Information for International Students
Welcome to our community! Binghamton University values the diverse perspectives that international students bring to our campus.
Nearly 1,000 international graduate students from over 92 different countries are enrolled at Binghamton University. International student enrollments have been increasing steadily over the past ten years.
We understand that your adjustment to a new culture will be challenging, which is why we strive to provide our international students with as much support as possible.
As an international graduate student of Binghamton University, the following opportunities are available to you:
- The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program: This program is designed for newly admitted students who need more experience and instruction in English in order to do their best academic work.
- International Student Organizations: These organizations help international students adjust to their new culture while sharing their home culture with others by means of social gatherings. They also help students in finding housing, locating services, and understanding U.S. academic regulations.
- Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS offers international students a wide range of services, beginning with the visa process and continuing throughout post-graduate training programs. Our staff at ISSS is informed, experienced, and always available to assist international students. Some examples of programming and services ISSS offers include:
- The computers within all Binghamton University libraries have software that let students input characters or scripts from various languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Hebrew, into word processing documents, email, Internet search engines, and database searches. This software will also help you to communicate and keep in touch with family and friends. The Main Library offers a session for graduate students to learn how to use the software.
Admission Requirements for International Students
The admissions process for international students is the same as for domestic students except for two additional requirements:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores are required. For information on this requirement, see our instructions on how to apply.
- Note: This requirement is waived for international students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a U.S. institution, or for students who are citizens of countries where English is the first language (U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
- International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form. International students are required by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to provide proof of their ability to cover the costs of their education while in the United States. This verification is required before admission can be offered. When an international student receives funding from a graduate program, this funding can be applied to the total funds required for admission.
- The ISFS form and instructions
- If this form is submitted at the time of application, an offer of admission can be made immediately upon the recommendation of admission from a graduate program.
- If this form has not been completed at the time the graduate program recommends admission, the applicant will receive a letter explaining that admission is recommended but cannot be offered until funding verification is made. When an international student receives funding from a graduate program, this funding can be applied to the total funds required for admission.
Educational Advising Services
The Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau of the U.S. Department of State supports a network of more than 450 educational advising centers around the world. Their mission is to promote U.S. higher education to prospective international students. EducationUSA offers impartial, accurate information about the full range of accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States. EducationUSA advisors provide prospective students with information to identify the best option for their educational and professional interests, choosing a U.S. institution, identifying financial aid opportunities, understanding the admission process, and applying for a student visa. Some centers can also provide specialized services such as essay writing workshops, translation and document verification, and pre-departure preparation. EducationUSA Advising Centers are located in U.S. Embassies and Consulates, Fulbright Commissions, bi-national centers, non-governmental organizations, libraries, and universities.
Funding for International Students
Most sources of funding at Binghamton are available to international students; the exceptions are noted on the funding website. Due to specific regulations for international students, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services website for details and specific regulations if you are interested in being employed while a student at Binghamton University.
Housing
Currently on-campus housing is not available for graduate students. However, graduate students find off-campus housing very affordable and available. The University's Off-Campus College office can provide help in locating housing and housemates.
The new University Plaza complex next to campus offers fully-furnished apartments, internet, all utilities and other amenities for students. In exchange for part-time employment as a community assistant, University Plaza will provide free housing. Travel to Binghamton University from surrounding residential areas is easy, thanks to an extensive, free bus system. Contact University Plaza at 1-888-775-4615.
