Completing the application
When applying to the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, there are things you’ll need to know, fees you’ll need to pay, and forms and other materials you’ll be required to submit. Before you begin the application, familiarize yourself with the information below so you’ll be as prepared as possible.
When you complete your application, you should enter your biographical data as it appears on your passport:
- Last Name/Sur Name/Family Name
- First Name/Given Name
- Middle Name
- Additional Other Name (any other name that may appear on your supporting materials)
- Your Date of Birth should be entered in the format of month/day/year.
Upload a copy of your passport and of all dependents who will accompany you to Rutgers as part of the supporting materials for your application.
Most international applicants will not have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that is based on the 4-point scale used in the United States. If this is the case for you, please enter 0.00 on the electronic application. GPA information is used for statistical purposes and your transcripts will clarify your academic achievement.
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is required if your undergraduate education was completed in a non-English speaking country.
- Your scores must be current within 2 years of the semester you are applying to.
- You are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are a Permanent Resident, US citizen, or an international applicant with a minimum of three years undergraduate studies or a masters degree with the mode of instruction being English.
- If you are missing required test scores, your application will not be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee.
- The minimum paper-based TOEFL score is 550. The minimum computer-based TOEFL score is 213
- The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL is Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17.
- An acceptable IELTS score is bandwidth 7.
- You must be proficient in the reading, writing, and speaking of English to communicate effectively with graduate faculty and university administrators. Language intensive graduate programs such as History, English, Psychology, and others might have stricter requirements.
If you have received an offer of admission without financial support, you must submit a Certification of Funds along with financial documentation before you can receive an official certificate of admission and eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).
Financial documentation is not required for New Brunswick programs until you are offered admission. Financial documents must be original and current, dating no more than 9 months prior to the term of admission.
You must also show proof you can finance your first year of education and living expenses and provide a plan and sources for funding future years.
For single students, awards of assistantships and fellowships by Rutgers generally satisfy the financial certification requirements for admission.
International students recommended for admission who are presently attending a university and are transferring their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID to Rutgers are required to submit a FSAR.
International students on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are required to submit a FSAR.
The following information has been prepared to answer many of the questions frequently asked by new international scholars and students preparing to come to Rutgers.
International students on H, F, or J visas are not eligible for in-state tuition rates. To be eligible for in-state tuition, you must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident (hold a green card), and have resided in New Jersey for a minimum of 1 year.
International students on an F1 or J1 visa should review the important notices for students posted on the Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA) website. The notices contain quick-reference summaries on how to stay in legal status.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS fee has to be paid to the U.S. government. The SEVIS fee or the I-901 fee amounts have changed as of June 24, 2019, to the following:
F-1/M-1 visa applicants (full payment) $350
J-1 Visa Applicants (full payment) $220
- You must pay tuition, fees, and, where applicable, housing and dining charges for that semester upon arrival.
- If you are admitted with university financial assistance in the form of teaching and graduate assistantships, you should also arrive with sufficient personal funds to cover immediate expenses.
- You should bring a bank draft for approximately one-half of the amount required to support your first-year educational and living expenses. You should bring at least $1,000 for initial purchases (more if you plan to live off campus). Bank drafts take at least 14 days to clear for payment.
- We suggest you use traveler’s checks or an ATM card compatible with U.S. cash machines. You should also carry at least $125 in paper currency and two or three dollars in coins for telephones, baggage lockers, bus fares, and tips.
You may have special immunization requirements if you are an international student. All health and immunization requirements and forms are found on the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal (https://rutgers.medicatconnect.com). Select Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey from the dropdown list and then login to the Portal using your NetID and password. Follow the instructions for the four steps to complete your immunization and health requirements.
Read about requirements on the Health Services site
If you are on an F1 or J1 visa, you are not eligible for part-time nondegree study.
All students with F or J immigration status whose visa documents are issued by Rutgers are required to have at least the basic and the major-medical insurance coverages described on the Student Health Insurance page in this catalog. The costs for insurance are automatically charged to such students on their term bills unless they have been exempted because they have other coverage or they are fellows whose student health premium is being managed by the graduate school. All accompanying family members (spouse and children) also must be insured. Except for students with full assistantships that provide family coverage as an employee benefit, insurance coverage for spouses and children must be purchased at the Center for Global Services, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 180 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8537 (848-932-7015)
Visit here for further informartion
Rutgers is planning to welcome all students back to campus, including our 8,000+ international students, for the fall 2021 semester.
Find more information about our guidelines at Rutgers Global
Resources for international students
English Language Learners (ELL)
This Rutgers Writing Program is geared toward English language learners, multilingual writers, and international students, helping them improve their skills through advising, workshops, tutoring programs, and more.
Intensive English @RELI
With courses created specifically for different areas of study, The Intensive English program is designed to help international students master the English written language so they can successfully translate their knowledge, compete in the global marketplace, and ultimately even get their research published.
The Graduate Writing Program
The Graduate Writing Program serves graduate students across the Rutgers community. The GWP’s mission is to support graduate students of all disciplines in their current and future writing goals, from coursework papers to scholarly articles and dissertations.