We are now accepting Graduate applications for Fall 2024, and Spring 2025.*
*Please contact your department for application open terms and deadlines.
Our community welcomes you
Each year, the university enrolls approximately 1,700 international students. We are proud to offer extensive support and services to our international population. International applicants should plan to apply early so they have ample time to obtain their immigration documents and make living arrangements in the U.S. Any F-1/J-1 students planning to obtain their I-20/DS-2019should contact the Center for Global Engagement at CGE-NewStudents@fsu.edu. Please check with your department regarding deadlines.
International Admissions Requirements
In addition to meeting graduate university admissions requirements, international applicants must also meet the following University requirements to be considered for admission.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the University, although some departments require higher scores at the graduate level:
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 55
Duolingo: 120 (Summer 2022 and Forward)
Cambridge C1 Advanced Level: 180(Fall 2022 and Forward)
Michigan Language Assessment: 55(Fall 2022 and Forward)
Although official scores are required, most departments will begin to review your application with self-reported scores, while they are waiting for the official scores to arrive. You can self-report your scores on your Online Status Page, after you submit your application.
The English Language Proficiency requirement can be waived, at the University-level, for applicants who have earned a minimum of a BA or higher in the US or in an English-Speaking Country. Please note, your department may still require proof of English-Language proficiency. *A variety of countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.
Transcript and Credential Evaluation Requirements
All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
To be considered "certified," documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.
International applicants or degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through the SpanTran pathway portal, or from another NACES approved evaluator. SpanTran has created a custom application for Florida State University that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. Florida State University recommends SpanTran as our preferred credential evaluation because it offers an easy way to streamline the application process.
Please read more about our general transcript requirements on ourGraduate Admissions page.
International Transfer Credit
International transfer credit is awarded for coursework completed at an accredited (recognized) institution of higher learning. No credit is awarded for technical, vocational, or below-college-level coursework, or courses completed with grades below "D-." An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by a member of theNational Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and its staff are here to serve international students and their families. They may advise you about:
- F and J visa requirements
- Cultural adjustment
- Employment matters
- Housing assistance
- Assistance withpersonal concerns
- Maintaining your visa status
Many academic programs only accept applications for a specific admit term. Contact your academic department to determine which admit term to apply. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as the admit term opens. CGE also assists students throughout the New International Student Checklist and Process. You may learn more about what CGE has to offer by emailing CGE-NewStudents@fsu.edu.
Need to improve your English skills?FSU’s Center for Intensive English Studies can help! At CIES, you will be given personalized instruction by highly qualified teachers in a safe, friendly environment.
Please note that admission to and completion of the CIES program does not necessarily guarantee admission to the University as a degree-seeking student.
CIES also offers:
- TEFL certificationopportunities
- Credit-bearing courses and workshopsto enhance your English speaking ability
Learn more about how the Center for Intensive English Studies can help you.
Finances
Florida State University is required by U.S. federal regulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20. If granted admission to the University, an email with instructions on how to complete the I-20 will be sent from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). You will provide information verifying your financial support (bank statements, award letters, scholarships, etc.) through the I-20 application. FSU requires proof of financial support for the first year of study and demonstrated availability of funds for the length of your academic program
Estimated International Student Costs:
For more information on estimated costs of livingand the I-20 process, pleasevisitCGE’s website.
I-20 Application
Shortly after admission, students will receive an email with instructions for completing the online I-20 applicationto demonstrate proof of adequate funding. Florida State University is required by U.S. federal regulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20. Applicants must show proof of financial support for the first year of study and confirm availability of funds for the length of the academic program.
For more information, contact the Center for Global Engagement at CGE-NewStudents@fsu.edu.
US Federal Grants and Loans are not Awarded to International Students
Graduate students may apply to their respective departments for assistantships or fellowships, although funds are very limited. For further information, please contact your academic department directly.
SPEAK Test
SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) is a test for evaluating the English speaking ability of non-native speakers of English. At FSU, the SPEAK test is administered by the Center for Intensive English Studies to international students who have been appointed or will be appointed as teaching assistants in an academic department at Florida State University.
For more information, click here.
May the TOEFL be waived?
The TOEFL may only be waived as a test requirement if the student has received a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. institution.
Can you review my documents prior to applying?
Students must submit the application, application fee, and any required departmental materials for application materials to be reviewed.
Can the application fee be waived?
Unfortunately, the Office of Admissions is unable to waive the application fee payment for graduate applicants. In order to complete your application for review, you must submit the application fee payment by logging in to your Application Status Check,along with any other documents required by the department.
When will I receive a decision?
Applications are reviewed holistically by each graduate department. Please contact your department for information about decision timelines. Please note that the application must first be completed before it can be reviewed. Contact your department for more information.
Can the GRE be waived?
FSU is currently waiving the GRE requirement for most master’s and specialist programs through Fall 2026*.For more information on whether the requirement can be waived, please contact your graduate department.
*Excludesthe College of Business
What if I don’t meet the English Language Proficiency score requirements?
The FSU Center of Intensive English Studies (CIES) offers comprehensive courses to help students improve their English skills. Students who complete the top-level of the CIES program will not have to take an English Language Proficiency test.
What is the F-1 visa/I-20 process?
Do you have funding available for International students?
- The Graduate School offersfellowship and grant opportunities for graduatestudents. For current FSU students, theOffice of Graduate Fellowships and Awardsassistsin identifying and applying for externalfundingopportunities. In addition,here is some more informationabout additionalfundingopportunities for international students.
- There may also be additionalfundingopportunities through your department. Please contact your graduate representative for assistance. If you do not know who to contact, please email us at grad-help@fsu.edu for assistance.
Are there on-campus housing opportunities?
University housing costs are not included in the tuition and fees at Florida State University. If you want the option of living on campus, you can apply for housing online as soon as you are officially admitted to FSU. Housing at university-owned residence halls and apartments fill quickly. You can also find off-campus housing options by clicking here.
