International Applicants

English Language Proficiency

Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the University, although some departments require higher scores at the graduate level:

• Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
• Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
• International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 55

These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency, and are not valid after two years.

International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass the SPEAK test which evaluates the English-speaking ability of non-native speakers of English and is administered at Florida State. Students who receive a score of 26 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-based TOEFL examination meet the University requirements to serve as a teaching assistant; however, some departments may still require that the student take the SPEAK test.

Required Academic Records

• All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
• To be considered "certified," documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
• If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.

International Transfer Credit

International transfer credit is awarded for coursework completed at an accredited (recognized) institution of higher learning. No credit is awarded for technical, vocational, or below-college-level coursework, or courses completed with grades below "D-." An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Academics

As one of the top research universities in the country, outstanding facilities and libraries are a given. What are not, are world-class faculty members who are committed to your success. Our faculty works with you in a supportive and collaborative environment, continually challenging you to reach your highest educational goals.

• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs

F-1 is the primary U.S. student visa status for regular, degree-seeking study. If you are an international student planning to attend FSU and complete a degree program, you will most likely first need to obtain F-1 visa status.

The following steps take you through the process of obtaining F-1 status and beginning your studies at FSU.

Note: if you currently are an F-1 student at another university, please first read about how to have your SEVIS record transferred to FSU.

Forms (pdfs)