Last Updated on 09/03/2026 by Ethan Sawyer
Written with David Hawkins of The University Guys
Much of the general college application advice out there applies to international students too. But there are a few important differences you’ll need to understand. And one quick note on terminology: in the U.S., “college” and “university” are used interchangeably. Both refer to four-year bachelor’s degree-granting institutions—neither is superior to the other.
Who Is an International Student?
If you need a visa to study at a college in the U.S., you are classified as an international student. This includes students currently studying in the U.S. on a visa, but it does not include U.S. citizens living abroad. If you’re unsure, check with the admission office at a college you’re interested in.
What You’ll Need to Submit
As an international student applying to U.S. colleges, you’ll generally be expected to provide the following (following each college’s specific instructions for how to submit):
- Application form (Common Application, Coalition Application, or an individual college application)
- Supplements (usually part of the application, occasionally submitted afterward)
- Official transcripts from grades 9–12, in English
- Secondary School Report Form and/or School Profile
- Teacher recommendation(s)
- Results of national exams
- SAT or ACT results, if required
- Proof of English proficiency, if required
- InitialView video interview, if required
- Student Financial Statement/Certification of Finances, if required at the time of application
- Financial aid application, if applying for need-based aid
- Copy of the biographical photo page of your passport or national ID card
- Any other individual college requirements
Deadlines
International students follow the same deadlines as U.S. citizens and choose an admission plan for each college. Application plans vary but typically include Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission.
If you’re applying as a transfer student (having already earned credits at another college), there may be a different deadline and set of requirements—check each college’s website.
Five Things to Know About Financial Aid for International Students
- Start with an honest financial inventory. Have a conversation with everyone who will be helping you pay for your education. Determine an annual Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) for each year you’ll attend. This number should reflect the maximum amount your family can pay—not the amount you’d prefer to pay.
- Use local support. EducationUSA has 400+ advising centers worldwide where you can find guidance, connect with admissions representatives, access computers with internet, and get free, accurate information about financial aid and scholarships. Many countries also have NGOs or nonprofits that can support you through the process.
- Open your mind to colleges outside the U.S. Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Qatar, the UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries offer world-class English-taught degrees—often with clearer entry criteria and fee structures. U.S. tuition, room, and board averages around $40,000/year (excluding indirect costs), and competition for financial aid or merit scholarships is usually intense for international students.
- Track your deadlines. Financial aid and scholarship deadlines can vary significantly by college and country. Missing a deadline usually means missing your chance. Use a calendar and stay on top of it.
- Budget for indirect expenses. The cost of attendance typically includes tuition, room and board, and fees—but there are also “indirect costs” like books, transportation, and personal expenses. You’ll also need to plan for vacations when campus housing closes.
Testing for International Students
Access to SAT and ACT test centers varies significantly around the world. If the nearest SAT center is in your city but the nearest ACT center requires a flight, the ACT may not be your best option. Also note that U.S. testing and registration dates differ from international test dates—make sure you’re looking at the correct information on the ACT and SAT websites.
If you need testing accommodations (extra time, computer access, rest breaks), be aware that you may need to travel to find a center that can provide them.
Many U.S. universities are test-optional and will waive SAT or ACT scores for international applicants. When researching test-optional colleges, confirm whether the policy applies to international students specifically—it doesn’t always.
Depending on your school system and the requirements of the universities you’re applying to, you may also need to prove English proficiency. TOEFL and IELTS are the two traditionally accepted tests, but the Duolingo English Test is increasingly accepted as well. Find the English language requirements on each college’s admissions website.
Visas and Immigration
If you plan to study in the U.S., you’ll need an F-1 student visa. Start this process early—it takes time. Once admitted and enrolled, the university will issue you an I-20. You’ll then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 visa application, and schedule an interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Interview wait times vary significantly by country and time of year, so check current processing times well in advance.
Immigration policies and travel restrictions can change. Before committing to a U.S. university, check with the U.S. Department of State or your local embassy for current visa policies. Some students also consider campus politics and state-level policies toward international students, which vary by region.
When researching colleges, it’s worth asking: What support services exist specifically for international students? Does the university have dedicated international student advisors? How does the career office support international students seeking post-graduation employment? And how does the school support students if immigration policies change?
A Few More Essential Tips
U.S. universities send admission officers around the world to recruit students, visit high schools, and attend university fairs. EducationUSA has advising centers worldwide where you can find guidance and connect with universities.
If you attend a high school where the primary language of instruction is not English, gathering your application materials may be more challenging. You may also need to send your documents through a U.S. credential evaluator, who can translate and provide an official report to the universities you’re applying to.
At some point in the application process, you’ll need to provide proof of finances. Most colleges ask for this when you’ve chosen to enroll, but a small number ask at the time of application. Check the required documents section for international applicants on each college’s admission website.
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