Admission Information

Student Types

Students entering the University of South Florida can be classified by both their residency type and the number of credits they've already earned.

If you are classified as a U.S.-based student, you will work with the Office of Admissions toward enrollment. If you are classified as an international student, you will work with the Office of International Admissions toward enrollment.

Am I an International Student?

You are considered to be an international student if:

  • You intend to enroll for credit at an accredited higher education institution in the U.S. on a temporary visa, AND
  • You are not an immigrant (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card), an undocumented immigrant, or a refugee

Each international student is given a "student type" in addition to their residency classification. Learn what type of student the University of South Florida classifies you as:

Am I a Freshman Applicant?

You may be considered a freshman regardless of the amount of college credit you have earned through dual enrollment, AP or IB coursework, or external examinations while in secondary school.

The State of Florida considers you a freshman if:

  • You have not graduated from secondary school or completed your secondary school examinations, OR
  • You have completed your secondary school studies and have attempted fewer than 12 college credits

Therefore, even though you may have sophomore or junior standing once you enroll and your credits are transferred, USF will review your application for admission as a freshman and consider you for all freshman admission scholarships.

Learn more about international freshman admissions:

Am I a Transfer Applicant?

Before you apply to USF, determine whether you are a lower-level or upper-level transfer applicant. Then, review the appropriate application requirements.

  • You are a lower-level transfer applicant if you have graduated from high school and attempted or earned 12 to 59 transferrable credits
  • You are an upper-level transfer applicant if you have obtained 60+ transferrable credits. 

Learn more about international transfer admissions:

Please note: The following student types are not considered traditional transfer students. If you think you fall into one of these categories, click on the corresponding link to learn more.

  • Second Bachelor's Degree-Seeking Student: You have already obtained a bachelor's degree and are pursuing a second bachelor's degree at USF
  • Returning Student: You are a former USF student returning to complete a degree, or to begin a new degree-seeking program
  • Transient Student: You are currently enrolled at a Florida Public College or State University and want to take classes at USF to transfer back to your college/university
  • Non-Degree Seeking Student: You are interested in taking courses but are not interested in obtaining a degree

Am I a Graduate Applicant?

You are considered a graduate applicant (sometimes called "postgraduate") if:

  • You are seeking entrance to a master's, doctoral, education specialist or graduate certificate program, AND
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or U.S. equivalency), OR
  • You will have earned a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment at USF

Current graduate students: If you plan to enter a new graduate degree program when you complete your current degree program (i.e. enter a Ph.D program upon completing your master's degree), you are also considered a graduate applicant for the second program.

Learn more about international graduate admissions:

Am I a Doctoral Applicant?

You are considered a doctoral applicant if:

  • You are seeking entrance to a doctoral program, AND
  • You have earned a master's degree (or U.S. equivalency), OR
  • You will have earned a master's degree prior to enrollment at USF

Current doctoral students: If you plan to enter a new doctoral degree program when you complete your current degree program (i.e. enter a Ph.D program upon completing your doctoral degree), you are also considered a doctoral applicant for the second program.

Learn more about international doctoral admissions:

Programs of Study

Am I an Exchange Student?

You are considered an exchange student if:

  • You are currently studying at a post-secondary institution, AND
  • You plan to attend the University of South Florida temporarily for a period of up to one year before returning to complete your degree program at your home institution

Learn more and apply as an incoming exchange student through USF World:

Study Abroad at USF

Am I a Second Bachelor's Degree-Seeking Applicant?

You are considered a second bachelor's degree-seeking applicant if:

  • You have earned a bachelor's degree at USF or another institution, AND
  • You plan to earn an additional bachelor's degree

Learn more about international second bachelor's degree-seeking admissions:

Please note: The following student types are not considered second bachelor's degree-seeking students. If you think you fall into one of these categories, click on the corresponding link to learn more.

  • Returning Student: You are a former USF student returning to complete a degree, or to begin a new degree-seeking program
  • Transient Student: You are currently enrolled at a Florida Public College or State University and want to take classes at USF to transfer back to your college/university
  • Non-Degree Seeking Student: You are interested in taking courses but are not interested in obtaining a degree

Am I a Returning/Former USF Student?

You are considered a returning or former USF student if:

  • You are a degree-seeking undergraduate student who has not earned the degree, AND
  • You have not been enrolled at USF during any of the last three consecutive terms, AND
  • You wish to re-enroll at USF

Otherwise, you are considered a continuing student and can still register for classes.

Learn more about international returning/former USF student admissions:

Please note: The following student types are not considered returning/former USF students. If you think you fall into one of these categories, click on the corresponding link to learn more.

  • Second Bachelor's Degree-Seeking Student: You have already obtained a bachelor's degree and are pursuing a second bachelor's degree at USF
  • Transient Student: You are currently enrolled at a Florida Public College or State University and want to take classes at USF to transfer back to your college/university
  • Non-Degree Seeking Student: You are interested in taking courses but are not interested in obtaining a degree

Please note: The following student types are not considered second bachelor's degree-seeking students. If you think you fall into one of these categories, click on the corresponding link to learn more.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the Office of International Admissions.