The following provides answers to the most common questions asked by our international applicants.
Is there a special application for international students?
No, a special application is not required for international applicants. All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) use the same application. An application can be obtained by using the application button at the top of this page.
Is there a different application deadline date for international applicants?
The application deadline dates are the same for domestic and international applicants. The dates may differ by program of study and you should refer to the listings in the application. Applications must be received by 5 PM eastern time on the published deadline date.
Applicants who live outside the United States, particularly those from Asia, should mail their application materials at least six to eight weeks prior to the deadline to ensure that the applications are received on time. If you use an express mail service or DHL, we recommend that you check with the service regarding the delivery time that should be allowed so that your application arrives by the deadline.
How will my international transcript be evaluated?
Every application from a student educated outside the U.S. is referred to one of the Graduate School’s advisors for review. The advisor reviews the transcript to ensure that the applicant has been awarded the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, or will be awarded such a degree by the time he/she is expected to enroll. If the applicant meets this criterion, the file is then forwarded to the department the applicant has applied to for admission. GSAS advisors are expertly trained, familiar with the educational systems and transcripts of many countries throughout the world, and have a wide variety of resources to call upon to assist them in reviewing credentials.
My university didn’t calculate a grade point average (GPA). How do I fill in that portion of the application?
The instructions on the application advise you to leave the GPA question blank if you attended a non-U.S. institution. Part of the training GSAS advisors receive prepares them to calculate U.S. equivalent GPAs based on the grades and grading scales used on international transcripts. The advisor who examines your application will review your grades and your institution’s grading scale, and will determine a GPA equivalent.
Am I required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam?
If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution where the language of instruction is other than English, then the Graduate School requires that the TOEFL be taken as part of your application. If your baccalaureate or master’s degree was completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English, then you do not need to submit a TOEFL score. The Graduate School expects all students to demonstrate the ability to understand and communicate in English, both orally and in written form.
The Graduate School recommends that the applicant achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 250 on the computer-based test (600 on the paper-based test). The Graduate School does not prohibit applicants with lower scores from applying for admission since many factors influence the admissions decision. Some departments or programs in the Graduate School may set a higher TOEFL standard for admission.
Information about taking the TOEFL, including testing locations and dates, may be obtained from the TOEFL testing program.
TOEFL test scores more than two years old are not accepted. In such cases, it will be necessary to take the TOEFL again.
You must request that official TOEFL score reports be sent to the NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science, code 2596.
Because English proficiency is essential to a student's success in the graduate school, additional testing may be performed when a student arrives in New York. Occasionally, the school requires a student to register for noncredit English courses that will entail additional expense and extend the time normally required to complete the student's degree. Applicants in the New York area may take the English proficiency test at the University's American Language Institute . At the discretion of the department, international admitted students may be tested on arrival.
Are international students considered for GSAS fellowships and assistantships?
All applicants to the Graduate School are considered for GSAS fellowships and assistantships. There is no separate application form. Full details about our financial aid programs are provided in the financial aid section.
Although international students are not eligible for U.S. government-sponsored educational loan and grant programs, several private loan options are available through the NYU Office of Financial Aid. You should frequently visit their web page at www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/international.html to obtain the latest news on international student financing opportunities.
International students are also eligible to take advantage of the NYU Tuition Deferment Plan. You may contact the Office of the Bursar for details.
Non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents must submit appropriate evidence of financial ability. The issuance of certificates for student visas (Form I-20) will be delayed until such evidence is received. If the applicant's studies are being financed by means of personal savings, parental support, or outside private or government scholarships, or any combination of these resources, he or she must arrange to send official letters or similar certification as proof of such support, together with the Application for a Certificate of Eligibility form (AFCOE).
Who can I turn to for other information about being an international student at NYU?
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at NYU is available to assist NYU students. The office serves as a central reference point providing assistance in legal, cultural, social and personal matters. OISS also guides students in finding other offices at the University that can be helpful. The staff of the OISS coordinates programs with and for international students and serves as an advocate for the University’s international community. The OISS staff handles all transactions regarding legal status in the United States. You may read about their services, sponsored events, and advising information on their web page.
All new international students must check in at OISS within 10 days of being in the United States. It is equally important to register for classes within the first two weeks of the semester to keep in compliance with Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Other important resource information is at http://www.nyu.edu/osl/oiss/.
International students may also consult a Graduate Enrollment Services advisor in the Graduate School.
