Douglas Olsen
The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn, is a prestigious institution with a hefty endowment and a diverse range of programs to support students from low-income and underserved backgrounds. However, its financial aid policies have been a topic of debate, especially regarding international students. While Penn claims to offer need-blind admissions, this only applies to domestic students from the US, Canada, or Mexico. For international applicants, including transfers, the ability to pay is considered during the admissions process, creating financial barriers for qualified candidates. This disparity has sparked discussions about fairness and accessibility, with calls for Penn to join the few universities that are need-blind for all applicants, regardless of their nationality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student definition | Anyone requiring a visa to attend Penn State |
| Application process | MyPennState or Common App |
| Requirements | Proof of English language proficiency, official transcripts, application fee |
| Transfer credits | Possible for courses studied at a higher level in certain systems of secondary education |
| Financial aid | Need-based, not merit-based; international students must apply during the admissions process |
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What You'll Learn
- International transfer students can transfer credits to Penn State in a number of ways
- English language proficiency is required for international students
- International students must certify that they have sufficient resources to cover expenses
- International students can apply for financial aid
- Transfer students can only apply through MyPennState
International transfer students can transfer credits to Penn State in a number of ways
International transfer students can also transfer credits by scheduling courses at another institution and transferring the credits to Penn State to meet degree requirements. Before scheduling, students should have the credits approved for transfer and consult an academic advisor to determine how the credits will apply to their academic program.
Additionally, international transfer students can use Penn State's Transfer Credit Tool to estimate how much of their previous credit may transfer. However, it's important to note that the tool cannot determine which credits will apply to the chosen program. Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of credits that can be transferred into Penn State, but not all transferred credits may count toward the intended degree program. The academic department the student enrolls in will have the final say on what credit can be accepted.
International transfer students applying to Penn State should also be aware of specific requirements. These include providing official transcripts for post-secondary institutions and submitting proof of English language proficiency if their native language is not English. International students must also certify that they have sufficient resources to cover expenses for the first calendar year at Penn State and indicate their ability to meet expenses for subsequent years.
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English language proficiency is required for international students
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students at Penn State
International students at Penn State whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. This is a standard requirement for non-native English speakers and is assessed through various means.
Tests
International students can submit their scores from standardised English language tests. The following tests are accepted:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based or Paper Edition TOEFL is required.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Intensive English Communication Program (IECP)
International students can also receive official certification through Penn State's Intensive English Communication Program (IECP).
Other Options
Other ways to demonstrate English language proficiency include:
- Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted by the Penn English Language Program (ELP)
- Submission of academic records or transcripts that indicate consistent engagement in reading and writing in English
- Submission of International Baccalaureate (IB) scores: a score of 5 or higher on the English Language & Literature (English A) exam
- U.S. High School Experience: 4 years in a U.S. high school prior to enrollment at Penn State
- U.S. College or University: high school graduation followed by one year of full-time academic coursework at a U.S. college, with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in a standard English composition course
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students at the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (also known as Penn) requires international students to demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following options:
Standardised English Language Tests
The University of Pennsylvania accepts scores from the following standardised English language tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): scores must be sent directly by the testing agency.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted by the Penn English Language Program (ELP) can also be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
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International students must certify that they have sufficient resources to cover expenses
International students at Penn State must certify that they have sufficient resources to cover their expenses for the first calendar year, excluding travel expenses. They must also indicate their ability to meet expenses for subsequent years. This is a common requirement for international students at universities in the United States, who must demonstrate their financial ability to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and health insurance for at least one academic year of study.
There are various ways to demonstrate financial ability, including providing financial evidence such as family bank statements, documentation from a sponsor, financial aid letters, scholarship letters, or a letter from an employer showing annual salary. Some institutions may also require multiple months of bank statements, and these statements must be provided in English or with certified English translations. The statements must also be no older than six months and include the bank name, account holder name, amount of money, type of currency, and date.
It is important to note that each university has its own policies on what documents are sufficient to prove financial ability. For example, Indiana University—Bloomington accepts investment statements, but the submitted documents must show clear proof of the funds' liquidity and cash surrender value. On the other hand, the University of Washington—Tacoma does not accept tax records, pay stubs, compensation letters, stocks, bonds, or proof of property ownership as proof of financial resources.
International students should carefully review the requirements of their intended university to ensure they can provide the necessary financial documentation. This information is typically available on the university's website or by contacting the school's international student office. By providing the required financial evidence, international students can ensure they meet the financial requirements for their studies in the United States.
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International students can apply for financial aid
International students at Penn can receive financial aid. Penn commits millions of dollars in undergraduate financial aid funds to support international students. International students admitted as financial aid recipients will receive need-based aid that covers 100% of their demonstrated need, just like domestic students. International students who wish to apply for institutional need-based financial aid must do so simultaneously with their application for admission to Penn. International students who are not admitted with financial aid in their first year are not eligible to apply for financial aid at a later point in their undergraduate program.
International students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico are eligible for Penn's grant-based financial aid policy. The University provides over $10 million each year in financial aid to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of these countries. Any financial aid received will be in the form of institutional funding, including grant funds and work-study.
International students interested in pursuing a loan should speak to a financial aid counsellor. They will likely need to identify a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer. It is strongly encouraged that international students open a U.S. bank account while studying at Penn. There are multiple bank options near Penn's campus that students can visit to open an account.
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Transfer students can only apply through MyPennState
International students applying to Penn State as transfer students can only apply through MyPennState.
MyPennState is where you will see your admission decision and review your application checklist. When creating your profile, you must use the name that appears on your passport. All correspondence and records should consistently use the same name and spelling. If the name does not match your academic records, notify Penn State of the difference. You will also need a credit card to pay the application fee to submit the application.
Transfer students will need to request official secondary transcripts be sent to Penn State. International transfer students do not need to complete the SRAR as part of the application. However, official transcripts for the post-secondary institution are required. For institutions outside the U.S., official transcripts, including all subjects studied each year and the grade/mark earned in each subject, are required. A key to the marking system with information on the minimum passing mark is also required.
International transfer students can transfer credits to Penn State in a number of ways. For example, courses studied at a higher level in Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary Levels, the Abitur system, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement examinations from the College Board can be reviewed for transfer credit equivalent to introductory courses in that subject.
All international students whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based or Paper Edition TOEFL is required. A score of 5 or higher on the English Language & Literature (English A) exam in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is also accepted.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Penn is a need-blind institution for students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For international students, Penn takes into consideration the applicant's ability to pay for school when deciding on admission.
Yes, Penn does offer financial aid to international transfer students. However, it is important to note that the amount of aid awarded is based on the family's demonstrated financial need.
The cost of tuition for international students at Penn is high, at almost $85,000 USD per year. This makes Penn the second most expensive university in the United States.
Penn does not offer merit-based scholarships. However, they do offer need-based financial aid packages that are grant-based and cover 100% of the demonstrated need.
Yes, Penn partners with various organizations to provide financial support to students from low-income or underserved backgrounds. These include the Sutton Trust Programme, QuestBridge, College Track, and KIPP, among others.
