Health Requirements.

On-Campus Housing for Graduate Students

St. Mary’s University is pleased to offer housing for graduate and law students in Chaminade Hall at a competitive rate and with added convenience for our graduate students. Chaminade Hall offers individual suite-style rooms (you share a bathroom with another resident) with graduate students in mind.

  • Spring term housing application opens in October.
  • Summer and Fall term housing applications open in March.

For more information on graduate housing and rates, visit the Student Housing and Amenities page.

The Office of Graduate Admission provides tours of graduate student accommodations during our campus visits. Explore our current visit options.

10. Review Graduate Student Housing Options

I’m an International Graduate Student. What do I need to do to complete enrollment?

For international graduate students accepted to St. Mary’s University and seeking a F-1/J-1 Visa, please complete the I-20 Request Form. The information and documents detailed below are needed to complete your visa packet. Please note that students are expected to submit all information detailed below unless otherwise noted.

Submit the following documents:

  • Declaration and Certification of Finances Form with original financial bank statements and/or bank letters, bank stamp in space provided, and/or scholarship award/financial guarantee
  • Copy of passport information
  • Copy of letter of financial support, if you are receiving a financial award or scholarship from St. Mary’s University

For Transfer International Students:

  • Completed transfer-in form
  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of current I-20 /DS-2019, U.S. Visa, and a copy of both sides of your I-94.

If your spouse or children are joining you during your time in San Antonio, Texas, as you pursue your graduate degree, please submit the following along with your I-20 packet:

  • Copy of spouse’s passport, marriage certificate or family card (if you are married and are requesting a F-2 or J-2 status)
  • Copy of each child’s passport, birth certificate or family card (if you are requesting a F-2 or J-2 status)

St. Mary’s University will not be able to process I-20/DS-2019 requests until a complete application for admission and all required documentation with your packet is received. It takes about 14 days to create your I-20/DS-2019.

1. Submit required documents.

I-20 forms are available in your application portal after your I-20 Request Form is received.

2. Retrieve your I-20 form.

To assist with your transition to St. Mary’s University, attend the International Student Check-In and the University Orientation for Graduate Students. You will receive more information via email as your date of arrival approaches. If you have any questions, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at 210-436-2096.

Summer and Fall 2024 International Student Check-in: Further information is forthcoming. For questions, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at 210-436-2096.

3. Participate in International Student Check-In and Orientation.
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