Undergraduate

International Freshmen How to Apply

A group of USF international freshmen students chatting on campus.

You can apply for admission using USF’s online application or the Common App. USF does not have a preference between the two, so choose whichever application you would like. Check out our deadlines to ensure you don't miss out on term selection, scholarships, campus choice and more. 

APPLY IN 6 EASY STEPS 

Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to do to complete your application package. You can also download our International Freshman Application Steps Guide if you need it later.


1. Submit Your Application

Complete the USF online application or the Common App.

USF Online Application

Check out our tutorial video or download our step-by-step PDF guide on how to apply easily. 

Apply Now

 

Common App

Check out our tutorial video or download our step-by-step PDF guide on how to apply easily.

Apply Through Common App

 


2. Pay Your Application Fee

Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee. 


3. Submit Official Transcripts

Send original or certified copies of academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work to USF.

  • 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 

If you have completed all 4 years of high school in the U.S., you will need to submit your coursework and grades via the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) website. If you have attended any overseas high school, you will need to submit your official transcripts.


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. 

Test Score Acceptance Information

For Summer and Fall 2024 admission, only test scores from exams taken before January 2024 will be accepted.
  • SAT Code for USF: 5828
  • ACT Code for USF: 0761
  • CLT: Please select University of South Florida from dropdown on CLT website
    • Note: USF is accepting test scores from CLT tests taken on or after July 1, 2023.

Students are only required to submit either SAT, ACT or CLT scores, but they are encouraged to submit one of each. USF superscores, meaning we consider your highest submitted section scores across all SAT, ACT and CLT test dates. Final admission decisions are made using only your highest cumulative scores. USF will not accept scores from the Common App portal, your guidance counselor or PDF screenshot. Scores must come directly from SAT, ACT and CLT testing services.


5. 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.

If these English-proficiency tests are required, applicants must attain the following minimum scores: 

  • TOEFL – 79
  • 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.


GET TO KNOW THE APPLICANT PORTAL

Once you apply, 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

Applicant Portal


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.

Immigration Requirements


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. 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. 

Residency Information


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. 

Submit Transcripts