International Graduate Students

Come for a world-class education, and discover a home-away-from-home. Each international student brings his or her own unique experiences, perspectives, and academic goals. Yet many students face common challenges such as adjusting to American culture, developing English language skills, securing student visas, coping with pressures from home, funding education, and establishing new support networks. Alfred University is committed to working with you to ensure you have a quality educational experience.

International

International students interested in our graduate programs must meet the requirements necessary of all our applicants for our on-campus programs.

Specific International Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Alfred University is English. All international applicants who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from a US institution must take one of the following examinations:

  • TOEFL
    Written Exam: A score of 590 or better (550 for the MFA program) Internet Based Test: A score of 90 or better
  • IELTS
    A score of 6.5 (6.0 for the MFA program) or better is required.

We exempt only English-speaking citizens of Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Trinidad, and the West Indies.

Required Financial Documentation

Evidence of Financial Support - The Department of Homeland Security requires Alfred University to verify that a student planning to study in the United States on a F-1 visa can provide financial evidence documenting sufficient funds for their student careers. To verify evidence of financial support, please submit the appropriate form below in order for the Committee on Admissions to make a decision on the application. The form is required to be submitted along with the application.

Graduate Student Certification of Finances

Photocopy of Passport Page with Picture and Full Name

Graduate Student Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcripts (in English) of all previous work at the college level, including proof that you hold the baccalaureate degree equivalent to a US 4-year degree.

The baccalaureate degree must be appropriate to the particular course of study and be considered legitimate preparation for the field of study to which the student is being admitted. Some students may be accepted with the condition that undergraduate coursework be completed.

All academic records which are not in English MUST be certified true copies issued by the educational institution which you attended. Notarized copies are not acceptable. Any translated record should be literal, not interpretive, and must be accompanied by a copy of the original document. The only acceptable translations are those conducted and certified by the issuing institution, or by one of the following evaluation services:

  • World Evaluation Services organization WES
  • Education Evaluators International EEI

A 3.0/4.0 (65% OR greater) GPA or better is recommended.

The School of Art and Design
A portfolio is required for all applicants to the School of Art and Design by February 1. Learn more about the graduate art portfolio.

Consideration will be given to graduate work done at other accredited institutions. Such credit must be in courses which were clearly at the graduate level with a grade of B or better, and appropriate to your program of study at Alfred University. Transfer credits must fit within the six consecutive calendar years of a student's academic program. The student's advisor and program department chairperson or program director must approve each transfer credit. Normally the maximum number of credits which may be transferred is six credits for MA, MS or MSEd degrees, and twenty credits in doctoral programs. No transfer of credit is permitted for the MFA degree.

Health and Immunization Forms

All students attending Alfred University must comply with New York State health regulations and submit these forms prior to attendance.