Undergraduate
International Transfer How to Apply
It's easy to apply to USF as an international transfer student. Follow these steps to submit your application.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Start by completing and submitting your application to USF.
Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $30 application fee.
If you need to pay via international wire transfer, we encourage you to use our Flywire system.
Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts
Send original or certified copies of your 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.
- You may also have your school directly mail your transcripts via post to:
University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States
Step 4: Submit Official SAT, ACT or CLT Scores
Only for students with less than 60 transferable credits.
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.
Step 5: Send Official IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo Scores
Only for students from non-English speaking countries.
- Request official TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official Duolingo scores directly from the testing agency.
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
- 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.
Students Seeking a Second Degree
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Start by completing and submitting your application to USF.
Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $30 application fee.
If you need to pay via international wire transfer, we encourage you to use our Flywire system.
Step 3: Submit 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.
- You may also have your school directly mail your transcripts via post to:
University of South Florida
Office of Admissions
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620
United States
Step 4: Send Official TOEFL or Duolingo Scores
Only for students from non-English speaking countries.
- Request official TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Our school code is 5828.
- Request official Duolingo scores directly from the testing agency.
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 – 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.
- For example, if your final semester grades will be posted on June 1, apply as a transfer after March 1.
- If you are not currently enrolled at another college or university: Apply as soon as you have prepared all required documents necessary to reach an admissions decision.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES
Get to Know the Applicant Portal
Once you apply, you’ll use USF's Applicant Portal to complete most remaining application tasks. In your Application Portal, you can see any missing items, upload documents, complete requested forms, check your application status and more.
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.
Understand the Residency Process
When you apply to USF, the Office of Admissions uses information on your application to determine whether you are an in-state 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. Respond to requests for information about your residency as soon as possible.
Learn how residency is determined and how to ensure you’re classified correctly.
Please note: Students are informed of their residency status once admitted to the university.
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 how to submit your final transcripts.