International Students

General Information

Syracuse University has a long tradition of welcoming international students to its campus, and we're eager to expand the cultural diversity of the student population even more. Please be sure to explore the many services we offer to our international students. Syracuse University is represented at a variety of overseas college fairs in the fall.

The 2013 Prospectus for International Students [PDF-2.7MB] is available for viewing or download.

To be admitted to Syracuse University, international students must:

• Demonstrate sufficient academic preparation to achieve success in their studies at Syracuse University.
• Demonstrate the ability to pay for their education here.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Key Topics:

• For First-year Students
• For Transfer Students
• Spring Semester
• Admissions Notification
• Standardized Tests
• Financial Requirements
• English Proficiency Requirements
• Conditional Admission
• Credentials
• Dependent Information Form
• Student Visas and Immigration
• Additional Information/Contact

First-year Students

As a First-year Student, Regular Decision is the plan you generally use when you apply in the beginning of your final year in secondary school. Completed applications must be submitted by January 1. Applications are accepted after January 1 if space is available in the program to which you have applied.

Early Decision should be seriously considered if Syracuse University is your first choice. As an Early Decision candidate, you agree to enroll at Syracuse University if admitted to your preferred college at SU. You may apply to other colleges and universities with the understanding that you will withdraw these applications if you are admitted to Syracuse University. Completed applications must be submitted by November 15.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are encouraged to apply under the January 1 Regular Decision plan deadline to receive full consideration for admission and housing. Enrollment in some colleges and programs may be limited. Transfer applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee as they are received and become complete.

Spring Semester

Students wishing to apply for admission for the spring (January) semester are encouraged to submit their applications early in the fall (mid to late October).

Admissions Notification

As soon as all necessary credentials and documents are received, international applicants are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and notified of the admission decision by email and letter.

Standardized Tests

The SAT/ACT is optional for international students studying outside the U.S. and currently enrolled in a school that does not follow the American system of education.  Although we do not require the SAT or ACT to be considered for admission, we encourage all students to submit scores if available.

*Please note, prospective Division I student athletes must take the SAT or ACT in order to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. 

SAT Subject Tests are not required. Transfer students who have completed at least one full academic year at an institution of higher learning are not required to take the SAT/ACT.

In addition, all international undergraduate applicants to Syracuse University whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). More specific information on English Proficiency Requirements is provided further down on this page.

Financial Requirements

In addition to what is required of United States citizens or permanent residents, international applicants are required to submit proof of sufficient funding to meet the estimated cost of attendance.  Financial assistance, including need-based aid and merit scholarships, is very limited for international students.  Any international applicant who requires an F-1 Student Visa to come to Syracuse is required to submit documentation that demonstrates the ability to fund his or her education for one full academic year.

The U.S. dollar amount for applicants to either the spring 2013 semester or the fall 2013 semester must total $60,150. Acceptable proof includes, for privately sponsored applicants, a signed letter of support from the bank that includes the U.S. dollar amount of support and certified bank statements, which indicate that the sponsor has sufficient funds to meet your first-year expenses at Syracuse University per the University's current estimate of $60,150. The certified bank statement need not show the total amount of funds in the account. Rather, it must state that the account has funds to meet your first-year expenses at Syracuse University of $60,150. A statement of income or earnings does not constitute proof of sufficient funds. Government-sponsored applicants 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 Total Cost of Attendance for international students.

All international students must complete the International Applicant Form. Photocopies of financial documentation are acceptable.

You may fax documents to 315-443-8427. Please include a copy of your passport with the financial documents you send us. Be sure to write your name, date of birth, and name of the program to which you are applying on all documents you send. In addition to the above expenses, international students must 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 need to anticipate those travel expenses.

English Proficiency Requirements

All undergraduate international applicants to Syracuse University whose first language is not English must prove they are proficient in the English language. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required of all undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English, whether they are applying as a first-year or a transfer student.  Should you apply to Syracuse University and your native language is English, you will indicate this on your application or you may e-mail us at orange@syr.edu after submitting your application noting this information.

Use DI code 2823 when requesting your TOEFL scores to be sent to Syracuse University.  Preferred TOEFL and IELTS scores vary by college:

College	Preferred TOEFL	Preferred IELTS
College of Arts and Sciences	85	6.5
Whitman School of Management School of Architecture	90	7.0
S.I. Newhouse School of Communications	100	7.0 (7.5 preferred)
School of Education L.C. Smith 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	80	6.5

The TOEFL or IELTS requirement may be waived in certain situations. The decision to waive the requirement will be based on the strength of the student's academic performance. Some examples of these include:

• A first-year applicant attending a school in the U.S. or one outside the U.S. that is based on the American system of education where the language of instruction for a student's entire schooling has been English language.
• A student has strong SAT critical reading and writing scores.
• A transfer student has studied at a college or university in the United States for at least one full academic year and has a strong record of academic performance.

The decision to waive the standard requirement is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. We, therefore, recommend that all students whose native language is not English take either the TOEFL or IELTS test as part of the application process.

Conditional Admission

International applicants can 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.  We will only consider conditional admission for those students who have submitted a TOEFL or IELTS score, even if the score does not meet the minimum requirements in the chart above.

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 English proficiency credentials and/or the necessary proof of sufficient funding. A student will remain conditionally admitted until these terms have been satisfied. We cannot guarantee space will still be available at the time a student meets the condition.

Credentials

Students who have completed academic work outside the U.S. 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 the student's responsibility to have the credentials translated by a reputable translation and evaluation service. Syracuse University will not provide translations for the student. A key to the marking system or grading scale should also be included if it is not indicated on the transcript. In addition, all transfer applicants should provide course descriptions of all work completed so that a credit evaluation can be completed.

Student Visas and Immigration

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 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 Nonimmigrant 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 Nonimmigrant Student Status) in order to apply for your student visa. You would do this at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. When you receive the I-20 from the Slutzker Center for International Services, directions will be provided on exactly how you apply for the visa and what documents you need, but for further information you can visit the Slutzker Center web site.

Additional Information/Contact

Additional information for international students can be found in the FAQ page for international students.

Still have questions? There are many ways to reach us. Please visit our Contact Us page for our contact information.