International students talking in Butler Library

Welcome, International Students!

You are a vital part of the Buffalo State graduate community. 

Buffalo State supports academic and personal growth for its international students. In turn, the international community helps us to understand cultural differences, educates us, and helps us move forward together.

International Admission Requirements

International students must hold one of the following:

  • a baccalaureate degree from an institution that is accredited by an approved U.S. regional accrediting agency
  • a degree that is equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree in the United States

International Graduate Application

1

Complete Online Graduate Admission Application

Graduate Admission Application

2

Submit Application Fee

There is a $65 non-refundable application fee. 

Login to your status page to make the online payment by Visa or MasterCard. 

3

Send Transcripts

Official or certified true copies of transcripts along with a certified English translation of all transcripts from postsecondary schools outside the United States are required. 

4

Provide Passport Info

A copy of the applicant's passport bio page is required. Passport must be current and not expired. 

5

Complete Financial Statement (FSA-4)

International students must document their ability to meet all educational and living expenses for the first year of their intended study before the institution can issue a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (form I-20 or DS-2019) per immigration regulations.

Financial Statement  - FS4 (PDF)

6

Complete Degree Evaluation

A degree evaluation is required for all students who have completed a bachelor's degree outside the United States.

Applicants must submit official copies of postsecondary diploma(s)/transcripts to one of the following organizations for a course-by-course evaluation to determine equivalency to a United States bachelor's degree:

Students should contact the organization or visit its website for the most current requirements and to request or download an application. Completed applications listing the SUNY Buffalo State as the recipient should be returned to the organization with the required fees and credentials.

The organization will forward its evaluation report to Buffalo State. This evaluation can take up to four weeks to complete after all documents are received. Check with the organizations for specific fee structure(s).

Canadian Applicants: Students holding undergraduate degrees from a Canadian college or university should submit official transcripts. If transcripts follow a system similar to that of the United States, they will be evaluated locally. If not, Canadian applicants will be required to comply with the above international student credential policy.

7

Submit English Language Proficiency Score

Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit a score of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test as documentation of English language proficiency.

Applicants with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the paper exam or 79 on the Internet exam, an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 100 or higher may be considered for admission.

Group of students in the library

International Student and Scholars Services

SUNY Buffalo State
1300 Elmwood Avenue
South Wing 430
Buffalo, NY 14222   
USA

Phone: +1-716-878-5331
Email: intleduc@buffalostate.edu

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ISSS Website

International Application Deadlines

All international applications requiring student visas (except Canadian applicants) must be completed by:

  • Fall admission: July 1
  • Spring admission: December 1
  • Summer admission: April 1

Students should also be aware of the individual department application deadline when considering enrollment, as some departments require applications be submitted prior to the graduate deadlines cited here.