FAQ - International Applicants
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Who is considered an International Applicant?
International applicants are individuals who need a visa in order to study or live in the U.S. Individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America, no matter where in the world they live or go to school, are not considered international applicants.
International students must meet the same requirements and deadlines as all other applicants. All application materials and recommendations must be written in English.
Are there any requirements specific to an International Applicant?
- Applicants presenting international educational credentials must possess a university degree that is recognized as equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree prior to beginning graduate study.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants are required to provide official Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System scores that are within 2 years of the original test date. It is preferred that the official score reports be scanned and uploaded in to your online application under "Other Documents". Offers of admission are contingent on receipt of final official score reports.
Is waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement possible?
Applicants who have earned or will earn an undergraduate baccalaureate degree from a US educational institution are not required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
Exceptions to the TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be granted for applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a country where English is an official language and where all instruction is provided in English. An exception for the TOEFL/IELTS will be considered with a written request submitted to gradadm@urmc.rochester.edu
Completion of a graduate level degree at an institution where the instruction is conducted in English does not exempt an applicant from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
Is Financial Aid available for international students who apply to Master’s Degree Program?
Scholarships and assistantships are not currently available through the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry for master’s level graduate study. We strongly recommend that applicants identify personal or external funding options while simultaneously pursuing admission to the program, as the process often takes longer than expected. International applicants who are offered admission must provide official bank documents or a letter of financial sponsorship that shows support for at least the first full year of tuition and living expenses. Payment for the first year of study (minimum of 24 credit hours of tuition) is expected in full before initial registration can occur.
