International Students - Undergraduate Admissions (2024)

International Students - Undergraduate Admissions (1)

The world at Rochester

The University of Rochester prides itself on being a global institution. We’re home to more than 4,200 international students and scholars from around the globe. As a Rochester student, you’ll join a welcoming and diverse community that embraces students from all backgrounds and more than 130 different countries.

Meet some of our students

Meet Damian,Class of 2024At Rochester, Damian studies mechanical engineering, actuarial studies, and Spanish.
Meet Abivanth,Class of 2025At Rochester, Abivanth is pursing a degree in business, with a focus on finance.
Meet Yousra,Class of 2025At Rochester, Yousra is majoring in computer science and business. She’s also studying music theory.

Who is considered an international student?

You are considered an international student if you arenota United States citizen or a permanent resident.

Explore frequently asked questions about applying as an international student

International Students - Undergraduate Admissions (2)

Applying as an international student

To become an undergraduate student at the University of Rochester in Arts, Sciences & Engineering, you must apply either as a first-year or a transfer applicant.

If you’re interested in studying solely at the University of Rochester’sEastman School of Musicfor a bachelor of music degree, you must apply directly through theEastman School application.

International first-year applicants

How to apply

Apply online through theCommon Application(CA) or theCoalition for College Application(CoA).

Required supporting materials

The followingrequired materials must be submitted to us directly by your school via common application or the Coalition/Scoir Application, testing site, or family member, depending on the document. The Office of Admissions will not consider official, nor process documents submitted via email from another party.

  • Secondary school transcript
  • Teacher recommendation (one required)
  • School report/counselor recommendation
  • Mid-year report(when available)
  • Final transcript (when available) – you will be required to submit a final transcript with formal graduation date after your successful completion of high school.
  • College transcript (if applicable)
  • English language exam resultsOREnglish Proficiency Requirement Waiver Request
  • International Financial Support Form (IFSF) (for applicants who do not require need based financial aid) or CSS Profile (for applicants who require need based financial aid). Submit your Profile to the University school code 2928.
Optional supporting materials

You can alsosign up for an interview(highly recommended) and/or submit the followingoptional materials:

  • Official test scores
  • Links to electronic media (music, websites, photos, videos, etc.)
  • Writing sample
  • Family/Peer Recommendation Form
Combined degree program applicants

Combined degree programs allow you to fast-track your master’s or other advanced degree, or enroll in multiple University of Rochester schools at once.

To be considered for one of these programs, indicate the program you’re applying for in the application portal you’ve chosen. You will then be required to complete a short essay related to your interest in the program. Our counselors will consider your entire application along with any supporting materials.

International transfer applicants

If you have graduated from high school or earned a high school equivalency and have enrolled in eight or more college credits (typically one semester) following graduation, you would be considered a transfer applicant.

How to apply

Apply online through theCommon Application (CA).

Required supporting materials

The followingrequired materials must be submitted to us directly by your school, testing site, or family member, depending on the document. We prefer documents to be submitted electronically. The University of Rochester school code is 002894. Required materials include:

  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Final high school transcript*
  • College Report (CA)
  • Academic evaluator recommendation (CA)
  • English language exam resultsOREnglish Proficiency Requirement Waiver Request
  • International Financial Support Form (IFSF)(for applicants who do not require need based financial aid) or CSS Profile (for applicants who require need based financial aid)
  • ACourse-by-CourseCredential Evaluation of college transcripts (required if college education has been outside the US).Acceptable outside companies to use for the evaluation areWorld Education Services (WES)orEducation Credential Evaluators (ECE). Please ensure you’ve requested your reports to be sent to the University of Rochester upon completion. Visit Rochester’s ECE landing page.

*If you have completed at least one year of full-time college coursework, you may requestthis item to be waived after applying. Please email us at admit@admissions.rochester.edu after you’ve applied to request this. However, sending more information may improve your chances of admission.

Optional supporting materials

You can alsosign up for an interview(highly recommended) and submit the followingoptional materials:

  • Transfer Mid-term Report (CA) (recommended)
  • Official test scores
  • Additional academic evaluator, teacher, or counselor recommendation
  • Links to electronic media (music, websites, photos, videos, etc.)
  • Writing sample
  • Family/Peer Recommendation Form
International Students - Undergraduate Admissions (3)

Scholarships and financial aid

We understand that there are numerous factors that impact a student’s ability to finance their university education. We are committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students regardless of citizenship. The University provides a combination of merit and need-based aid in an effort to make enrollment affordable. Financial need is a contributing factor, however, for international applicants. As a result, admission is highly selective for students with financial need.

During the application process, international applicants are required to demonstrate they have the financial means to attend Rochester (through private funds or sponsorship) or apply for need-based aid. The documentation you must submit as a part of the application process will depend on whether or not you require need-based financial aid.

International applicants who do not require need-based financial aid

Applicants who are able to meet the fullcost of attendancemust submit a completedInternational Financial Support Form (IFSF)with their application for admission.

  • Your application will remain incomplete without a completed IFSF on file.
  • Acceptable sources of funding are listed on the IFSF.
  • Applicants securing funding from their government, a private sponsor, or other source of funding not listed on IFSF should submit a copy of a sponsor letter as supporting documentation.

Questions about this form can be directed tointernational@ur.rochester.edu.

International applicants who require need-based financial aid

If you are unable to meet the full cost of attendance for Rochester without need-based aid or sponsorship from the University, you must submit the CSS Profile.

The CSS Profile is used to determine your potential eligibility for need-based University of Rochester grant funding and must be completed each year of attendance. The CSS Profile can be submitted beginning October 1.

Due to limited resources, only a small number of international applicants will qualify for need-based financial aid from the University.

Applicants unable to secure the needed funding to cover the cost of attendance either through private funds or sponsorship cannot be admitted to the University.

We recognize that the CSS Profile Fee may be a financial barrier for some high-need international students. As a result, we have purchased a limited number of CSS Profile fee waivers to provide to eligible students. To submit a CSS Profile Fee Waiver Request, students must:

(1) Have submitted a Common Application or Coalition for College Application to Rochester

(2) Attest that the CSS Profile Fee will present a significant financial burden.

The deadline to request a waiver is January 15 for first-year applicants and April 15 for transfer students. Spring applicant’s deadline is November 15.

Once the request is submitted, International Admissions will follow up directly with the waiver credentials.

Merit scholarships opportunities

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are considered formerit scholarships. No additional documentation is required to compete for a merit scholarship. Since merit scholarships are awarded independent of a student’s need, you must still submit the appropriate documents with your application as described above to complete your application for admission.

English language exams

All international students are required to submit proof of English language proficiency. Students can demonstrate proof of English language proficiency through English language proficiency exams or by submitting an English Proficiency Waiver Request Form.

English language proficiency exams

If your native language is not English and you are attending secondary or higher education institutions in a non-native English speaking country, you must take one of the following English language exams:

English language proficiency test scores must be submitted officially. DET scores must be sent directly from Duolingo. There is no cost to send these scores. Preferably, IELTS and TOEFL scores will also be submitted directly from the testing agencies. If, however, cost is a barrier to sending these scores to Rochester, you may have your school counselor submit a copy of your results.

You may submit test scores from one or more exam type (eg. one DET and one IELTS score). You may also submit more than one exam result (eg. results from two sittings of the TOEFL iBT).Please note, however, that we do not super-score or combine sub-scores from different test sittings. We also do not accept TOEFL My Best Score results. We will look at your sub-scores and totals from each individual test sitting.

ExamRecommended score
Duolingo English Test130
IELTS7.5
TOEFL iBT (School Code: 2928)100

Admission to the University of Rochester is based on a holistic review process. Applicants whose test scores fall outside of the ranges displayed above are still encouraged to apply.If we evaluate your English proficiency to be at a level that would benefit from additional support to succeed at Rochester, you may gain admission through theEnglish for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP).

EAPP is a two-semester program that gives students additional time to focus on critical reading, reasoning, writing, and research skills. Students in EAPP begin coursework for their Rochester degree and EAPP in their first semester. Applicants to Rochester cannot apply directly to EAPP.

English Proficiency Waiver Request Form

You can submit an English Proficiency Waiver Request if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • You are a native speaker of English.
  • You completed at least three years of high school where English was the primary language of instruction.
  • You are a transfer applicant who has completed a year or more of college-level courses taught in the United States, including at least one writing-intensive course.

Waiver requests will be reviewed after the submission of an application and transcript. If approved, your application status will automatically be updated. International applicants must submit English proficiency exam scores or request a waiver by their application deadline.

Let's Connect

Have a question?

We’re here to help—and no concern is too big or too small. Feel free to reach out to our International Admissions team at international@ur.rochester.edu.

For questions about data privacy view our GDPR notice.

Explore frequently asked questions about applying as an international student

Let’s keep in touch

Connect with us on social media, follow us on WeChat, and check out our blog for advice, reminders, and updates.

International Students - Undergraduate Admissions (2024)

FAQs

Is admission easier for international students? ›

The Competitive Edge

One of the primary reasons it is more difficult for international students to gain admission is the heightened level of competition. American colleges and universities have limited seats reserved for international applicants.

Which university is easiest to get into as an international student? ›

The Easiest Universities To Get Into For International Students in 2024
  • Which Are The Easiest Universities To Get Into In The USA?
  • University of Kentucky.
  • University Of Wyoming.
  • University of Aberystwyth.
  • Nottingham Trent University.

Are international undergraduates struggling academically? ›

Importantly, however, the percentages of international undergraduates who struggle academically were shown to remain relatively stable (one tenth or less) in the present study, and these percentages are less than what would be expected if GPAs were distributed normally (approximated a Bell curve).

What is the acceptance rate for international students? ›

Among the 164 ranked National Universities that received at least 500 international applicants and reported this data to U.S. News, the average acceptance rate for international students was 42.5% for fall 2022.

Is it harder to get into US colleges as an international student? ›

For international students, the college admissions process can be more intensive and challenging than it is for American students. If you're an international student looking to attend college in the U.S., you need to take extra steps to maximize your chance of admission and stand out from other applicants.

Is it easy to get admission in USA for international students? ›

Yes , it is possible for foreign students to get into a college in the US . In fact , many colleges and universities in the US actively recruit and welcome international students . The process for applying to US colleges as a foreign student may differ from that of domestic students , but it is certainly achievable .

Which university in the USA has a 100% acceptance rate for international students? ›

US Universities with 100% Acceptance Rate 2022
US Universities with 100% Acceptance Rate
Alliant International UniversityCameron University
University of GuamUniversity of Maine--Presque Isle
The University of Texas at El PasoWeber State University
Grand View UniversitySouthern Virginia University
3 more rows

Which university in the US accepts most international students? ›

New York University had around 24,496 international students studying there in the academic year of 2022/23, making it the most popular university for international students in the United States.

Which college has the highest acceptance rate for international students? ›

1. Which University Has the Highest Acceptance Rate for International Students? Colorado State University has the highest acceptance rates. In 2020, they had 668 international students apply and accepted 667, giving them a 100% acceptance rate.

Is it easier to get into Ivy League as an international student? ›

With an overall low acceptance rate, Ivy League colleges are difficult to get into. For international students, the process tends to be more difficult due to the extra paperwork involved. However, if you are well prepared and present a convincing case in your application essays, you can compete with the best.

Does GPA matter for international students? ›

College Admissions Process for International Students

There's no question that getting a good grade point average (GPA) and GRE score is important when applying to college. However, there are different standards that different universities have when it comes to admitting international students.

What do international students struggle with the most? ›

Let's identify 10 of the most common challenges international students face, along with practical tips and strategies for overcoming them.
  • Culture shock. ...
  • Overcoming language barriers. ...
  • Feeling homesick. ...
  • Financial challenges hit hard. ...
  • Learning styles & academic expectations. ...
  • There are limited social connections.

Is it hard to study in USA for international students? ›

International students can expect a more relaxed and informal classroom culture than they may be used to, with more flexible schedules and an abundance of social activities that are considered just as important as academics. But underneath there is a strict grading system and some hard rules students need to follow.

How to get accepted into college as an international student? ›

In general, American universities require the following from international student applicants:
  1. Personal information.
  2. Transcript.
  3. Standardized test scores. SAT or ACT. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
  4. Essay.
  5. Recommendations.
  6. Copy of your valid passport.
  7. Information on extracurricular activities.

Is it easier for international students to get into Ivy Leagues? ›

With an overall low acceptance rate, Ivy League colleges are difficult to get into. For international students, the process tends to be more difficult due to the extra paperwork involved. However, if you are well prepared and present a convincing case in your application essays, you can compete with the best.

Is it easier to get into Harvard as an international student? ›

All students are considered in the same pool for all places in the incoming class, regardless of citizenship or the secondary school they attend. A student's chances for admission and financial aid are not affected by citizenship or by the location of the school that the student attends.

Is it hard for international students to get a scholarship? ›

Scholarships are an integral part of every college student's funding plan. Finding scholarships can be difficult, and finding scholarships for international students can be even more difficult. The best strategy for finding aid for college is looking everywhere you can.

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