Undergraduate

International Freshmen How to Apply

You can apply for admission using USF’s online application or the Common App. USF does not have a preference between the two, so choose whichever application you would like. Check out our deadlines to ensure you don't miss out on term selection, scholarships, campus choice and more. 

APPLY IN 4 EASY STEPS 

Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to do to complete your application package. You can also download our International Freshman Application Steps Guide if you need it later.

1. Submit Your Application

Complete the USF online application or the Common App.

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2. Pay Your Application Fee

Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.

Students who need to pay via International Wire Transfer are encouraged to use our Flywire system.

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3. Submit Official Transcripts

If graduating from high school outside the U.S.

Send original or certified copies of academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work to USF.

• Include a certified English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.

• We can accept digital copies of these secondary and post-secondary school records emailed directly from an appropriate official at your school to internationaltranscripts@usf.edu Alternatively, you may have your transcripts mailed directly from the school via post to:

University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States 

If graduating from a U.S. high school

If you are graduating from high school in the U.S. and have all 4 years of coursework and grades on U.S. high school transcript, you will need to submit your transcript information via the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) website.

If you have high school records from outside of the US but are still graduating from a US High School, we may require transcripts from those schools to complete your admissions evaluation.

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Step 4: Submit Your SAT, ACT or CLT Scores

You will need to submit test scores directly from the testing service to be considered for admission.

Please note: When you register for and take the SAT, ACT or CLT, make sure you use your legal name as it appears on your official high school transcripts so your test scores are accurately reported to USF.

• SAT Code for USF: 5828
• ACT Code for USF: 0761
• CLT: Please select University of South Florida from dropdown on CLT website

Test Score Notes to Remember:

• Superscoring: Students are only required to submit either SAT, ACT or CLT scores, but they are encouraged to submit one of each. USF superscores, meaning we consider your highest submitted section scores across all SAT, ACT and CLT test dates. Final admission decisions are made using only your highest cumulative scores.
• Accepted Test Score Submission: Scores must come directly from SAT, ACT and CLT testing services. USF will not accept scores from the Common App portal, your guidance counselor or PDF screenshot. 
• Accepted Test Score Dates: Students applying for Summer or Fall admission must take the SAT, ACT or CLT before December for USF to receive scores in time for an admissions decision. Register for the tests early to give yourself the best chance at admission!

 

That’s it! Once you’ve completed all four steps, the admissions team will take some time to review your file and render a decision. Now that you've applied, check out your next steps below to keep your application moving forward.

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English Proficiency Requirements 

International students from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving the following minimum scores on one of the standardized tests listed below:

• SAT: Reading and Writing ≥ 490
• ACT: English ≥ 17, Reading ≥ 19
• CLT: Verbal Reasoning and Writing ≥ 38

Please note that we do not accept English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other as substitutes for these minimum test score requirements.

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IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES:

Activate Your NetID

Your NetID is necessary for completing your onboarding tasks, as well as accessing your USF email account and the Applicant Portal. Do not share your NetID and password with anyone.

Hide How to Activate

You should have received an email from USF Information Technology after you submitted your application with information on how to activate your NetID. The link to activate expires after 7 days, so if you need help with activation, contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 813-974-HELP (4357) or help@usf.edu.

Check the Applicant Portal

Once you apply, you’ll use USF's Applicant Portal to complete most remaining application tasks. From here, you can see any missing items, upload documents, complete requested forms, check your application status and more. Access the portal any time by logging in with your NetID and password. 

You should receive an email from USF Information Technology after you submit your application with information on how to activate your NetID. If you have any NetID issues, please contact USF Information Technology at help@usf.edu. 

Applicant Portal

Learn About Immigration Requirements

Most international students come to USF on F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, you need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from USF. Learn more about each visa type and the process for obtaining it.

Immigration Requirements

Understand the Residency Process

When you apply to USF, the Office of Admissions uses information on your application to determine whether you are an in-state Florida resident or out-of-state resident. This classification is important because it sets your tuition rates.

If we don’t receive enough information on your application to determine residency, you will be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes. It’s very important to respond to requests for information about your residency as soon as possible. Learn more about how residency is determined and how to ensure you’re classified correctly. 

Please note: Students are informed of their residency status once admitted to the university.

Residency Information

Submit Your Final Transcripts

If admitted, your admission is contingent upon submitting final high school transcripts and any college transcripts showing dual enrollment coursework you’ve completed. Learn more about how to submit your final transcripts. 

Submit Transcripts

Explore the Judy Genshaft Honors College

Once you apply to USF, you will also be able to apply to our prestigious Judy Genshaft Honors College. Explore the benefits of becoming an Honors student and submit your application if this experience interests you.

How to Apply

We’re here to help! Check out our blog post, Your Admissions Questions Answered, for information on the most common inquiries, or reach out to us at any time.