Syracuse University

Applying for Fall 2013

We continue to accept transfer student applications for the Fall 2013 semester on a space-available basis. 

International applicants, please review our new SAT/ACT policy.

We'd be happy to keep you up-to-date with information relative to your interests, admissions events, and reminders of important deadlines.  We just need to know more about you!

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International Admissions FAQ

We are dedicated to educating a student body that is representative of the world.  SU has a long tradition of welcoming international students and we encourage your application.  Information regarding International Admissions Requirements for undergraduate students is also available.

How do I apply if I am a dual citizen?

Students with multiple citizenship which includes citizenship to the United States should apply as U.S. citizens.


If I am a not a U.S. citizen but I live in the United States and go to school here, am I considered an international student?

Yes. Applicants are designated international if they are non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents, regardless of where they live or go to school.

If you are a US citizen and are going to school outside the United States, you would apply as a US citizen.


If I am in the process of obtaining permanent residency/green card, how do I apply for admission ?

If you have been issued a document showing approval of permanent residency status, you may apply as a domestic applicant. Please inform us of your immigration status, including either a copy of your green card or of the document showing approval of your new status via email to orange@syr.edu  If you have not yet received approval of permanent residency, then please apply as an international applicant. If your status changes at any time during the application or review process, notify us and we will change your application from international to domestic.


What is the minimum preferred TOEFL/IELTS score?

Requirements vary based on the program of study to which you are applying:

  • The College of Arts and Sciences prefers a TOEFL minimum of 85 and an IELTS minimum of 6.5.
  • The Whitman School of Management and the School of Architecture prefer a TOEFL minimum of 90 and an IELTS minimum of 7.0.
  • The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications prefers a TOEFL minimum of 100 and an IELTS minimum of 7.5.
  • The School of Education, L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, the School of Information Studies, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts all prefer a TOEFL minimum of 80 and an IELTS minimum of 6.5.

I attend an American high school (or college) and have been taking classes taught entirely in English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
We recommend that all students whose native language is not English take either the TOEFL or IELTS test as part of the application process. 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 and the type of courses taken. The decision to waive the standard requirement is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

What types of financial documents are necessary to submit as proof of sufficient funding?
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.

How many international students are at Syracuse?

Approximately 14% of students at Syracuse are international. 8% are international undergraduates.


What kind of resources are available to international students?

 The Slutzker Center for International Services provides a variety of academic and social support programs for international students. For examples, Slutzker’s Connections mentorship program will connect you with an experienced student who can help advise you about settling into Syracuse, living with a roommate, opening a bank account, meeting new friends, getting along with your teachers, and how to handle your academic work! You will be able to attend social functions with other new students, and your mentor. Please visit http://international.syr.edu/new-students/index.html to learn more about what the Slutzker Center has to offer.


Is housing guaranteed for international students?
Housing is guaranteed for all 1st year international students. Additionally, international students are offered an early move-in option which allows them to move into their new residence hall before the rest of the University community arrives on campus.

What are the tuition rates for international students?

Tuition costs are the same for international students as they are for domestic students. The tuition rate for the 2012-2013 school year is $37,610. Please note that your personal expenses and transportation costs are likely to be higher than a domestic student. The estimated total cost of attendance for international undergraduate students for the 2012-2013 school year is $60,150.


What tests do I need to take?

The SAT/ACT is optional if you are an international student studying outside the U.S.  Although we do not require the SAT or ACT to be considered for admission, we encourage you to submit scores if available.

You must take the TOEFL or IELTS (if English is not your first language).

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


If my native language is English, am I still required to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
We will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if your native language is English.   Should you apply to Syracuse University, you will indicate this on your application or you may e-mail us at orange@syr.edu after submitting your application to inform us that English is your native language. 

Do you have conditional admission at SU and what does that mean?

International applicants may only apply for full admission. They can be granted conditional admission to Syracuse University if the academic requirements for admission have been met, but there is (1) insufficient English proficiency and/or (2) insufficient financial support.

However, conditionally admitted students are not considered fully admitted to the University and will not be issued the SEVIS I-20 form (the form 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.


If I am a conditionally admitted international student who does not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement, do I need to attend the English Language Institute (ELI)?

If students do not meet the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS scores, they are eligible to attend the English Language Institute (ELI). Students who attend the ELI will be conditionally admitted to the University until they pass level 4. The ELI is not required of conditionally admitted students, but is the alternative option for students who do not wish to retake the TOEFL or IELTS.


Is there financial aid/merit based scholarships available for international students?

Merit scholarships are very limited for international students.  All admitted students will automatically be considered for awards. 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.

You may visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services web site for further information.

 

 


How do I transfer credit for academic classes I have taken outside the U.S.A.?

If you have done academic work outside the U.S., you must also provide us with official academic credentials as well as English translations of the documents and course descriptions. 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 your credentials translated by a reputable translation and evaluation service. Syracuse will not provide translations for the student.


When will I get my I-20?

After you are admitted to the University (for conditionally admitted students, this means after the condition has been met), your SEVIS I-20 will be mailed to you. If you are attending secondary school or college in the U.S., your current school must "release" you from the I-20 you are currently using. Then, Syracuse University will issue you a new document. For more detailed information, please see Student Visas and Immigration.


Is there a separate international application?

International and domestic students must both use the Common Application and Syracuse University Supplement to the Common Application. There are supplemental forms that are only required of international students. Please see our section on "First-Year Applicants Studying Outside the USA" or "Transfer Applicants Studying Outside the USA" for a list of items needed to complete your application.