International Admission Requirements

Because of the detailed information and the special processing required for admission of an international student, you must submit the University International Application for graduate admission.

Other admission requirements for international students are the same as for U.S. students, with the exception of the TOEFL requirement specified below. (See General Admission Requirements for details.)

Ph.D. students: The University International Application and all supporting documents must be received at FSU by February 1. This is earlier than the University’s application deadline and supersedes it.

Specialist (post-Master’s) and Master’s students: The University International Application and all supporting documents must be received at FSU by the deadlines stated on the web site of the FSU Office of Admissions.

If you have additional questions about the expectations for international students, contact Graduate Admissions: gradadms@admin.fsu.edu, (850) 644-6200.

The University also provides the International Center to serve international students: intctr@admin.fsu.edu, (850) 644-1702.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

International applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide test scores verifying English language proficiency (either the TOEFL or IELTS). Note: Scores more than 2 years old will not be accepted. This requirement may be waived with documentation of successful completion of at least one academic year of study in a country whose official language is English or completion through level 8 at the FSU Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES).

TOEFL Requirement (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Minimum scores:
Master applicants: 585 or higher on the paper-based exam with a Writing score of 61 or higher; or 94 or higher on the internet-based exam with a Writing score of 24 or higher.
Specialist applicants: 585 or higher on the paper-based exam with a Writing score of 61 or higher; or 94 or higher on the internet-based exam with a Writing score of 24 or higher.
Ph.D. applicants: 600 or higher on the paper-based exam with a Writing score of 61 or higher; or 100 on the internet-based exam with a Writing score of 24 or higher.

IELTS Requirement (International English Language Testing System)

Minimum scores:
Master applicants: Total score of 6.5 or higher.
Specialist applicants: Total score of 6.5 or higher.
Ph.D. applicants: Total score of 7.0 or higher.

Orientations

Required:

• Ph.D. students are required to attend the School’s doctoral student orientation held each year on campus before Fall semester classes begin.
• Master’s and Specialist students are required to complete online Graduate Orientation prior to enrolling in classes.
• All international students, including those transferring from another U.S. institution, are required to attend the International Student orientation presented by the International Center prior to enrolling in classes.

Optional:

• The FSU New Graduate Student Orientation, presented by the Graduate School, is optional for international students.

Last updated: September 15, 2010 by Naya-Darice Ramos
Content Provider: Melissa Raulston