International Admissions Requirements

Am I considered an international student?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will be considered an international student. U.S. citizens with dual citizenship are not considered international students.

Is tuition more expensive for international students?

Only Delaware residents receive discounted tuition. International students pay the same tuition costs as U.S. citizens who are not residents of the state of Delaware.

Will my application be considered differently depending on whether I attend high school in the U.S. or internationally?

There is no preferential treatment. Every application is read individually and measured based on the opportunities and curriculum offered at your school and in your country.

What happens if I apply late?

The deadlines for international applicants are listed above in the Freshman Fall Applicant Timeline. Certain academic programs do reach capacity sooner than others, and admission is granted based on space availability. Any applicants who submit an application after January 15 will only be considered on a space-available basis.

What standardized test scores will I need to submit to UD?

English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS are required (either exam satisfies the requirement). International students are not required to submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.

I was admitted to University Studies instead of my selected major. What does this mean?

At the University of Delaware, we carefully evaluate each application, taking into consideration qualifications and preparation for selected majors. We may admit you to University Studies if space no longer remains in your selected major(s) or if your application does not meet the requirements of your selected major(s).

My student portal says I have been admitted to the Accelerate-U Delaware (A-UD) program. What does that mean?

This means you have been admitted to the University of Delaware as a student in the Accelerate-U Delaware (A-UD) program, which is designed to help new international students build a strong academic, linguistic and cultural foundation during their first semester at UD. A-UD offers specialized support to each student, ensuring a smooth transition to college life and preparing students for success. A-UD is only offered in fall semesters.

My portal says I have been conditionally admitted and placed in Academic Transitions. What does that mean?

This means that your application has been approved for admission, though your English proficiency does not meet UD requirements. UD’s English Language Institute offers the Academic Transitions program, which allows you to gain English proficiency and get a head start on your university coursework. By successfully completing the Academic Transitions program, you can begin full-time studies at UD without the need to take the TOEFL or IELTS.  For more information, visit the Academic Transitions website.

Can I apply for spring admission as an international student?

Yes. International students may apply to start in the spring semester (which begins in February), though most students choose to begin at the start of the academic year, in the fall.

Note: Space in engineering majors is quite limited during the spring semester. For those interested in the College of Engineering, we recommend beginning in the fall semester, especially for international students not currently studying in the U.S.

Do A-levels or IB’s give me college credit?

Yes. For information regarding test credits, please visit the registrar's website.

Can I send my documents electronically, or do I need to mail them?

You may submit electronic documents for admission consideration, but we require official sealed transcripts before you are permitted to enroll in classes.

Documents can be sent to international-admissions@udel.edu, or you may upload them directly using the UD student portal, My Blue Hen Home.

Please note: All credentials submitted in support of an application become the property of the University of Delaware and are not returnable. We ask that you not mail original documents to our office. Attested copies of certificates can be mailed by your institution to our office, or original documents can be presented to our office to be witnessed, photocopied and returned to you.

I have been admitted and would like to change my major. Can I do so?

Log in to your student portal, My Blue Hen Home, complete the Change My Major form, and an admissions representative will review the change. Not all requests can be approved.

I have questions about payment. Where can I find help?

To read more about Student Financial Services or set up an appointment, visit their website.

Can I apply after completing my International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)?

We require a minimum of IGCSE plus Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels.

Who should I contact with visa questions?

The UD Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) handles visa questions. Please browse their pre-arrival website for detailed information or contact them at oiss@udel.edu.

How and when do I get my I-20?

After you are admitted, your student portal will be updated with an Admissions Decision Reply form. Complete this form and submit your $500 enrollment deposit. Your portal will then update with an I-20 Request Form. Complete the form and submit the requested documents.

Once the I-20 Request Form is submitted, CGPS will review it as soon as possible and contact you if additional information is required. Please note that the I-20 cannot be processed until all supporting documents are received and completed—this includes bank statements, the Affidavit of Support form, etc. Once all information is submitted, please allow approximately 5-10 business days for processing. If you registered for eShip through your UD student portal, you should receive emails with tracking numbers when your I-20 has shipped.

Note: For conditionally admitted students this process will be different. Information will be sent to you via email.

What information do I need on my bank statement to show funding for the I-20 or DS-2019:

In order to be issued an I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to provide documentation showing funding for at least one year of study and that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funding will be available for subsequent years. For more information and the minimum requirements, please see the CGPS Cost of Attendance website.

Requirements for a bank statement or letter:

• Must be printed on bank letterhead or showing bank logo 

• Must be less than six months old at the time of the I-20 request

• Must be in English

• Must show the full name of the account owner in English

• Must show the account type 

• Must show currency type (example: USD, CNY, EUR)

• Must show the current balance of liquid funds in the account(s) 

Note: Screenshots of online banking pages are discouraged, as they often omit some of the required information.

A completed official UD Affidavit of Support form must be included if the bank statement is coming from a member of your family or from a sponsor. The form must include the relationship between the student and sponsor and the handwritten signatures and printed names in the appropriate spaces.

Does my visa permit me to work while I am in the US?

On an F-1 student visa, international students are allowed to work part-time (maximum 20 hours per week). During breaks and when not enrolled in classes (summer and winter semesters, for example), international students may work full-time or 40 hours per week. Employment is restricted to on-campus jobs. These opportunities to work can help international students earn an additional $7-10k to help pay expenses. 

If you receive a paid internship off-campus, you may be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a temporary employment authorization. 

After completing their degree, students are eligible to work full time in a paid position by applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

Always check with CGPS before accepting any position, even if it is unpaid or “volunteer.” For more information on employment, please see the CGPS employment page. For additional questions, please contact CGPS at oiss@udel.edu.

If I’m currently attending college and want to transfer to UD, can I do so?

Yes, you can apply as a transfer student after completing at least one semester at your current college or university. You will need to submit your current college transcripts, along with your official, final high school transcripts.

What documents do I need to submit to have my credits transfer?

At a minimum, you will need to provide an official or attested copy of your transcripts in English. Applicants who are attending or have previously attended an international college/university must provide a credential evaluation from International Education Research Foundation (IERF). Please visit IERF’s website for instructions and further information, such as  how to request a Standard Application with a Detail Report and where to mail your documents. IERF will send your credential evaluation directly to the University of Delaware.

For complete information on how credits from institutions outside of the U.S. may be transferred, please visit the Office of the Registrar's website.

Is a credential evaluation necessary when applying?

Only applicants to the Lerner College of Business and Economics or to the College of Engineering must submit an IERF credential evaluation. This is a required component of the application process. 

Students applying to majors in all other colleges do not need to submit an IERF credential evaluation. If you are offered admission and intend to enroll and transfer credit, an IERF credential evaluation will be required at that time.

Will all of my courses transfer?

We cannot guarantee that all credits will transfer. After your IERF report is complete, courses that are evaluated to be level 100 or higher with a grade of C or above will transfer.

For more information about transferring credits, please visit the registrar's website. 

When will I get my completed list of transferred credits?

Once all required documents are submitted, the evaluation of your transfer credits should be completed within three weeks.

Will the examination credit I received at my previous college or university transfer?

We cannot guarantee that credits awarded at other colleges or universities will be awarded at UD. We will examine all of your original transcripts, as well as your IERF report, and make a decision about which courses will transfer.

How many credits must I complete at UD to qualify for a degree?

You must complete at least 30 of the last 36 credits of your degree (one full year) to be awarded a UD degree.