Undergraduate
International Freshmen How to Apply
You can apply for admission using USF’s online application or the Common App. USF does not have a preference between the two, so choose whichever application you would like. Check out to ensure you don't miss out on term selection, scholarships, campus choice and more.
APPLY IN 4 EASY STEPS
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to do to complete your application package. You can also if you need it later.
Submit Your Application
It all starts with an application! At USF, you can apply using our online application or apply to ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏthrough the Common App.
Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.
Students who need to pay via International Wire Transfer are encouraged to use our Flywire system.
Submit STARS or Official Transcripts
Depending on where you attended high school, you may need to submit the STARS, transcripts or both.
Submit Your SAT, ACT or CLT Scores
You will need to submit test scores directly from the testing service to be considered for admission.
Test Score Notes to Remember
Use USF's school codes to send us your scores.
- SAT Code for USF: 5828
- ACT Code for USF: 0761
- CLT: Please select ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ from the dropdown on the CLT website
Please note: When you register for and take the SAT, ACT or CLT, make sure you use your legal name as it appears on your official high school transcripts so your test scores are accurately reported to USF.
- Superscoring: Students are only required to submit either SAT, ACT or CLT scores, but they are encouraged to submit one of each. ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏsuperscores, meaning we consider your highest submitted section scores across all SAT, ACT and CLT test dates. Final admission decisions are made using only your highest cumulative scores.
- Accepted Test Score Submission: Scores must come directly from SAT, ACT and CLT testing services. ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏwill not accept scores from the Common App portal, your guidance counselor or PDF screenshot.
- Accepted Test Score Dates: Students applying for Summer or Fall admission must take the SAT, ACT or CLT before December for ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏto receive scores in time for an admissions decision. Register for the tests early to give yourself the best chance at admission!
English Proficiency Requirements
International students from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving the following minimum scores on one of the standardized tests listed below:
- SAT: Reading and Writing ≥ 490
- ACT: English ≥ 17, Reading ≥ 19
- CLT: Verbal Reasoning and Writing ≥ 38
Please note that we do not accept English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other as substitutes for these minimum test score requirements.
That’s it! Once you’ve completed all four steps, the admissions team will take some time to review your file and render a decision.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES
Check the Applicant Portal
Once you apply, you’ll use USF's to complete most remaining application tasks. From here, you can see any missing items, upload documents, complete requested forms, check your application status and more.
Learn About Immigration Requirements
Most international students come to ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏon F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, you need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from USF. Learn more about each visa type and the process for obtaining it.
Understand the Residency Process
When you apply to USF, the Office of Admissions uses information on your application to determine whether you are an in-state Florida resident or out-of-state resident. This classification is important because it sets your tuition rates.
If we don’t receive enough information on your applicat