Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for International Graduate Students
Below you'll find the most common questions for international students applying for graduate admissions at 91社区.
Graduate Applicant Questions
What are 91社区's application requirements?
91社区 has general application requirements for all students. International applicants also have additional requirements that can be found on our international student requirements webpage.
How do I obtain information about a specific program?
To receive more detailed information about an academic program at 91社区 via email, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
What are 91社区's English language requirements for international students?
All international students applying to 91社区 must show proof of English proficiency. More information can be found under the "Proof of English Proficiency" section on the international student requirements page.
What financial aid and funding are available for international students?
91社区 offers numerous funding options. From loans, fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships to student employment and travel funding, 91社区 can help you find the sources you need to enhance your career and make your education attainable.
Does the admissions committee have access to my financial documents?
No, the graduate admissions committee does not have access to your financial documents and holistically makes admission and funding decisions based on merit alone.
How much does it cost to attend 91社区?
You can find in-state, out-of-state, and international graduate student pricing information on our Cost of Attendance page.
Can I apply for more than one graduate degree at 91社区?
Yes, 91社区 offers students in select programs the opportunity to work toward earning two master's degrees (dual degrees) at the same time. This allows students to earn two master's degrees in just three years, saving both time and money.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, the application fee is $75 (USD) and is non-refundable.
Does 91社区 offer an application fee waiver?
Yes, some students may be eligible for an application fee waiver:
- Academic departments may periodically offer application fee waivers dependent upon students' academic eligibility, enrollment needs of the department and other extraordinary situations. Prior to any possible departmental consideration, applicants should begin their application and submit minimally their transcripts, personal statement and resume. After uploading these documents, outreach to program recruiters may be sought.
- CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students are eligible for an application fee waiver. You must provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
- GEM Fellowship applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver. Submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for an application fee waiver. Submit a copy of your certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) from the . Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
Note: A request for an application fee waiver may take two to three business days to process. Before submitting your application, wait for an email stating that your request has been approved. If you have any questions about this process, contact us at gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
What is the application deadline for 91社区?
Most programs review applications on a rolling basis rather than after a set deadline, meaning we continue to make admission decisions until the program is full. Most programs have their deadline as January 15, although some program deadlines may vary. Check our Graduate Admission Requirements page and select your degree for specific program deadlines.
How do I find out the status of my application materials?
You can check the status of your application through our and see what items were received and what still needs to be submitted.
Expect to receive a weekly reminder email about the materials that you still need to submit before the application deadline.
Graduate Admitted Student Questions
What are the next steps once you've been admitted to 91社区's Graduate School?
If you have been admitted to 91社区, next steps will be sent to you by email.
Will there be an orientation for new students?
Yes, 91社区 will host an orientation for new students. Visit the International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) website for Orientation information.
How do I register for courses?
91社区 graduate students will receive information from their academic departments regarding course registrations. Until then, we encourage you to explore course offerings on our website.
How do I review courses and course descriptions for my program?
Required courses and course descriptions can be found in the .
How will I be billed at 91社区?
91社区 has partnered with to streamline the tuition payment process for our international students. With Flywire, making an international payment is fast, simple and cost-effective. In most cases, you can pay in your home currency and benefit from excellent foreign exchange rates.
How many credits can I take per semester at 91社区?
The minimum course load for new graduate students is 12 credits per semester. After completion of 24 credits, the minimum course load drops to 9 credits.
Federal regulations require that students in F-1 and J-1 status be registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered as a full-time student is a violation of your non-immigrant status, resulting in the loss of F-1 or J-1 benefits (including employment eligibility both on and off campus) and may subject you to federal immigration sanctions.
Where can I find information about housing at 91社区?
Off-Campus College (OCC) provides a database that contains apartments and rooms for rent, as well as a roommate registry. The housing and roommate search features are available to the 91社区 University community through the use of their University email.
Who do I contact for parking permits or public transportation information?
Students can . A vehicle must be registered with the University before parking on campus or it must be parked in a paid space. Public transportation is free with your University ID through the 91社区 city bus service and through the student-run Off-Campus College.
Is health insurance offered at 91社区?
Yes. In accordance with federal immigration policy and the State University of New York (SUNY), appropriate and sufficient health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all international students enrolled at a SUNY campus. Health insurance coverage for accompanying family members is a mandatory requirement for J-2 family members and is available to other non-immigrant visa holders as well.
Can I defer my admission to 91社区?
If the graduate program approves an applicant's deferral, the program should submit an admission deferral request to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions, who will review the request and either approve or deny it.
If difficulty in obtaining a visa prevents an international applicant from enrolling in the semester specified in the acceptance letter, the applicant should contact the graduate program directly. The graduate program will then advise the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions of the applicant's status.
How do I obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 form?
Applicants to the 91社区 Graduate School who are citizens of other countries, whether they are enrolled in a school in the United States or abroad, are required to meet academic standards for admission to a degree program, show proficiency in English at the college level, and certify that they will have the required amount of money needed for each year of study. When applicants are admitted to 91社区, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) issues a Certificate of Eligibility as either Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa). Detailed information on required materials can be found on the Additional Application Requirements for International Students webpage.