Join our global community! You're considered an international student if you are not a U.S. citizen or dual citizen with the U.S. *, or if you are not a permanent resident of the U.S. The following are the application requirements for international students applying to Syracuse.
Begin your application
*For DACA students or those who may be undocumented, please contact the Office of Admissions at orange@syr.edu with questions on how to apply.
Credentials
If you have completed academic work outside the U.S. you must also provide official academic credentials as well as English translations of the documents. If only one document is available, we will accept notarized or certified copies of the original document. If translations are needed, it is your responsibility to have the credentials translated by a reputable translation and evaluation service. Syracuse University will not provide translations for you. A key to the marking system or grading scale should also be included if it is not indicated on the transcript.
Please note that students completing the British curriculum are not eligible to apply upon completion of the IGCSE/GCSE – we require at least one additional year of education. Additionally, we do not accept the BTEC for admission at this time.
View international credentials.
This list is not comprehensive. Please contact the Office of Admissions at orange@syr.edu about your academic documents.
Standardized Tests
The SAT/ACT is not required* of any student studying outside the U.S. (including U.S. citizens living abroad) and currently enrolled in a school that does not follow the American system of education.
If your native language is not English you must take one of the following English proficiency exams:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Cambridge English Language Assessment
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- Duolingo English Test
If you are a U.S. citizen and your native language is not English, you are also strongly encouraged to take one of these exams to demonstrate your proficiency. More specific information on English proficiency requirements is provided below.
English Proficiency
English proficiency exam score reports must be sent directly to the University from the testing service.
Due to testing centers administering TOEFL and IELTS exams closing due to the coronavirus, we are now accepting the Duolingo English Test for the spring/fall 2023. This is a convenient, fast, and affordable option. The exam can be taken anywhere provided you have a computer and a quiet work space.
Use ID code 2823 when requesting your official TOEFL scores from ETS. Please note that at this time, Syracuse University does not use “MyBest” TOEFL scores to fulfill English proficiency requirements; students who submit the TOEFL must meet our requirements within one exam session. Syracuse University is currently accepting the At Home decision of the TOEFL exam. Please note that the TOEFL Essentials or ITP exam, TOEFL My Best Score and IELTS Indicator are not accepted as proof of English proficiency.
Preferred TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and Duolingo scores vary by college (see chart below). In addition, Syracuse University will consider results of the PTE Academic for English proficiency at the discretion of the admissions committee.
Required TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and Duolingo
| College | Preferred TOEFL | Preferred IELTS | Preferred Cambridge | Duolingo (2023 applicants) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College College of Arts and Sciences,College of Visual and Performing Arts (Communication and Rhetorical Studies program) | Preferred TOEFL 85 | Preferred IELTS 6.5 | Preferred Cambridge 176 | Duolingo (2023 applicants) 105 |
| College Whitman School of Management,School of Architecture | Preferred TOEFL 90 | Preferred IELTS 7.0 | Preferred Cambridge 185 | Duolingo (2023 applicants) 110 |
| College S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications | Preferred TOEFL 102 | Preferred IELTS 7.0 (7.5 preferred) | Preferred Cambridge 185 (191 preferred) | Duolingo (2023 applicants) 120 |
| College School of Education,College of Engineering and Computer Science,David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics,School of Information Studies,College of Visual and Performing Arts (Departments of Art, Design, Drama, and Transmedia, Setnor School of Music) | Preferred TOEFL 80 | Preferred IELTS 6.5 | Preferred Cambridge 176 | Duolingo (2023 applicants) 105 |
| College All colleges | Preferred TOEFL No TOEFL subscore under 20 | Preferred IELTS No IELTS band under 6.0 | Preferred Cambridge No Cambridge sub score under 176 | Duolingo (2023 applicants) N/A |
Minimum TOEFL Sub Scores
- Writing: 21
- Speaking, Reading, and Listening: 20
Minimum IELTS Bands
- Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
Minimum Cambridge Sub Score
- 176
Request to Waive the English Language Proficiency Requirement
The English proficiency exam requirement may be waived in certain situations at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Your application supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine whether or not you qualify for a waiver; if it is approved, it will be reflected accordingly on your application checklist in MySlice.
Waiver approval is not guaranteed, so it is recommended that you take the TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or PTE Academic as part of the application process if your native language is not English.
Financial Requirements
If you are an international applicant who requires an F-1 Student Visa to come to Syracuse, you must submit documentation that demonstrates the ability to fund your education for one full academic year.
International students intending to apply for an F-1 student visa must complete the Visa/Financial Support Information Form (found in your applicant portal) and submit it along with a bank statement or letter indicating proof of liquid funds. Photocopies of financial documentation are acceptable. Please include a copy of your passport with the financial documents that you upload. Be sure to write your name, date of birth, and name of the program to which you are applying on all documents that you upload.
If you have questions, or would prefer to email your documents, please contact us at orange@syr.edu.
Details:
- Please refer to the cost of attendance for international students. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2023-24 academic year will be finalized in Spring 2023. Students applying for spring/fall 2022 must show sufficient funds to meet your first-year expenses at Syracuse University per the University's current estimate of $85,254 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
- The amount that applicants must show is the total cost of attendance for the semester to which they are applying. Please note that you will also be responsible for all costs associated with your additional years required for completion of your degree.
- If you are a privately or personally sponsored applicant, acceptable proof of finances may be a bank statement or signed letter of support from a bank that states the account holdings meet the minimum total cost of attendance to fund your first-year expenses at Syracuse University.
- It is not necessary for the bank statement to show the amount in US dollars; however, the currency does need to be clearly indicated.
- The print date of the statement must be within a year of the start of the term to which you are applying.Although the statement addresses only the first year of funding, you will be responsible for all costs associated with attaining your degree.
- A statement of income or earnings does not constitute proof of sufficient funds.
- If you are a government-sponsored applicant, you must submit a certified copy of the award letter that includes the U.S. dollar amount of the award per year, the duration of the award, and a list of expenses covered by the award.
- Please refer to the cost of attendance for international students.
- In addition to the above expenses, you should plan on expenses for the winter break and summer months. If you are returning to your home country or are traveling to another location, you should anticipate those additional expenses.
- International applicants will also be considered for merit scholarships.
Personal Interviews (Optional)
Interviews are not a requirement for admission to Syracuse University. Students who would like the opportunity to add an interview to their application portfolio can contact the Office of Admissions at orange@syr.edu for details.
Students in Asia may arrange for aninterview with Vericant. Syracuse University, in partnership with Vericant, provides in-person interview opportunities for international applicants interested in showcasing English skills and professionalism to the admissions team.We also accept InitialView interviews.
Conditional Admission
You may be granted conditional admission to Syracuse University if the academic requirements for admission have been met, but there is insufficient English proficiency and/or insufficient financial support to be fully admitted to your program. Only those students who have submitted an official TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or PTE Academic score may be considered for conditional admission.
Conditionally admitted students are not considered fully admitted to the University and will not be issued the SEVIS I-20 form (the form that is needed to obtain the F-1 Student Visa) until the University receives the necessary official English proficiency credentials and/or the necessary proof of sufficient funding. It is not guaranteed that space will still be available at the time a student meets the condition.
Student Visas and Immigration
Upon admission:
If you are at another institution in the United States in F-1 immigration status:
- Your school will need to transfer your SEVIS record to Syracuse University by ‘Releasing Your Record.’ This would happen on a date that you and the international student advisor at your current school agree upon.
- Most importantly, to maintain your legal status, you must be released from your current school and Syracuse University must issue a ‘Transfer Pending I-20’ no later than 60 days after your program end date (likely the last day of final exams or the graduation date at your previous school).
- You and your current international student advisor can notify Syracuse University of your intent to transfer by accessing the “Transfer-In Form” which has to be completed by you and your advisor at your current school.
- It is also important to remember that if you are going back to your home country between the time you finish at your current school and the date you are coming to Syracuse University, you need to enter the United States with the I-20 of Syracuse University. If you are going home and your current F-1 visa is valid, you do not need to apply for a new visa. However, if your F-1 visa is expired and you are leaving the U.S. and re-entering, you do need to apply for a new F-1 Student Visa. See the directions below for applying for a Non-immigrant Visa.
If you have been studying outside the United States prior to coming to Syracuse University:
You will need an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) in order to apply for your student visa at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. When you receive the I-20 from the Center for International Services, directions will be provided on exactly how you apply for the visa and what documents you need. For further information, visit the Center for International Services.
FAQs
Does Syracuse University accept international students? ›
International Students. Wherever you call home, Syracuse University welcomes you. Thousands of international students choose Syracuse every year for its blend of extraordinary academics, legendary spirit, and research, internship and extracurricular opportunities—all offered in a classic campus setting.
What are the requirements for foreign students? ›- Transcript.
- Standardized test scores. SAT or ACT. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
- Essay.
- Recommendations.
- Copy of your valid passport.
Is it harder for international students to get accepted at US universities? In general, no. Many international students are accepted into US universities every year. In 2020, the average acceptance rate for international students at top US universities was 43.8%.
What is the minimum GPA for international students in USA? ›International transfer requirements
A 2.0 cumulative GPA from a US institution or college OR 3.0 cumulative GPA from a USA high school is required for full admission. If you are coming from a language center, a 2.5 converted GPA is required.
Please review all of the information before you start a college application. International students may apply to any college program that has seats available for international applicants if you meet the college's admission and English proficiency requirements.
What are the 3 types of international students? ›International Student Visas
In the United States, there are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M. Valid student visas are required to apply to the Department of Homeland Security for admission into the United States at the port of entry.
Some get their scores in percentages, others in points or grades. But, if you're thinking of applying to any university abroad, it is important to have your score converted to a GPA. Even if the university you're applying to asks for your marks in a different format, a GPA score is a great comparative measure.
Can international students fail? ›F-1 regulations require that students should be making “good academic progress”. However, DHS has recognized that students may fail a class and this does not affect your status. May I take Extended Learning Institute (ELI) classes?
Why do international students get rejected? ›The Culture Divide. I often see international students rejected by colleges because their applications aren't reflective of US educational values, culture, and norms.
What is the cheapest university in USA for international students? ›
| S.no | University | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin | USD 12,820 per year |
| 2 | University of North Texas | USD 14,961 per year |
| 3 | San Francisco State University | USD 15,040 per year |
| 4 | California State University | USD 15,705 per year |
- Utah Valley University. ...
- Cameron University. ...
- Weber State University. ...
- Northeastern State University. ...
- Cleveland State University. ...
- Montana State University.
1.5 GPA = 70% percentile grade = C letter grade.
Can I get admission in USA with low GPA? ›Even with a low GPA, the candidate must have a strong profile with higher standardised scores, skills, extracurricular activities, and work experience. The candidate can also go for a pathway program in the university they are willing to get admitted into.
What GPA is 70 percent in US? ›| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| B- | 80-82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77-79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72 | 1.7 |
- #1 - Computer Science. One of the most rewarding degrees on our list is computer science. ...
- #2 - Electrical Engineering. ...
- #3 - Information Technology. ...
- #4 - Finance. ...
- #5 - Economics. ...
- #6 - Business Analytics.
Manhattanville College Harrison, New York – USD 8,415 per year. This is one of the colleges offering cheap masters degree for international students. Hillsborough Community College Tampa, Florida – USD 9,111 per year. This is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students.
Which is the best place to live in USA for international students? ›New York is the best student city in USA when it comes to dominating in education, innovation, arts and entertainment, banking, and architecture. New York's commercial, financial, and economic hubs offer several internship and career opportunities.
How much harder is it for international students to get into college? ›As outlined in that post and in our methodology, we've found that it is between 2–3x more difficult for international students to gain admission to top US colleges when compared with domestic students.
Can international students apply without SAT? ›Yes, SAT/ACT waiver at US universities is applicable to international students as well.
What tests are required for international students? ›
Some of the most popular, and most important international entrance exams include the SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS and the TOEFL. These are required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries across the globe.
Who can sponsor me to study in USA? ›Ans. For students willing to study in the US, parents and relatives can very well be accommodated as sponsors. Applicants can also look for education loans to sponsor their study in the US. In some cases employers can also sponsor F-1 visa provided they are ready to employ applicants post their study abroad.
How much bank balance is required for USA student visa? ›How Much Bank Balance is Required for US Visa? There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have 10,000 USD and above to get F-1 visa.
Which country attracts the most international students? ›The lowest possible grade is usually equal to a 0.0 on any scale and most times correlates to an "F" or the failing grade for the course. The scale coverts linearly from the 0.0 to 4.0 with your grade whether you are on a number or letter grading system for the class.
What GPA is good for international students? ›Some universities or programs do not have a required minimum GPA, and others do. Most programs would not accept less than a 3.0 GPA; however, there are always exclusions. Numerous students with less than a 3.0 GPA are acknowledged into graduate programs. For highly viable programs, you need more than a 3.5 GPA.
Does SAT score matter for international students? ›The SAT is strongly predictive of college success for international students attending U.S. colleges and universities. Using the SAT in conjunction with high school grade point average (HSGPA) is the most powerful way to predict future academic performance of international students.
Why do student visas get rejected? ›Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
One of the ways that students can stay in the US on an international student visa after graduation is with an OPT extension. The post-completion OPT allows recent graduates to work in the US for up to 12 months.
What do international students struggle with the most? ›International students can experience challenges in a number of areas, including language barriers, academics, social and cultural differences, discrimination, financial stressors, and mental health concerns. These are not easy problems to overcome, and there is so much we all can do to help.
How can we avoid F1 visa rejection? ›
Tips to avoid student visa rejection
Here are some tips that you can follow to avoid rejection of visa: Make sure that you apply on time. Applications submitted early will always have more chances of approval. The visa officers are usually stuck with a growing bunch of applications during the admission season.
| Year | Approval Rate | Refusal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65.03% | 34.97% |
| 2019 | 74.62% | 25.38% |
| 2020 | 68.81% | 31.19% |
| 2021 | 80.16% | 19.84% |
| Name of the University | US News Rank 2023 | International Student Acceptance Rate in Fall 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology | 127 | 86% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 97 | 80% |
| University of Toledo | 285 | 97% |
| Colorado State University | 151 | 90% |
Yes, we accept that studying in USA is quite difficult for middle-class Indian students. However, below mentioned tips can help students to study in USA: Get Scholarship from US University. Choose average fee Univerisity.
Do international students pay more in US? ›The college tuition fees depend on the college or course that you are planning to pursue. They differ from college to college. However, international students almost always pay significantly more than American students.
Which university is best for free international students? ›| Rank | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heidelberg University |
| 2 | Technical University of Munich |
| 3 | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
| 4 | University of Oslo |
F-1 Visa. There are two types of student visas for exchange students from India to the USA, F-1 visa and M-1 visa. Students enrolling in vocational or nonacademic classes must apply for a M-1 visa. Students enrolling in academic courses from an accredited institution for a degree will require a F-1 visa.
How many US visas are denied each year? ›More than 4 million visa applications are denied each year by the U.S. government for a wide variety of reasons.
Do student visas get rejected USA? ›Student visas are only granted in the United States if applicants provide sufficient proof of their intention to return to their home country after completion of the course. If the Consulate officers doubt the intent to return home upon completing the education, the visa application is straightaway rejected.
What is the highest GPA ever? ›A GPA higher than 5.0 is rare, but school point systems are occasionally structured so that students taking advanced classes can rack up bonus points. One student even managed to land a stunning 10.03 GPA by taking 17 advanced classes at a school that awarded bonus points.
What is a smart GPA? ›
Typically a 3.5-4.0 GPA, which means an A- or A average, is expected for admission to top colleges. However, you may be able to gain acceptance to a less selective school with a GPA that's as low as a 2.0 or C- average.
What GPA is 97%? ›A+ GPA. An A+ letter grade is equivalent to a 4.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 97–100.
What's the lowest GPA a college will accept? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
How do I convert my GPA to 100%? ›How to convert GPA to percentage? ANS - 100% is taken to be 100 points hence, 25 points in percentage are equal to 1 GPA in the GPA system. Divide your percentage with 100 and then multiply it by 4. For example – 80/100*4 = 3.2 GPA.
What GPA is all 80%? ›2.5 GPA = 80% percentile grade = B letter grade.
What GPA is a 92%? ›3.7 GPA = 92% percentile grade = A letter grade.
How many international students are at Syracuse? ›Out of the total students studying at Syracuse, approximately 4,000 are international students representing over 127 nationalities.
What are the easiest universities to get into for international students? ›- Boston Architectural College.
- Cameron University.
- Dickinson State University.
- Feather River College.
- Granite State College.
- Glenville State College.
- Montana State University-Billings.
- Maharishi International University.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Syracuse? Syracuse is a challenging school to gain admission to. It received a record-setting 39,342 applications to its Class of 2025—a 24% increase over the prior year. Syracuse doesn't publish its acceptance numbers, but its overall acceptance rate generally hovers around 70%.
Does Syracuse University give scholarships to international students? ›Syracuse University's Office of Admissions offers several merit scholarship awards to international admitted students, all of which recognize academic, personal, and creative achievements.
Why is Syracuse acceptance rate so high? ›
The rise in the acceptance rate can be attributed to the amount of students that transferred out of the university over the past year, in part due to the school's COVID-19 restrictions and the strain of having online classes last year.
Is Syracuse considered Ivy League? ›SU now joins Ivy League schools, including Brown University or Yale University, with an expected total cost of attendance of more than $70,000.
Which university has the most international students in the world? ›1. University of Hong Kong. The University of Hong Kong is the most international university in the world, according to THE World University Rankings data. Overall, this Hong Kong university has more than 18,000 students, of whom more than 43 per cent are international.
Which is the cheapest university in USA for international students? ›- California State University, San Bernardino.
- Southeast Missouri State University.
- Arkansas State University.
- University of Wisconsin.
- Brooklyn College.
- University of Louisiana–Monroe.
- Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Northwest Missouri State University.
The minimum score required is 400, and the average in 2018 was 1068. There is no bad score, but the lower you score, the higher your chances of rejection when applying to colleges. Talking about good scores, that really depends upon the college or universities you intend to apply to.
Is Syracuse a prestigious University? ›Ranked #62 among the Best National Universities and #42 for Best Undergraduate Teaching by U.S News & World Report, Syracuse University offers many highly ranked programs and co-curricular opportunities: #1 Best Public Affairs School, 2023 U.S. News & World Report. #1 Best Photojournalism Schools, 2022 College Factual.
Is Syracuse University a Tier 1 school? ›Syracuse University is a top-tier, R-1 research institution, the highest designation made by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education.
What majors is Syracuse known for? ›The most popular majors at Syracuse University include: Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Visual and Performing Arts; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Psychology; Engineering; Parks, Recreation, Leisure ...
Which country is the easiest to get scholarship for international students? ›Germany, Greece, Japan, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Korea, are among the nations that offer full scholarships to international students. Make sure the scholarship is accepted at the school you want to attend. Some colleges do not take scholarships.
What are the easiest scholarships to get for international students? ›- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund. Offered by Philanthropic Educational Organization. ...
- Global Citizen Scholarship. ...
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship. ...
- La Caixa Foundation Postgraduate Fellowships. ...
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program. ...
- Georges Lurcy Fellowships. ...
- OAS Academic Scholarships Program (Undergraduate)
Which country gives the most scholarships to international students? ›
Germany. A particularly popular country for admission among students from all over the world. No wonder: In Germany almost all universities are free of charge and the country's largest scholarship fund — DAAD — provides a scholarship to cover living expenses.