Syracuse University Office of Pre-College Programs welcomes international students to apply. Our office has a longstanding history of welcoming international students into our pre-college courses. Within the Office of Pre-College Programs, we strive to create a welcoming environment where students from around the world can learn from exceptional faculty, focus on academics, and make friends while becoming familiar with the learning styles at a private American university.

What Pre-College Program Can I Take?

International students are able to enroll in any of our courses in one of our pre-college programs. They include Accelerated Semester Online, Summer College – Online, Summer College – On Campus, Summer College – Hybrid and Summer College – On Location, Summer College – Research Immersion Programs.

Syracuse University Summer College precollege international student

My pre-college program was the best few weeks of my life… As an international student, I felt really welcomed not only by staff, but also by other students!”

— Carlotta, Summer College – On Campus Student from Belgium, 2019.

Where Are Our Students From?

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Application Requirements for International Students

English Proficiency Requirements

For our pre-college programs, all international students are required to complete the associated section of the online application. Applicants from countries where English is not the native language are required to provide evidence of English proficiency.

This may include:

  • TOEFL/IELTS scores*
    • Preferred TOEFL Score = 85
    • Preferred IELTS Score = 6.0
  • documentation that the primary language of instruction is English at the school
  • Preferred Duolingo Score = 105

*A TOEFL/IELTS score is not required if you are attending a school in the U.S., or one outside the U.S. where the language of instruction during your entire secondary schooling has been English and you are demonstrating strong academic performance.

Transcript

All students are required to upload a full high school transcript in the Slideroom Application. If you are an international student, ensure your transcript has been translated into English.

Additional Application Steps for International Students

If you are enrolling in a credit course: Unless you already have an appropriate visa which includes the provision for academic study, Syracuse University will issue you an I-20 document that you will need in order to apply for your F-1 Student Visa at a United States Embassy or Consulate.  You can expect to receive your I-20 approximately three weeks after making your deposit online.  Note that as an international student taking a credit-bearing course, you are not permitted to attend Summer College on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. 

If you are enrolling in a noncredit course: Students enrolled in a Summer College – Hybrid, short-term non-credit program do not qualify for F-1 immigration sponsorship. International students are encouraged to enter the United States in a temporary visitor status that allows for participation in a short, non-credit, course of study. For citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter the U.S., participants should obtain a B-2 “Visitor for Pleasure” visa to enter the U.S. Citizens of countries who enjoy the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program should obtain ESTA clearance and enter the U.S. in WT “Waiver Tourist” status.


Syracuse University Summer College precollege international student

“This life-changing experience started when I met with people from all around the world that had the same motive; to learn something new at Syracuse. The summer was rewarding in terms of both my personal and knowledge growth.I made friends from all around the world and I got to know more about America and other countries. This experience shaped me into an independent, confident, and courageous woman who is willing to face any challenge that comes in front of her. I got a taste of what the world has to offer, and it had broadened my outlook towards life”

— Laiba A., Summer College On Campus student from Pakistan, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

For Summer College – Online, Summer College – On Campus, and Summer College – Hybrid, International Students can qualify for any discount and are able to apply for the Merit-Based Scholarship. We currently do not offer scholarships for Accelerated Semester Online.