Rensselaer considers any student who is not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to be an international applicant (regardless of where the student currently attends school). Rensselaer accepts international students into all of our programs with the exception of the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program.
There are limited merit scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate international students, up to $25,000 per year. All non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents must be prepared to assume the full cost of attendance for the duration of their studies.
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In addition to the regular application requirements, Rensselaer currently stresses the following requirements for its undergraduate international applicants:
INTERNATIONAL FRESHMAN APPLICANTS
Evidence of financial support to cover educational and living expenses is required for students who will study on a non-immigrant (F-1 or J-1) visa.
There are limited merit scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate international students, up to $25,000 per year. All non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents must be prepared to assume the full cost of attendance for the duration of their studies.
You must submit the International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) along with all other application materials. The ISFS form will be available on your application portal once you apply. Your application will not be considered complete without the International Student Financial Statement.
We must also see documentation reflecting at least one year's worth of liquid funding (approximately $80,000 USD).
The ISFS and all supporting financial documents should be uploaded to your application status portal once you submit your application.
An English language proficiency examination is required for all non-native English speakers. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting one of the following exams:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Rensselaer expects a minimum TOEFL score of at least 88 iBT (we do accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Rensselaer expects a band score of at least 7.0
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Rensselaer expects a minimum score of 115
- Pearson’s Test of English (PTE): a PTE score of at least 59 is expected
Please plan on taking the exam no later than December of your senior year. Make sure that the name you use for test registration is identical to the way your name is listed on your passport and in your admissions application (if this is not the case, please contact our office at adm_updates@rpi.edu).
Rensselaer requires that official scores be sent directly from the testing agency; self-reported scores will not be accepted. Our TOEFL Institutional Code is 2757.
Applicants who have completed three or more years of secondary education in the U.S. may request an exemption once they have submitted their application by completing the form found on their application status page. Students MUST use this form to request an exemption; email requests will not be accepted.
Official copies of all academic transcripts from secondary schools, with English translations.
Please only submit the required documents. It is not necessary to submit certificates, copies of awards, or diplomas. Academic awards and honors -- as well as extracurricular, volunteer, and work activities -- may be listed on the application.
Rensselaer encourages all international applicants to participate in an interview through one of the following programs as part of their application: InitialView; The Duolingo English Test (DET); OR Vericant. While not required for admission to Rensselaer, it allows applicants to describe their educational experiences and showcase their personality. It is also an opportunity for applicants to further demonstrate their English language proficiency. Please note that there is a fee for these services that will allow you to send your interview to a number of U.S. colleges/universities. Please contact InitialView, The Duolingo English Test (DET), or Vericant directly to schedule your interview.
International Transfer Applicants
Rensselaer considers any student who is not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to be an international applicant (regardless of where the student currently attends school).
Rensselaer accepts international transfer students into all of our programs with the exception of our accelerated program in medicine.
In addition to the application requirements of all transfer applicants, you should also submit the following:
Evidence of financial support to cover educational and living expenses is required for students who will study on a non-immigrant (F-1 or J-1) visa.
Financial assistance is not available for undergraduate international students. All non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents must be prepared to assume the full cost of attendance for the duration of their studies.
You must submit the International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) along with all other application materials. Your application will not be considered complete without the International Student Financial Statement.
We must also see documentation reflecting at least one year's worth of liquid funding (approximately $80,000 USD). The ISFS and all supporting financial documents should be uploaded to your application status portal once you submit your application.
International students attending college in the U.S. for fewer than two years should submit the results of an English language proficiency examination. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting one of the following exams:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Rensselaer expects a minimum TOEFL score of at least 88 iBT (we do accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Rensselaer expects a band score of at least 7.0
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Rensselaer expects a minimum score of 115
- Pearson’s Test of English (PTE): a PTE score of at least 59 is expected
Rensselaer requires that official scores be sent directly from the testing agency; self-reported scores will not be accepted. Our TOEFL Institutional Code is 2757.
Please make sure that the name you use for test registration is identical to the way your name is listed on your passport and in your admissions application (if this is not the case, please contact us at adm_updates@rpi.edu).
Please submit official copies of all college and university transcripts with English translations.
Embargoed Countries
If you are a citizen of, or were born in, one of the following fully embargoed and sanctioned countries, please contact the Admissions Office at Rensselaer prior to applying: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria.
DACA & DREAMer Students
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) & DREAMer students should follow the application instructions for an international applicant. Detailed instructions may be found above. At Rensselaer, our definitions of domestic versus international, as far as the application process goes, are aligned with the federal government’s definitions of eligibility for federal financial aid (versus residency, for example). So, without U.S. citizenship or a green card, a student would be considered an international applicant versus a domestic applicant.
How should DACA & DREAMer students indicate citizenship status on the application?
For the question, "Select your citizenship status," please choose "DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status".
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
DACA is an American immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation.
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)