Undergraduate
International Transfer How to Apply
You can apply using USF’s online application, but before you dive in, watch our application tutorial or review our tutorial guide. We’ll walk you through the entire process!
Apply in a Few Easy Steps
Ready to get started? Select your transfer type to see all the steps required to complete your application package. Also be sure to review your specific major requirements.
If you aren't sure what type of transfer student you are, check out our General Requirements for All Majors section of our website.
Lower-Level Applicants (Secondary school graduates with 12-59 transferrable credits)
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the USF online application.
2. Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.
3. Submit Your Official Transcripts
Send original or certified copies of secondary transcripts/academic records and all post-secondary transcripts/academic records.
- 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 international@usf.edu. Alternatively, mail your transcripts via post to:
University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States
4. Submit Official SAT, ACT or CLT Scores
If you are submitting ACT scores, you are required to submit scores for the Writing section, per Florida Board of Governors requirements.
- Request official SAT scores directly from the College Board. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official ACT scores directly from ACT, Inc. Our school code is 0761.
- Request official CLT scores directly from CLT. You will select University of South Florida from the school dropdown when completing submission.
5. Send Official IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo Scores
This step is only required for students from non-English speaking countries. Scores are valid for two years from the original date of examination.
- Request official TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official Duolingo scores directly from the testing agency.
If these English-proficiency tests are required, applicants must attain the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL – 79
- IELTS - 6.5
- Duolingo – 110
- SAT – 24 (Reading), 25 (Writing and Language)
- ACT – 17 (English), 19 (Reading)
The English-proficiency test requirement may be waived if the applicant has successfully met another proof of English proficiency requirement as outlined in the USF academic catalog.
Upper-Level Applicants (Secondary school graduates with 60+ transferrable credits)
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the USF online application.
2. Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.
3. Submit Your Official Transcripts
Send original or certified copies of all post-secondary transcripts/academic records.
- 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 international@usf.edu. Alternatively, mail your transcripts via post to:
University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States
4. Send Official TOEFL or Duolingo Scores
This step is only required for students from non-English speaking countries. Scores are valid for two years from the original date of examination.
- Request official TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official Duolingo scores directly from the testing agency.
If these English-proficiency tests are required, applicants must attain the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL – 79
- Duolingo – 105
- SAT – 24 (Reading), 25 (Writing and Language)
- ACT – 17 (English), 19 (Reading)
The English-proficiency test requirement may be waived if the applicant has successfully met another proof of English proficiency requirement as outlined in the USF academic catalog.
Second Baccalaureate Applicants (College graduates seeking to earn a second bachelor’s degree)
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the USF online application.
2. Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee.
3. Submit Your Official Transcripts
Send original or certified copies of all post-secondary transcripts/academic records.
- 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 international@usf.edu. Alternatively, mail your transcripts via post to:
University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States
4. Send Official TOEFL or Duolingo Scores
This step is only required for students from non-English speaking countries. Scores are valid for two years from the original date of examination.
- Request official TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official Duolingo scores directly from the testing agency.
If these English-proficiency tests are required, applicants must attain the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL – 79
- Duolingo – 105
- SAT – 24 (Reading), 25 (Writing and Language)
- ACT – 17 (English), 19 (Reading)
The English-proficiency test requirement may be waived if the applicant has successfully met another proof of English proficiency requirement as outlined in the USF academic catalog.
That’s it! Once you’ve completed all the required steps, the admissions team will take some time to review your file and render a decision.
When to Apply
Here is a good rule of thumb on when to apply as a transfer student:
- If you are currently enrolled at another college or university: apply no more than 90 days before your final grades will be posted for the current semester. (e.g., if your final semester grades will be posted on June 1, apply after March 1 for transfer admission to USF.)
- If you are not currently enrolled at another college or university: apply as soon as you are ready with all required documents needed for an admissions decision.
GET TO KNOW THE APPLICANT PORTAL
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.
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.
CHECK YOUR RESIDENCY STATUS
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 Florida 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.
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.