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.
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
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 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 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.
You may fax documents to +1.315.443.3423 or scan and e-mail to 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
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.
How can I increase my chances of getting into Syracuse? ›
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Syracuse University
- Achieve at least a 3.67 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available. ...
- Aim for the highest SAT/ACT score possible. ...
- Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars. ...
- Write engaging essays. ...
- Get great recommendations. ...
- Apply Early Action/Early Decision.
With a GPA of 3.67, Syracuse University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.
Is Syracuse University difficult to get into? ›
Syracuse admissions is somewhat selective with an acceptance rate of 69%. Students that get into Syracuse have an average SAT score between 1180-1380 or an average ACT score of 26-30. The regular admissions application deadline for Syracuse is January 5.
Is Syracuse waiving GRE? ›
Students are encouraged to submit GRE scores if available, but they are not required.
Does Syracuse give full scholarships for international students? ›
Syracuse University's academic departments and programs may offer international students aid in the form of grants, scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, or prizes. Contact the program or department for information about the availability of merit awards.
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.
How can I increase my chances of getting a waitlist? ›
Finally, here are six tips you can use to try to raise your chances of getting admitted off the college waitlist:
- Write a letter of interest.
- Send important updates (on accomplishments)
- Keep up your grades and GPA.
- Stay in contact with the school, specifically the (head of the) admissions committee.
10 Colleges With the Lowest Acceptance Rates
- California Institute of Technology: 4%
- Harvard University: 4%
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 4%
- Princeton University: 4%
- Stanford University: 4%
- Yale University: 5%
- Brown University: 6%
- Dartmouth College: 6%
SU now joins Ivy League schools, including Brown University or Yale University, with an expected total cost of attendance of more than $70,000.
A 3.0 minimum GPA is required for enrollment in programs with a local university course component. For most World Partner programs, the required GPA is 3.0, based on the program's published GPA requirements and/or Syracuse Abroad's evaluation of the program's academic expectations.
What is Syracuse acceptance rate? ›
Is Syracuse an elite 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.
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 major is Syracuse University 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 ...
Is GRE Cancelled for 2023? ›
Yes, the GRE exam is waived by a few universities for spring 2022, fall 2022, and spring 2023.
Will the 2022 GRE be waived? ›
“The GRE® requirement will be waived for all applicants for spring 2021, summer 2021, fall 2021, and spring 2022 semesters. Students may continue to submit official GRE® scores for consideration, but they will not be required to do so.
Why GRE scores are getting Cancelled? ›
ETS reserves the right to cancel the GRE scores if found any irregularities in taking the GRE exam. ETS strives to report scores that accurately reflect each test taker's performance.
What is the easiest scholarship to get for international students? ›
Easiest Scholarships To Get For International Students
- Fullbright Scholarships. ...
- The American Association of University Women International Fellowship. ...
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Scholarships For International Students. ...
- Chevening Scholarships | Scholarships For International Students.
10 U.S. Colleges That Most Aid Foreign Students
| School (state) | Number of international students who received aid during 2021-2022 |
|---|
| Wesleyan University (CT) | 92 |
| Dartmouth College (NH) | 327 |
| Duke University (NC) | 174 |
| Stanford University (CA) | 245 |
7 more rowsYale University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD. Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.
What's special about Syracuse University? ›
With 13 schools and colleges, 200 customizable majors and 100 minors, and online degrees and certificates, Syracuse University provides limitless educational pathways.
Is Syracuse ranked in the top 25? ›
Syracuse has a ranked football team. In the latest Coaches Poll, the Orange entered the ranking at 25th following its 22-20 win over Virginia to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2018.
How many waitlisted students get accepted? ›
Princeton had a 4.38% acceptance rate and 78.32% yield. They waitlisted 3.36% of applicants, and ultimately accepted 15% of waitlisted students who accepted a spot on the list.
...
Waitlist Statistics.
| School | Waitlist Admission Rate | Overall Admission Rate |
|---|
| Stanford | 11.6% | 3.95% |
| University of Michigan | 0.5% | 20.15% |
3 more rowsOf the 4,486 students who accepted that offer, zero were admitted.
...
A Look at College Waitlist Statistics.
| Penn (2019) |
|---|
| Applicants Offered a Waitlist Spot | 2,932 |
|---|
| Applicants Who Accepted a Spot | 2,051 |
|---|
| Applicants Admitted Off Waitlist | 101 |
|---|
10 more columns12 May 2021
Schools use waitlists to ensure that they can remain selective while still knowing that they will be able to fill their freshman class, even if yield drops a bit. If fewer students enroll than were anticipated, the school can turn to the waitlist to fill the gaps.
What is the hardest college to attend? ›
Harvard ranked as the toughest school in the country to get into. It has a 5% acceptance rate, according to Niche. Stanford came in second on the list— with an acceptance rate of 5% as well.
Whats the easiest college to get into? ›
Colleges with 100% Acceptance Rates
- South Florida State College (Avon Park, Florida)
- St. ...
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire)
- University of Texas- El Paso (El Paso, Texas)
- Utah Valley University (Orem, Utah)
- Wayne State College (Wayne, Nebraska)
- Wilmington University (New Castle, Delaware)
The easiest colleges to get into are:
- Adams State University. Location: Alamosa, Colorado.
- University of Texas at El Paso. Location: El Paso, Texas. ...
- Eastern Washington University. ...
- Dickinson State University. ...
- Presentation College. ...
- Eastern Oregon University. ...
- Wright State University. ...
- Western Kentucky University. ...
There are eight Ivy League schools: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. All Ivy League schools are private and located in the Northeast.
The Hidden Ivies include many small colleges, such as Davidson College, Pomona College, Carleton College, and Oberlin College, as well as some large research universities, like Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Southern California.
Is Cornell or Syracuse campus bigger? ›
Both are large institutions – the combined student enrollment for Cornell is 20,939, and Syracuse is 20,407. In terms of the prestige factor, both are well-regarded, although Cornell, with its Ivy League gilding, is usually considered the more respected of the two.
Is it harder to get into Syracuse or Penn State? ›
Is Syracuse University (SU) or Penn State University (PSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then Syracuse University (SU) is more difficult to get into.
What GPA do you need to get into NYU? ›
Most students admitted to NYU have an unweighted GPA of 3.7 or above, so you'll need to have at least a 3.7 to be seriously evaluated. To meet the NYU GPA requirements, you'll have to score primarily A's and A-'s on your high school courses.
What is the acceptance rate for Syracuse for 2022? ›
Syracuse University admissions is more selective with an acceptance rate of 59%. Half the applicants admitted to Syracuse University have an SAT score between 1220 and 1400 or an ACT score of 27 and 32.
Is Syracuse a good place to live? ›
Considered to be one of the best places to live in New York State, the city of Syracuse is most famous for its snowfall, affordability, high quality of life, and lower crime rates.
What is the most prestigious SUNY? ›
Binghamton University is the top-ranked SUNY for value according to U.S. News & World Report, which has for more than three decades included Binghamton in its annual lists of top-notch schools.
Which SUNY has the prettiest campus? ›
SUNY Geneseo
This tiny public school in Western New York makes the list partially due to its natural beauty. The SUNY Geneseo campus sits on the edge of the picturesque Genesee Valley, and the views to the west are breathtaking at any time of day.
Which SUNY is the most selective? ›
Binghamton is one of the most prestigious SUNY schools.
What are Tier 3 US colleges? ›
Admissions rates for these schools are generally below 35%. Tier 3 schools include: UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, Villanova, Northeastern, Brandeis, Case Western Reserve, Occidental, Washington and Lee, Babson College, Virginia Tech, UC San Diego, Lafayette College, UIUC, University of Florida, and DePauw.
At Tier 3, these students receive more intensive, individualized support to improve their behavioral and academic outcomes. Tier 3 strategies work for students with developmental disabilities, autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and students with no diagnostic label at all.
What is a Tier 3 college? ›
Tier 3 engineering colleges are those which have recently been opened and lack many things that tier 1 and 2 colleges have. These colleges attract abundant of those students who just want to pursue engineering. The only thing that the students won't have is more links, resources.
Is Syracuse hard to get into? ›
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%.
Is Syracuse a big city? ›
Is Syracuse a SUNY or CUNY? ›
Syracuse's Colleges and Universities
The State University of New York (SUNY) operates two campuses in Syracuse. The College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, forestry, science and landscape architecture.
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 GPA do you need to get into Syracuse? ›
Applicants require a good GPA in high school to increase their Syracuse acceptance rate. Although there is no minimum requirement of GPA to apply for admission, students need to meet the average GPA requirement of 3.67.
What GPA do you need for University of Syracuse? ›
A 3.0 minimum GPA is required for enrollment in programs with a local university course component. For most World Partner programs, the required GPA is 3.0, based on the program's published GPA requirements and/or Syracuse Abroad's evaluation of the program's academic expectations.
Is Syracuse good for international relations? ›
Syracuse was ranked #27 on College Factual's most recent list of the best schools for international relations majors. This puts the bachelor's program at the school solidly in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the country. It is also ranked #4 in New York.
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.
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.
What is Syracuse's acceptance rate? ›
What college has the best international studies program? ›
Here are the best colleges with a International Studies Major
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Harvard University.
- Stanford University.
- Yale University.
- University of Chicago.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- California Institute of Technology.
Syracuse University's 2022-2023 Rankings
Syracuse University is ranked #62 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
Where do most Syracuse students live? ›
Approximately 70 percent of students live in Syracuse University housing. The University is partnering with My College Roomie, a user-friendly website that will provide you the opportunity to connect with fellow first-year students and possibly select a roommate before arriving on campus.
