How To Apply As An International Student

How To Apply As An International Student

All International students must meet the criteria for admission based on the program for which you are applying.

Prospective International Students Must Submit the Following

For international students, who are NOT currently in the United States

  • Fall semester applicants should submit their application for admission and all supporting documents by June 1 to ensure that there is enough time to complete the I-20 process. The University will issue I-20s up until July 15. 
  • Spring semester applicants should submit their application for admission and all supporting documents by October 15 to ensure that there is enough time to complete the I-20 process. The University will issue I-20s up until November 15.

For students in the US needing to transfer their I-20

Students who are currently in the US and need to transfer their I-20 will follow the rolling admissions policy. The I-20 can be issued up until the first day of classes. 

Admissions Application Process

  1. Complete the appropriate admission application for your level of study (undergraduate, graduate, etc) and semester start date (Fall or Spring).
  2. Submit official transcripts.  Freshman applicants must submit transcripts from their secondary school. Transfer and graduate applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.  If the original transcript is not in English a certified translation may be required. 
  3. Letters of recommendation. Vary by program; details are within the application.
  4. One personal essay; details are within application.
  5. English Proficiency Exam Results (for non-native English speaking students). ONE of the following is required:
    1. TOEFL exam results. Minimum score of  80 on the Internet based exam OR a 550 on the paper based exam.
    2. IELTS exam results. Minimum score of 6.5 required for admission.
    3. DET (Duolingo English Test) Minimum score 110 required for admission.

Incoming first year International students have the option of taking the SAT (minimum 980) or the ACT (19) in lieu of an English proficiency exam. All exam scores must be less than two years old in order to be valid.

To learn more about our test optional policy for first year applicants, please visit the admissions requirements and procedures and scholarship sections of our website.  

Upon acceptance, students will need to submit the application for the form I-20, and all supporting documents, in order to begin the process of obtaining their F-1 Student Visa.

STEM Fields

The following SJNY majors are listed as DHS STEM Degree Programs. If an international student receives an undergraduate degree in one of these fields, they are eligible for up to three years of Optional Practical Training in the U.S. after graduation: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Medical Technology.