Frequently Asked Questions

OSU hosts more than 1,600 international students each year from over 90 countries who contribute immensely to the learning environment. OSU also hosts approximately 450 visiting international faculty and researchers who, similarly, contribute to the campus culture and surrounding community.

Am I Considered An International or Domestic Student?

You are considered an international applicant if you need a visa in order to reside and study in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee or asylee, you will be considered a domestic applicant even if you currently reside outside the United States.

If you plan to apply for an F1 student visa or plan to adjust your current visa status to F1, you must first be formally admitted to Oregon State University. International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) can provide more information about visas and assistance with immigration issues.

Applying to Oregon State University as an International Student

Oregon State University offers a variety of programs for international students. Language programs, academic preparation programs known as “pathway” programs and undergraduate and graduate programs. This website is designed to assist international students with the following application types:

English Language Programs
General English, Academic English, Study Abroad with English and Campus Year Abroad
Undergraduate Programs
Choose from over 200 majors in 9 academic colleges
Graduate Programs
Choose from over 70 majors in a broad range of programs
Undergraduate Pathway Programs
Undergraduate Pathway programs in Business, Engineering, Science/Natural Resources and General Studies offer academic preparation in a first-year program for students who may want or need additional support
Graduate Pathway Programs
Graduate Pathway programs in Business and Engineering provide prospective graduate students with additional academic background in these fields prior to applying for the MBA or MEng programs.

Can I find out if I am eligible to be admitted to OSU before I submit an application? Will you review my grades and tell me if I can be admitted to OSU before I submit an application?

OSU receives thousands of inquiries and applications each year and are not able to provide you with an admissions decision without submission of a complete application. In general, students must be in “good” standing and have the equivalent of a “B” average or 3.0 GPA when converted to the U.S. system of education for admission to a degree-seeking undergraduate program. Students who are not admissible to an undergraduate degree may be referred to the Pathway Program at the INTO OSU Center on the OSU campus.

How do I log back in to my OSU online application?

You may return to an unfinished application by logging in to InfOSU Admissions. If you have completed and submitted your application for admission, you may print a copy of your online application or you may check the status of your application, including if and when your supporting documents have been received. If you wish to make changes to your application, please submit a request using the Admissions Application Change Form.

How can I pay my application fee? Can the application fee be waived?

The online application requires an application fee payment of US$50 payable by credit card at the time of submission. If you do not have a credit card or authorization to make a payment by credit card, please contact us at intladmit@oregonstate.edu. Application fees cannot be waived nor refunded.

Can I defer my admission to another (future) term?

You may request one change of term during the same academic year without submitting a new application or paying a new application fee. If you request a second change of term during the same academic year, or if you request a term that is associated with a new academic year, you will need to complete a new application for admission and pay a new application fee.

As an international student, you may also be required to submit new financial documents prior to having a new I-20 issued with a new start date.

To do so request a change of term, please submit the Admissions Application Change Form online.

How do I change information on my application?

You may update your application by submitting the Admissions Application Change Form online. If you have transcripts from additional studies since the time of your initial application, be sure to send these documents directly to the Office of International Admissions.

I want to change my major. How do I request these changes to my application?

Undergraduate applicants who wish to change their major, may do so by submitting the online Admissions Application Change Form.

Do I need to submit all of the application pieces together at the same time? What application materials do I need to submit, after applying online, or with paper application?

If possible, we encourage you to submit your supporting documents by post at one time; however, we understand that, in some cases, your supporting documents may become available only at a later date. Although, we prefer to receive official supporting documents at the time of application, we do accept copies of official documents for review purposes and will make an initial admission decision based on them.

How will I know if my application materials have been received by OSU? How can I check my application status?

Applicants can expect an email confirmation (within 3-5 days) and a letter confirming what documents have been received and what documents we are still missing within 2-3 weeks of submitting your application.

Because of the amount of mail we receive on or around the application deadlines, please allow 2-3 weeks for the processing of your documents before contacting us about your application. If you applied online, you may check the status of your application by returning to the login site and checking the information under "Processed Applications"

When do I need to submit the OSU Certification of Finances Form?

It is helpful, but not required, that you submit the OSU Certification of Finances Form (OCFF) and supporting documentation at the time of application. If you prefer to wait until learning the outcome of the application decision and possible awarding of scholarships and graduate assistantships, you may do so; however, the I-20 (document used to apply for the F-1 student visa) cannot be issued until the OCFF and sufficient evidence of funding have been received.

If you have SAT scores, a personal statement and/or letters of recommendation, you are welcome to submit them to OSU. These items can be helpful as a supporting document, but will not disqualify an applicant if not provided.

When and how will I be notified of the admissions decision? If I am admitted, when will I receive my I-20 or DS-2019?

International Admissions strives to inform applicants of the admission decision within 10-15 days of receiving the Online Application for Admission AND all of the required supporting documents. If a supporting document or a required piece of information is missing, the application will remain pending, and no decision will be made.

For students outside the U.S., the I-20 will be sent with the letter of acceptance. For students currently in the U.S. attending another school, the I-20 will be issued only after his or her SEVIS records are released for transfer to OSU. For students planning to be in J-1 exchange visitor visa status, International Student and Faculty Services will issue and post the DS-2019 to you upon admission.

May I apply to Oregon State University for a second Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, OSU considers the pursuit of a second bachelor’s degree as a post-baccalaureate degree program. Applicants must meet the same GPA requirements as transfer applicants. A 150-200 word statement of academic objectives is part of the Post-Baccalaureate application, which is available online. Academic departments may also impose additional requirements and must approve all post-baccalaureate admissions.

How can I find out if you have any athletic scholarships?

Athletes with outstanding records and achievements should contact the coach of the sport directly to indicate a desire to participate in varsity athletics. If the coach does not already know about you and is not actively recruiting you, he or she can provide an assessment of your competitiveness in an OSU athletic program. http://oregonstate.edu/athletics/

I want to take E-campus / Distance education courses only. Which application form do I use?

If you wish to pursue a degree program and take online courses only, you will need to be formally admitted to the university. Please visit OSU E-campus for more information. Please Note: It is only possible to enroll full-time for online courses if you are outside the US. Students in F-1 or J-1 status may not enroll full-time for online courses.

If you do not plan to pursue a degree and are outside the US, you may apply for Non-degree Enrollment Status.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at the following email, phone or fax numbers:

Email: intladmit@oregonstate.edu
Tel.: +1.541.737.5719
Fax: +1.541.737.4220

Mailing address:

Office of International Admissions
Oregon State University
1701 SW Western Blvd.
Corvallis, OR 97333 USA

OSU Office of Admissions

OSU Office of International Admissions

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