REQUIREMENTS
Standardized Tests
The SAT/ACT is not required of any student studying outside the U.S. and currently enrolled in a school that does not follow the American system of education (including U.S. citizens living abroad). SAT Subject Tests are not required.
*Please note, prospective Division I student athletes must take the SAT or ACT in order to meet NCAA eligibility requirements.
In addition, if your native language is not English you must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). If you are a U.S. citizen and your native language is not English you are encouraged to take either the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate your proficiency. More specific information on English Proficiency Requirements is provided below. In addition, Syracuse University will consider results of the PTE Academic for English proficiency.
English Proficiency
All international students whose native language is not English are required to have an official TOEFL , IELTS or PTE Academic score report sent directly to the University from the testing service.
Use ID code 2823 when requesting your official scores.
Preferred TOEFL and IELTS scores vary by college (see chart below). In addition, Syracuse University will consider results of the PTE Academic for English proficiency if the score is 68 or higher:
| College of Arts and Sciences College of Visual and Performing Arts (Communication and Rhetorical Studies program) |
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| Whitman School of Management School of Architecture |
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| S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications |
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| School of Education College of Engineering and Computer Science David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics School of Information Studies College of Visual and Performing Arts (Departments of Art, Design, Drama, and Transmedia, Setnor School of Music) |
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| All colleges | score under 20 |
band under 6.0 |
Minimum TOEFL sub scores:
Writing: 21
Speaking, Reading, and Listening: 20
Minimum IELTS bands:
Writing and Speaking: 6.5
Reading and Listening: 6.0
The TOEFL or IELTS requirement may be waived in certain situations. The decision to waive the requirement will be based on the strength of your academic performance. Some examples of these include:
If you are attending a school in the U.S. or one outside the U.S. where the language of instruction during your entire schooling has been English and are demonstrating strong academic performance.
If you have strong SAT critical reading and writing scores (600 on the SAT critical reading section or 27 on the ACT English section).
If you are a transfer applicant and have studied or are currently studying at a college or university in the United States for at least one full academic year and have a strong record of academic performance.
The decision to waive the standard requirement is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Therefore, it is recommended that if your native language is not English you should take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic as part of the application process.
Financial Requirements
In addition to the application items, you are required to submit proof of sufficient funding to meet the estimated cost of attendance. Financial assistance, including need-based aid and merit scholarships, is very limited for international students. If you are an international applicant who requires an F-1 Student Visa to come to Syracuse, you are required to submit documentation that demonstrates the ability to fund your education for one full academic year.
Conditional Admission
You may be granted conditional admission to Syracuse University if the academic requirements for admission have been met, but there is insufficient English proficiency and/or insufficient financial support. Only those students who have submitted an official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic score may be considered for conditional admission. The minimum TOEFL score for conditional admission consideration ranges from 75 to 80. The minimum IELTS score for conditional admission consideration ranges from 6.0 to 6.5.
Conditionally admitted students are not considered fully admitted to the University and will not be issued the SEVIS I-20 form (the form that is needed to obtain the F-1 Student Visa) until the University receives the necessary official English proficiency credentials and/or the necessary proof of sufficient funding. You will remain conditionally admitted until these terms have been satisfied. It is not guaranteed that space will still be available at the time a student meets the condition.
