Ibrahim Gardner
The State University of New York (SUNY) is a prestigious university system that welcomes international students from all over the world. With 64 campuses offering a range of academic and social support services, international students can expect help from the moment they step off the plane. SUNY's tuition and fees are low compared to other US universities, and partial scholarships are offered to 100% of accepted international students. International students must demonstrate English proficiency and apply for a student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reviews | U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine |
| Student support | Help from the moment you step off the plane, throughout your studies and after |
| Qualifications | A diploma from "The State University of New York" |
| Campuses | 64 campuses across New York State, including metropolitan cities, rural villages, mountains and beaches |
| Student visa | Apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country |
| English proficiency | Demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT or ACT |
| Student organizations | Wide variety of international student organizations |
| Community | Supportive local communities with groups and activities available for students and their families |
| Housing | Access to all residence options, including residence halls and on-campus apartments |
| Scholarships | Limited number of merit scholarships and on-campus housing grants |
| Study abroad | Programs available in more than 60 countries, spanning all seven continents |
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What You'll Learn
International student admissions process
The State University of New York (SUNY) is a public university system that welcomes international students from all over the world. SUNY institutions are located all across New York State, from large cities like New York City, Albany, and Buffalo to small towns like Plattsburgh, Oneonta, and Geneseo. With 64 campuses offering a range of academic and social support services, SUNY is one of the largest and most prestigious university systems in the world.
Understanding the American Education System:
Before applying, it is essential for international students to understand the American education system and how it is organized. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions about which SUNY college or university to attend.
Application Requirements:
International first-year (freshman) applicants must have completed the highest level of secondary education in their country of residence and submit official secondary school records or transcripts. Additionally, they must meet the language requirements by demonstrating English proficiency. This can be done through examinations like TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or language tests like SAT or ACT. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
Supplemental Application Requirements:
International applicants may also need to submit additional documents, such as a personal essay, a copy of their passport's biographical page, and proof of financial means/support to cover their educational and living expenses. SUNY requires international students to demonstrate their financial capability to study in the U.S. according to immigration regulations.
Visa Application:
International students must apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. This process can take a significant amount of time, so it is advisable to start the visa application process as early as possible.
Arrival and Orientation:
SUNY provides support to international students from the moment they arrive. Residence halls are open early for new international students during orientation, and staff members are available to assist with any queries or concerns. International students are expected to arrive on campus no later than the Monday before classes begin for their first semester.
Health Form and Immunization Records:
International students are required to complete and submit a health form and provide immunization records before starting their studies at SUNY.
Academic and Social Support:
SUNY campuses offer a range of academic and social support services for international students. There are also various international student organizations that are academic, social, or community service-based. SUNY ensures that international students have access to all residence options and interact closely with their American peers.
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Student visa applications
International students at SUNY have access to a wide range of support services, including help with visa applications. SUNY institutions are spread across New York State, from large cities to small towns, and all of them welcome international students.
International applicants are those who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents of the United States. They will require a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States. The first step is to choose a major and campus, and select a program of study. The application deadline for fall admission is December 1, and September 1 for spring semester admission. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 per campus.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT, or ACT examinations. Prospective students should take these exams as early as possible and send their results directly to the admissions office at each SUNY campus they are applying to.
To apply for a student visa, international students must go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. This process can take a long time, so it is recommended to submit the application and required documents as soon as possible. The required documents include the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160, financial documents, and a copy of the passport ID page. The visa application fee is $160.
SUNY Geneseo provides additional information for F1 student visa applications. The I-20 is the immigration document issued by SUNY Geneseo that students need to apply for their student visa. To issue the I-20, the ISSS Office requires a copy of the student's passport ID page and their financial support documents. The SEVIS I-901 fee, which is a government fee, must be paid after receiving the I-20 and before applying for the visa.
SUNY Plattsburgh also offers help with navigating the international admissions process and understanding the requirements.
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English proficiency requirements
International students applying to SUNY must demonstrate English proficiency. The specific requirements vary across campuses, but there are several ways to fulfil this criterion.
Firstly, applicants can submit scores from standardised English language tests. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), TOEFL iBT (Internet-based TOEFL), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), and Duolingo English Test are all accepted by SUNY institutions. Some campuses may also accept other nationally or internationally standardised exams. SAT and ACT scores may also be submitted, although SAT/ACT testing requirements have been temporarily suspended by SUNY.
The minimum required score varies by campus. For example, SUNY Plattsburgh requires a minimum TOEFL score that differs from other campuses, while the University at Albany will not accept scores from exams taken more than two years before the application date.
Alternatively, applicants can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting transcripts showing they have successfully completed at least four full-time semesters within a four-year time frame of the application date, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list.
International applicants must also submit official secondary school records with an official translation into English. All final transcripts must be translated.
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Funding and scholarships
SUNY institutions are located across New York State, from large cities like New York City, Albany, and Buffalo to small towns like Plattsburgh, Oneonta, and Geneseo. The diversity of locations makes SUNY stand out among national public university systems, with 64 campuses offering nearly 4,500 undergraduate degree and certificate programs.
SUNY is committed to recognizing and rewarding student excellence and offers a variety of scholarships across its 64 campuses. Some of these awards are for academic excellence, while others recognize extraordinary artistic or athletic talent, leadership, community service, specific majors, and financial need. Scholarships are the only form of financial aid available to international applicants. SUNY institutions receive funding from New York State, which is why their tuition and fees are low compared to other US universities.
The Excelsior Scholarship, also known as the tuition-free program, covers tuition for eligible SUNY students. The Carey Gabay Scholarship Program awards full-cost-of-attendance scholarships to five students who achieved academic excellence despite economic disadvantages. SUNY Plattsburgh offers partial scholarships to 100% of accepted international students, covering between 20-40% of the total cost of attendance. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and student type (first-year or transfer). SUNY Plattsburgh also offers plenty of on-campus job opportunities.
SUNY Cortland offers a scholarship of up to $3,750 per semester (up to $7,500 per academic year) to matriculated, full-time international undergraduate students. Graduate students receive $3,000 per semester for full-time enrollment, with a pro-rated amount for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours. The University at Buffalo offers scholarships in varying amounts to incoming international first-year students, which are renewable with good academic standing. Additionally, external scholarships, loans, payment plans, and on-campus work opportunities can help finance your education.
The Organization of American States (OAS) offers financial aid to international students from Latin America and the Caribbean enrolled in the last two years of undergraduate or graduate studies in the US. This aid is designed to help cover tuition and/or living expenses, with up to $7,500 per semester and a total maximum of $15,000.
Additional Information
International students must demonstrate basic English proficiency through a minimum TOEFL score that varies by campus or a score of 450 or above on the SAT's verbal section. SUNY campuses offer residence options and a wide variety of meal options that meet most dietary requirements. The International Student or Student Affairs Offices are available to answer any questions and address any concerns.
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Student life and support
Student life at SUNY is diverse, with campuses located in New York State's largest cities, small towns, and rural areas. International students have access to all residence options and are encouraged to interact and live among their American peers. SUNY institutions are spread across the state, from New York City, Albany, and Buffalo to small towns like Plattsburgh, Oneonta, and Geneseo.
International students at SUNY can expect a range of academic and social support services. Even before arriving on campus, students can access helpful staff who provide support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition to campus life and academic success. The International Student or Student Affairs Offices are available to answer any questions and address concerns. Additionally, international students can connect with various international student organizations that are academic, social, or community service-based. These organizations provide opportunities for students to engage with their peers and the local community, which is known for being receptive and supportive.
To facilitate a smooth transition, residence halls open early for new international students during orientation. International students must demonstrate English proficiency and may do so through various examinations, including TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT, or ACT. SUNY Plattsburgh, for example, requires a transcript evaluation by an official organization to assess their equivalency. SUNY also provides resources to help international students navigate the admissions process, including understanding the American education system and application requirements such as visa applications, health forms, and immunization records.
Financial support is also available for international students, with SUNY's low tuition fees compared to other U.S. universities. SUNY Plattsburgh offers a limited number of merit scholarships and on-campus housing grants, especially for those with exceptional academic achievements. International students must demonstrate financial means to cover their educational and living expenses, and SUNY provides resources to help students understand the funding requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
SUNY has been ranked in the Top 10% for international students seeking quality and affordable U.S. education. SUNY Plattsburgh was ranked in the Top 100 Best for International Students School in 2021 College Factual Ranking. SUNY has also received positive reviews from U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.
SUNY offers support to international students from the moment they arrive on campus and throughout their studies. SUNY provides help with navigating the international admissions process and application requirements, including transcript evaluations and English proficiency tests. SUNY also offers a range of residence options and community organizations for international students and their families.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT. They must also submit official secondary school records, transcripts, and proof of financial means/support. International students should also apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
