International Admission

International students are invited to apply to Hofstra using the appropriate application system for their program of interest (more details are available on our application page). In addition to required applicant materials (which vary by program), international students must provide proof of English Language proficiency. Permanent residents who have been living in the US for a minimum of 3 years are exempt from this requirement. Acceptable means of proficiency include:

• TOEFL Exam, minimum 80*
• IELTS Exam, minimum 6.5*
• PTEA Exam, minimum 53*
• ITEP Exam, minimum 4*
• ELS 112 Certificate
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited US Institution
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution whose language of instruction is English
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from English Speaking Countries (Australia, Canada [except Quebec/Montreal], Irish Republic, New Zealand and United Kingdom)
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Africa Anglophone countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Melawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Commonwealth Caribbean Anglophone countries (Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks and Caicos).

*Some graduate programs require a higher level of proficiency.

We are also accepting the following exams and proof of English proficiency for applicants who are unable to meet one of the above requirements:

• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
• IELTS Indicator
• Duolingo score of 120 or higher

If you do not meet the criteria above, please contact our office at graduateinternational@hofstra.edu or explore opportunities for pathway program admission through INTO Hofstra.

To study in the United States as an international student, you will need to apply for an F-1 Visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The first step in the process is obtaining a Form I-20 from Hofstra University. A Form I-20 is an official government document which certifies that you are eligible to be an F-1 nonimmigrant student (planning to return home after study) at Hofstra and issued after acceptance and proof of financial funding. 

IN ORDER TO BE REVIEWED FOR ISSUANCE OF A FORM I-20, ALL STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE ADMISSION:

• Completed I-20 Application Form.
  
• Copy of your passport.
• Official bank statement or letter on bank letterhead. This does not have to be presented in US currency, however, must be in English.
• Submission of nonrefundable tuition deposit.

Minimum available funds required for the bank statement for the fall 2024 semester:
*Please note: Amount is estimated total cost for one year.

• available amount of $57,720* minus any merit scholarship award.
• or, for students interested in studying at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the minimum available amount is $58,368* minus any merit scholarship award.
• Affidavit of Support Form. (Required if bank statement is not in the student’s name.) Write in $57,720* (minus any merit scholarship award) or, for those interested in studying at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, write in $58,368* (minus any merit scholarship award.)

IF YOU ARE A TRANSFER STUDENT, YOU MUST ADDITIONALLY SUBMIT:

• F-1 Student Visa Transfer Form from your current college or university.
  
• A copy of your current Form I-20.
• A copy of your F-1 Student Visa.

STUDENTS WHO HAVE A CASH SPONSOR MUST ADDITIONALLY SUBMIT:

• Affidavit of Support

STUDENTS WHO HAVE DEPENDENT SPOUSE AND/OR CHILDREN TRAVELING WITH THEM TO THE US MUST ADDITIONALLY SUBMIT:

• Dependent Information Form
• Copy of each dependent’s passport

STUDENTS WHO HAVE A ROOM AND BOARD SPONSOR MUST ADDITIONALLY SUBMIT: 

• Sponsor’s Promise of Food and Housing

You can send the documents to us by courier or via email: graduateinternational@hofstra.edu. I-20 processing typically begins on October 1 for spring semester students and around March 1 for fall semester students, however documents can be submitted at any time. Please note, some programs require you to submit your documents, AND the tuition deposit before we can review you for issuance of a Form-I20. Note: Incomplete and/or missing documents may result in slower processing time.

International Student Enrollment (ISE) provides a variety of programs and services to our international students. International students are encouraged to make the ISA office one of their "homes away from home.”  Resources include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive immigration support before and after arrival, including:
  • F1 Visa interview tips
  • Aiding with applying for OPT and CPT
  • Maintaining lawful status
  • Advising about travel outside of the U.S.
  • Aiding with authorization paperwork for employment during their studies and post-graduation (EAD Card, Social Security Card, Driver’s License)
• Transition programs and services
• International Student Orientation
• Campus programming and advisement designed to foster academic and personal success at Hofstra University

ISA looks forward to meeting you and helping make your educational experience at Hofstra University a memorable one. If you have questions, please call their office at 516-463-6796 or email INTERNATIONAL@HOFSTRA.EDU.  Additional information is available at hofstra.edu/ISA.