International Students
Freshman Admission Requirements | Transfer Admission Requirements | Deadlines
Academic Transcripts | English Proficiency | Scholarships and Financial Aid
Applying | Special Services | Accreditation | FAQs
Binghamton University is proud of its reputation as a welcoming campus for international students. Last year, we hosted 1,523 students from 99 countries, pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. International students bring a diversity that enriches the classroom and social experiences of all and Binghamton offers many organizations and services to help you find housing, develop friendships and manage your affairs.
Freshman Admission Requirements
Admission is selective and is based on the quality of the applicant's secondary school academic record, standardized test scores, essay and a letter of recommendation.
Applicants should have, or obtain prior to enrollment, a high school diploma, a secondary education certificate, a general certificate of education or the equivalent. In countries where high school exams are not completed prior to the admissions decision, predicted scores will be used for acceptance.
Every student's application is carefully read and considered by the Admissions Committee. Students must meet academic standards for admission, show proficiency in English at the college level and submit documentation of sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses for the duration of study, as financial aid is unavailable.
Applicants should have an above-average academic record equivalent to a "B" average (3.00/4.00) or better with suitable preparation for the intended major.
For optimal consideration, we recommend applications be submitted by March 15 prior to the fall semester or November 1 for the spring semester.
Transfer Admission Requirements
Admission to Binghamton is selective and is based on the quality of the applicant's previous college-level work. International students must meet academic standards for admission, show proficiency in English at the college level and submit documentation of sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses for the duration of study, as financial aid is unavailable.
Transfer applicants must have a "B-" average (2.5/4.0) or the equivalent, with suitable academic preparation for the intended major.
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Deadlines
For optimal consideration, we recommend applications be submitted by March 15 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. After acceptance, you may be required to submit your transcripts to an external agency for credit evaluation.
Academic Transcripts
Official original transcripts or official certified copies of academic records are required. If your transcripts are not in English, certified translations must be attached to the original transcript. Transcripts should show marks and credits earned for all college-level work. In most cases, you will submit transcripts before you have completed your final semester of college-level work; if so, arrange to have your final transcript sent after you have completed all course work. If only one document is available, we will accept notarized or certified copies of the original. A key to the marking system or grading scale should also be included if it is not indicated on the transcript.
English Proficiency
All applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in English through:
- completion of a college-level English class from an accredited U.S. institution
- completion of one of the following exams:
- paper-based TOEFL (minimum score of 550)
- computer-based TOEFL (minimum score of 213)
- Internet-based TOEFL (minimum score of 80)
- IELTS (minimum score of 6.5, with no individual bands below 5.0)
- SAT I Verbal (minimum score of 500), ACT or the ELPT
Applicants with scores below these may be offered conditional admission. Students admitted with an English as a Second Language (ESL) condition are required to take an internal placement exam and may be required to take ESL classes.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
International students are required, as part of the application process, to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. The amount and source of funds are necessary on the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) when applying for F-1 or J-1 visas. In addition, students planning to bring a spouse or children are required to show additional funds for those individuals.
Financial aid is not available to international students
Applying to Binghamton University
You can apply in a number of ways:
* Online at The Common Application. Additional requirements for freshmen include a high school transcript, SAT or TOEFL and one recommendation. Additional requirements for transfer students include official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities and a TOEFL or year of college-level English if English is not your native language.
* All applicants must submit the International Financial Form with bank statement attached.
If you cannot download and print the application, you may contact us and request that one be sent to you.
Be sure to provide the following information:
* full name and gender
* full mailing address (including street, city, state/province, postal code and country)
* telephone and fax number (with country and city codes)
* e-mail address
* intended major or area of study
* semester and year you wish to begin your studies
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Special Services
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the needs of international students and alumni. Services include help in maintaining immigration status, health insurance, travel, employment and taxes. ISSS has also established the Friendship Families Program that connects people from the community with international students who come to the Binghamton area.
The office also coordinates a special orientation for international students prior to the start of the academic year. Any student joining the Binghamton community from overseas is invited to participate whether they are dual nationals, permanent residents or Americans abroad.
Accreditation
Binghamton University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Individual schools at Binghamton University also hold the following accreditations:
* Decker School of Nursing: the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
* School of Management: the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
* Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science: The electrical engineering and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Computer Science/Information Science program is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB).
* Harpur College: The Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the Psychology Department’s clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Applied Behavior Analysis program (first undergraduate program in the country) is accredited by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for International Students
The grading system in my country is very different from that in the United States. How can I determine whether I am a reasonable candidate for admission?
What is the minimum required Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score needed?
I have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Do I also need to take the SAT I or ACT?
I am a transfer student from within the U.S. Do I need to submit a TOEFL score?
Do international students have to take the TOEFL even if English is their native language?
Does Binghamton provide financial aid for international students?
Why am I required to submit both an International Financial Statement and bank statement?
Is there an orientation program for international students?
What is the international student population at Binghamton University?
Are international students permitted to study abroad?
How do I get to campus? Which airport should I use when traveling to Binghamton University?
Is there health insurance for international students?
Is the campus safe?
I know that I want to go to college, but I am not sure what I want to study. May I apply undecided?
What if I am unable to take the SAT or ACT in my country?
How long will it take to reach a decision on my application as an international student?
When and how do I apply for a U.S. student visa?
Are there a variety of religious organizations on campus?
My government or bank will provide financial assistance only if I am accepted. What should I do?
The grading system in my country is very different from that in the United States. How can I determine whether I am a reasonable candidate for admission?
Binghamton University's Admissions Committee can determine whether you are a reasonable candidate for admission. In any grading system, it is possible to characterize a student's academic performance. If you are considered a strong student in your country, you could be a realistic candidate for admission to Binghamton University.
What is the minimum required Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score needed?
The Admissions Committee generally looks for a TOEFL score of 550 and above on the written exam or 213 and above on the computer-based exam
I have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Do I also need to take the SAT I or ACT?
International students are required to submit proof of either the TOEFL, SAT I or English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). We require proof of only one exam. We do not have a preference between the exams that you submit. If you are reporting more than one exam, we will consider only the highest exam score.
I am a transfer student from within the U.S. Do I need to submit a TOEFL score?
Transfer students from an accredited university or college within the United States, or those who have attended an English-speaking university and have taken college-level English writing and composition classes, are not required to submit proof of TOEFL. Students who are transferring from a school outside the U.S. are required to submit an English proficiency score.
Do international students have to take the TOEFL even if English is their native language?
No. Students from countries whose native language is English (no other mother tongue) do not have to take the TOEFL, but they will have to take another standardized test such as the SAT or ACT.
Does Binghamton provide financial aid for international students?
Financial assistance for undergraduate study is available only to citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States. Those who enroll with a student visa are required to submit financial proof of their ability to pay for college with their application. However, you may want to seek alternative sources for financial aid. Inquire with your local government and other outside resources. For more information:
* Edupass
* Smart Guide to Financial Aid
* International Education Financial Aid
* Foreign Fulbright Program
Why am I required to submit both an International Financial Statement and bank statement?
According to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, international students must show that they can pay for tuition and living expenses for their entire program. International students must demonstrate through a bank statement in U.S. dollars and a financial statement that they have $23,000 available and the sponsor's or student's willingness to contribute toward the cost of education. Before a decision can be made on admission, international applicants must show that they can provide for living/housing costs and tuition for a full calendar year.
Is there an orientation program for international students?
International Students are invited to participate in a special orientation program prior to the start of the academic year. Any student joining the Binghamton community from overseas is invited to participate, including dual nationals, permanent residents and Americans abroad.
What is the international student population at Binghamton University?
In fall 2007, we had 1,800 international students enrolled; of those, 890 were undergraduates.
Are international students permitted to study abroad?
International students are permitted to participate in all of our study abroad programs if they meet the necessary academic requirements.
How do I get to campus? Which airport should I use when traveling to Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is located one mile west of the city of Binghamton and is a short drive from major urban centers in New York and neighboring states. Shortline and Greyhound bus companies serve the area, and the Binghamton Regional Airport provides major airline service. The University is 45 miles from Ithaca, 70 miles from Syracuse, 190 miles from Philadelphia and 200 miles from New York City.
Is there health insurance for international students?
Binghamton University participates in the State University of New York health insurance plan and international students are automatically enrolled unless they complete a waiver. For more information.
Is the campus safe?
Personal safety and crime prevention have been priorities on this campus for many years and your safety is our priority. To ensure this, we offer a number of in-house security measures:
* Our campus entrance is gated after midnight, requiring all entrants to go through security with ID or permission to be on campus.
* Each residence hall building is staffed by a professional, live-in Resident Director.
* Blue light emergency/security access telephones connected directly to University Police are located throughout campus.
* Our student escort program and escort van provide campus-wide assistance.
* All residence hall doors are locked on a 24-hour basis.
I know that I want to go to college, but I am not sure what I want to study. May I apply undecided?
You may apply undecided. This allows you to begin your college career and take required general education courses allowing you time to explore academic choices and different career possibilities. We encourage students to do research, find out which jobs are available and talk to people who work in areas in which they may have an interest. It may not be necessary to decide on a specific career immediately, but it is a good idea to begin narrowing your choices as an undergraduate.
What if I am unable to take the SAT or ACT in my country?
Students who do not have access to testing centers in their country should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss alternatives. We may know of alternate options that may be available to you. For example, although there are no official SAT test centers publicly listed for China, a handful of private centers at international schools in China have been authorized to give the exam.
As an international applicant, how long will it take to reach a decision on my application?
It generally takes several weeks once your application file is complete.
When and how do I apply for a U.S. Student Visa?
Upon your acceptance you will take all of your documents, such as your acceptance letter, International Student Certification with bank statement attached and your I-20, to the American Embassy to apply for a Student Visa (F-1 Visa). Note that you will want to contact the embassy to obtain a list of all the documentation you will need for your appointment. For more details.
Are there a variety of religious organizations on campus?
Yes. Binghamton University has no religious affiliation and therefore fully supports all religious organizations. A few of the religious organizations currently on campus are the Catholic student/Newman Association, Chabad, Chinese Christian Fellowship, Hillel-the Jewish Student Union, Hindu Student Counsel and the Muslim Student Association. There are also Christian churches, several synagogues, a Mosque and a Hindu Temple in the area.
My government or bank will provide financial assistance only if I am accepted. What should I do?
You should submit a letter reflecting the circumstances to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are admissible, we will issue a conditional offer of admissions, stating that to complete the admissions process we require proof of financial support. A student will not receive an I-20 until the financial documentation is submitted.
Have Questions?
Contact Jenae Schmidt, coordinator of international undergraduate admissions
Electronic ViewBook
For a closer look at the Binghamton campus, you can download the viewbook here
Did You Know?
Binghamton is now part of the Common Application.
