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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. 

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New York State is known for being innovative and forward-facing and Syracuse University is at the center of it. Ranked #62 in the nation, and classified in the top tier for research activity among all U.S. doctoral universities, Syracuse is home to many top 20 programs, including architecture, art, communications, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, industrial design, and social work, as well as several top ranked graduate programs. Undergraduates can also study at the Maxwell School, recognized as one of the world's best graduate schools for Public Affairs.

Students on stage playing instruments at the international festival.

Students perform on stage at the annual International Festival. This large-scale showcase of cultural traditions and talents from the student body features food tasting, performances and cultural exhibits.

With 200+ majors and minors across 13 schools and colleges, Syracuse offers a rigorous private education within an inclusive, welcoming community of students and scholars from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries. More than 4,000 international students are enrolled, nearly 20% of the total student body.

Why Choose Syracuse University?

  • Prepare for a global career through coursework in one of our learning centers in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., or study abroad through one of the University’s five overseas centers or World Partner affiliations.
  • We connect you with postgraduate success. 93% of graduates in full- and part-time positions, military service, volunteer or service programs, or graduate school within six months of their graduation*. With numerous career fairs throughout the year, top employers of Syracuse graduates include Amazon, Bloomberg and Lockheed Martin. Top graduate schools include Columbia University, the University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University.
  • You'll be supported by many services that help ensure a rich and productive experience, including first-year experience programs, faculty and peer advisors, a robust campus safety department, tutoring and study centers, and the Barnes Center at The Arch.
  • When you arrive on campus, a special orientation program will help you adjust to life in the U.S. Our Center for International Services provides the opportunity to participate in English conversation practice groups and attend special events to meet other students from around the world.
  • Choose from more than 300 clubs and organizations, including the Asian Students in America Club, the European Student Association and sports clubs  like rugby and soccer.
  • In addition to the natural beauty of the nearby Finger Lakes and Adirondacks, the city of Syracuse offers a wide range of cultural and professional possibilities.
  • Syracuse’s location in the middle of New York State means easy access to Boston, Toronto and Montreal, as well as New York City.

*Based off of class of 2022 data

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  • International Student Requirements

    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.

  • International First-Year Student Checklist

    Use this checklist if you will be an incoming first-year student and are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

  • International Transfer Student Checklist

    Use this checklist if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, have graduated from high school, and have earned or are currently earning college credits.

  • Enrollment Options

    International students have three enrollment options when applying to Syracuse University.

  • International Year One (iY-1) Program

    This earned admission pathway program offers international students the opportunity to begin their first year of study in their home country before transitioning full-time to Syracuse University’s main campus.

Support Services

As an international student, you can take advantage of the support services offered by Syracuse University to help with your transition to life in Syracuse.

Stories from Current Students

More than 4,000 international students attend Syracuse University.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply if I am a dual citizen?
  2. What types of financial documents are necessary to submit as proof of sufficient funding?
  3. 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/Cambridge English Language Assessment/PTE?
  4. What is the minimum preferred TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge English Language Assessment/PTE score?
  5. If I am not a U.S. citizen, but I live in the United States and go to school here, am I considered an international student?
  6. If I am in the process of obtaining permanent residency/green card, how do I apply for admission?
  7. More frequently asked questions