For admission and tuition purposes, someone is considered an international applicant if they are NOT a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or hold refugee or political asylum status. Those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, should apply for domestic student application.
International Student Applicants
Youngstown State University welcomes applications from qualified students around the world. The University's International Programs Office (IPO) provides a wide range of support services for international students, described in detail in other sections of this Undergraduate Catalog.
For issuance of an immigration document, F-1 and J-1 students must demonstrate the financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses.
General Admission Statement
The admission information contained in this section reflects standard admissions requirements. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the university or to specific programs.
Academic Credentials
Academic credentials include high school and college transcripts, test scores, GED scores, and/or any other records required for admission or granting credit. Only Official Credential Evaluations are accepted for admission purposes. We have links to preferred credential evaluators that will provide the exact evaluation needed and give a discount on the cost of the evaluation. Please go to the YSU International Programs Office website for the links to the evaluators. As part of the evaluation, the evaluating company will provide YSU with official copies of your transcript.
International Application Deadlines
| Semester | Freshman |
|---|---|
| Fall | June 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
International Freshman and Overseas Transfer Students
Applicants from overseas must submit the following information well in advance of the desired date of admission. Admission is possible during Fall and Spring terms only provided the deadline for application is met. Summer admission is not available for International Students. Students must attend the mandatory new international student orientation.
- A completed application form, a $75 non-refundable application fee and submission of all required supplemental items are required for admission.
- Applicants seeking F-1 or J-1 (student) non-immigrant status must submit certification of sufficient financial resources available for education and living expenses while attending the University.
- We require an Official Credential Evaluation for all secondary schools, colleges, and universities that the student has attended, including subjects studied.
- Transfer credits may be granted for courses taken at U.S. and overseas accredited institutions only if an official syllabus or course description is provided; evaluation of transfer credit will be made upon receipt of all required materials needed to evaluate the courses. Applicants must present evidence of academic excellence with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and disciplinary good standing at the previous institution. Some YSU programs may have higher grade point average requirements.
- Transfer applicants must submit all official college transcripts for US colleges, or an official credential evaluation for foreign colleges prior to the I-20 issuance.
- Applicants who have a grade point average of 2.0 or lower (on a 4.0 scale) may be considered for Special Admission. The applicant will be required to submit additional supporting materials in their application for consideration, at the discretion of the International Programs Office Special Admissions Committee.
- English Language Proficiency - Applicants whose education is from an English-medium secondary or post-secondary institution in certain countries may exempt from the standardized English proficiency testing requirement. See Information on International English Proficiency. International students who graduate from an English medium secondary school in the United States may be exempt from submitting an English Language Proficiency test score.
All other undergraduate applicants for whom English is a second language must present evidence of proficiency in the English language with official test scores as shown on our website for English proficiency requirements.
The English Language Institute (ELI)
The English Language Institute (ELI) at Youngstown State University offers an intensive English program with non-credited classes for English language learners. In addition, the ELI provides an orientation to college life and American culture. Classes are available to college-bound students, permanent residents, immigrants, and special interest groups.
Upon graduation from the program, students will have satisfied the English proficiency requirement necessary for admission to an undergraduate or graduate University program.
Please note: ELI courses cannot be used as credit toward a degree. Applicants should be aware that deficiencies in English may increase the amount of time and money required for completing a regular program of study.
Types of Admission for International Students
Regular Admission
Regular admission will be granted if the student's records meet YSU's academic requirements for admission, satisfy the high school curriculum requirements, and show that the applicant has adequate preparation for study in the proposed major.
Conditional Admission
Students meeting all the above admissions requirements except the specified level of English proficiency may be admitted conditionally. This admission is conditional upon successful completion of English language study at YSU's English Language Institute (ELI). Conditionally admitted students are not permitted to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as evidence of English proficiency.
Admission with Transfer Credit
Credits from accredited or officially recognized institutions in other countries will be evaluated upon presentation of official transcripts, official translations and complete course descriptions and/or syllabi.
International Pathway Program Admission
Applicants with a qualifying English Proficiency score may be admitted to the International Pathway Program on a 1 or 2 semester pathway. Applicants who are eligible for admission to the 1 semester pathway must present one of the following scores: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL 46, DET 85. Upon successful completion of the International Pathway Program, the student's admission status will be changed from Pathway to undergraduate.
Special Admission
Special admission may be considered if the student's academic records do not meet YSU's requirements for admission. In such instances, eligibility for special admission will be made on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who qualify under this policy will be required to demonstrate evidence of admissibility as determined by the IPO Special Admissions Committee.
International Graduate Admission
Application for admission to the University for graduate study is made directly to Graduate Admissions (for details, consult the Graduate Catalog or the International Graduate Studies website).