International Admissions

In addition to following all of the reqirements for domestic students, an international student must also fulfull the following:

UB Financial Forms for international graduate applicants are now online as pdf (download-and-print) files, at the International Admissions web site http://www.buffalo.edu/intadmit

Eligibility for Graduate Admissions

International applicants must have completed an academic program equivalent to an U.S. bachelor's degree prior to enrolling. Students may apply during the final year of such a degree program but must furnish proof of graduation before t he end of the first semester of enrollment. The following are not by themselves considered to be satisfactory for admission to the Graduate School:

Taiwan - Diplomas from junior colleges or non-degree granting institutions;

British educational systems - O.N.D.s or H.N.D.s;

Bangladesh, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - Two- and three-year bachelor's degrees (only the B.E., B.Sc.Engr., and all master's degrees are considered equivalent to U.S. undergraduate degrees);

Nigeria - Nigerian Certificates of Education.

English Language Proficiency

All international applicants (unless exempted) must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International students must demonstrate proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

TOEFL (PBT and CBT)  The university's official minimum score for admission is as follows. The required minimum TOEFL score is 550 paper-based (PBT) or 213 computer-based (CBT). The TOEFL score must be dated within two years of the time the student will enroll and begin studies at UB.

TOEFL (iBT) is the newest version of the TOEFL test. iBT stands for Internet-Based Test. The University's official minimum score for the TOEFL iBT is 79.

Financial Documentation

All international applicants must document their ability to meet all educational and personal expenses for the entire period of intended study before this university can issue an I-20 or IAP-66. It is essential that you read the International Applicant Financial Form carefully. Complete and return the form along with official supporting documentation as outlined in the instructions. Photocopies will not be accepted. No certificate of eligibility will be issue d without satisfactory financial documentation. Financial documentation is required for visa issuance only.

Click here for the International Applicant Financial Form

Financial Assistance:

Teaching, Graduate, or Research Assistantships are sometimes awarded to newly admitted international graduate students. The assistantships include a stipend and a tuition scholarship. In return for this study grant, the assistant will be requi red to teach, assist with research or perform other duties as assigned by the department.

Visa Information:

Applicants recommended for admission are considered eligible for a visa certificate only after they have satisfied the language and financial requirements listed above. All international students are issued a Certificate of Elig ibility (I-20) for a student visa (F-1). The issuance of an IAP-66 for the acquisition of Exchange Visitor status (J-1) is restricted to the following applicants: (1) those funded by the U.S. government or by an international organization; (2) participan ts in formal SUNY at Buffalo exchange programs; (3) those currently in the U.S. on a J1 visa and transferring to this University to continue their original program purposes; (4) those from countries which require all departing students to possess Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1). Indicate the type of visa necessary on the application form.

Part-time and Nondegree Study:

All international students are required to enroll as full-time degree program students. International students may be admitted as nondegree students if they are funded by an institution or international agency for the specific p urpose of nondegree study. If approved, such study may not exceed one calendar year in duration.

Part-time (less than 12 credit hours per semester) enrollment of international students is permitted in the following cases: (1) Canadian nationals who intend to commute to this University for their course work; (2) persons holdi ng non-immigrant visas other than F1 or J1; (3) spouses or dependents of persons holding F1 or J1 visas.

All nondegree students must meet all admission requirements applicable to full-time matriculating international students, including financial documentation. Courses taken by nondegree students do not automatically apply toward a graduate degree if the student eventually matriculates into a degree program.

Final Admission and Pre-arrival Information:

• Do not proceed to the University until you have received your Certificate of Eligibility and formal admission letter from the Office of Admissions.
• Do not enter the U.S. on a Visitor's Visa (B2) unless it is stamped "prospective student," as it is extremely difficult to change your visa status while in the U.S.
• Do not enter the U.S. on an I-20/IAP-66 issued by another U.S. university and expect to enroll at the University at Buffalo.
• If accepted, you will receive additional information regarding pre-arrival information and housing availability.

Click here for the Application Form