International Students

First read about general requirements at Before You Apply, and then learn about additional requirements.

You’ll need to provide the following information for your online application:

Personal Information

When you complete your application, you should enter your biographical data as it appears on your passport:

  • Last Name/Sur Name/Family Name
  • First Name/Given Name
  • Middle Name
  • Additional Other Name (any other name that may appear on your supporting materials)

Your Date of Birth should be entered in the format of month/day/year.

Upload a copy of your passport and of all dependents who will accompany you to Rutgers as part of the supporting materials for your application.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Most international applicants will not have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that is based on the 4-point scale used in the United States. If this is the case for you, please enter 0.00 on the electronic application. GPA information is used for statistical purposes and your transcripts will clarify your academic achievement.

Scores for TOEFL or IELTS

A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is required if your undergraduate education was completed in a non-English speaking country.

  • Your scores must be current within 2 years of the semester you are applying to.
  • You are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are a Permanent Resident, US citizen, or an international applicant with a minimum of three years undergraduate studies or a masters degree with the mode of instruction being English.
  • If you are missing required test scores, your application will not be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee.
  • The minimum paper-based TOEFL score is 550. The minimum computer-based TOEFL score is 213
  • The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL is Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17.
  • An acceptable IELTS score is bandwidth 7.
  • You must be proficient in the reading, writing, and speaking of English to communicate effectively with graduate faculty and university administrators. Language intensive graduate programs such as History, English, Psychology, and others might have stricter requirements.  Please check with your program for the details.

Financial Documentation

If you have received an offer of admission without financial support, you must submit a Certification of Funds along with financial documentation before you can receive an official certificate of admission and eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).

Financial documentation is not required for New Brunswick programs until you are offered admission. Financial documents must be original and current, dating no more than 9 months prior to the term of admission.

You must also show proof you can finance your first year of education and living expenses and provide a plan and sources for funding future years.

For single students, awards of assistantships and fellowships by Rutgers generally satisfy the financial certification requirements for admission.

Foreign Student Adviser’s Report (FSAR)

International students recommended for admission who are presently attending a university and are transferring their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID to Rutgers are required to submit a FSAR.

International students on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are required to submit a FSAR.

Information for New Students and Scholars

The following information has been prepared to answer many of the questions frequently asked by new international scholars and students preparing to come to Rutgers.

NJ Residency

International students on H, F, or J visas are not eligible for in-state tuition rates. To be eligible for in-state tuition, you must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident (hold a green card), and have resided in New Jersey for a minimum of 1 year.

Maintaining Legal Visa Status

International students on an F1 or J1 visa should review the important notices for students posted on the Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA) website. The notices contain quick-reference summaries on how to stay in legal status.

DHS SEVIS Fee

In addition to Rutgers Administrative SEVIS fee, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS fee is $200 for F1 students and $180 for J1 students. This fee is required to be paid by all international students applying for their F1 or J1 visa, and it is advisable that proof of payment be carried by the visa holder.

Expenses

You should be prepared to incur the following expenses when you arrive on campus:

  • You must pay tuition, fees, and, where applicable, housing and dining charges for that semester upon arrival.
  • If you are admitted with university financial assistance in the form of teaching and graduate assistantships, you should also arrive with sufficient personal funds to cover immediate expenses.
  • You should bring a bank draft for approximately one-half of the amount required to support your first-year educational and living expenses. You should bring at least $1,000 for initial purchases (more if you plan to live off campus). Bank drafts take at least 14 days to clear for payment.
  • We suggest you use traveler’s checks or an ATM card compatible with U.S. cash machines. You should also carry at least $125 in paper currency and two or three dollars in coins for telephones, baggage lockers, bus fares, and tips.

Immunization

You may have special immunization requirements if you are an international student. All health and immunization requirements and forms are found on the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal (https://rutgers.medicatconnect.com). Select Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey from the dropdown list and then login to the Portal using your NetID and password. Follow the instructions for the four steps to complete your immunization and health requirements.

Nondegree

If you are on an F1 or J1 visa, you are not eligible for part-time nondegree study.

Read Before You Apply