Additional Steps for International Applicants

Smiling Asian students walking in a hallway.

International applicants must have completed an academic program equivalent to a 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 the end of the first semester of enrollment.

All applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency by taking and submitting an English language proficiency exam. Official score reports must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency. Copies may be submitted for initial review. For more information about these exams, visit the Graduate School's General Admission Requirements webpage.

Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as PDFs to your application for admissions review. Transcripts for all undergraduate credits earned towards your undergraduate degree must be uploaded for admissions consideration. Upload the front and back of transcripts (if back is blank, you do not need to upload the back). You may upload multiple transcripts.

International academic documents must be provided in original language and in English. Both versions are required for admissions consideration. International applicants must also upload a copy of their degree certificate in original language and in English.

Indian applicants must also upload a copy of their proof of degree as a PDF.

If offered admission, further instructions will be provided in your I-20 package regarding the documents that you must bring to campus. Review the instructions included in the I-20 package. Do not send documents via postal mail or email, as they will be discarded.

All international applicants must upload a copy of their proof of degree or provisional certificate (if proof of degree has not been issued yet). Upload this document as a PDF.

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.

A certificate of eligibility will not be issued without satisfactory financial documentation. Financial documentation is required for I-20 and visa issuance. This documentation is not required for admissions consideration and may be submitted after you receive an admissions decision, but we recommend that you submit it with your application to avoid potential delays in the issuance of your I-20.

It is essential that you read the international applicant financial form carefully and complete the correct form for your program and term of entry:

Complete and upload the form along with official supporting documentation as PDF documents to your application. Acceptable supporting financial documentation examples are listed on the UB international applicant financial form. Submit only one of the examples as noted on the form.

International applicants must submit a copy of their passport photo page. Upload a scanned copy as a PDF.

For students receiving undergraduate degrees outside of the United States, we encourage submission of the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Basic Course-by-Course Evaluation in addition to unofficial transcripts. This evaluation is encouraged, but not required. If you choose to upload a copy of this report along with your transcripts, remove the password protection prior to uploading the PDF.