What terms can I apply for and what are the deadlines?
OSU is on the quarter system that consists of 3 terms, each 10 weeks in length, during the regular academic year along with a summer term that is often used as a vacation period.
Undergraduate students may, generally, be admitted for any term.
Graduate Applicants - Refer to your prospective department's website to determine application deadlines and admission terms.
Undergraduate application deadlines: Recommended Submission date: Date Term begins:
Term |
Begins |
For Students Outside the U.S. |
For Students in the U.S. |
Fall |
September |
April 1 |
June 1 |
Winter |
January |
July 1 |
September 1 |
Spring |
March/April |
October 1 |
December 1 |
Summer |
June |
January 1 |
March 1 |
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. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an admissions decision without a thorough review of all your application materials. 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. Transcripts are evaluated based on the particular educational system and institution.
Where can I find an online application or downloadable application? Is it better to use the online application?
Online and downloadable print applications for both undergraduate and graduate applicants are found on the Admission Publications Page. For most programs, you may submit your application by either method, with the exception of graduate programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) which require an online application submission.
How do I log back into my online application?
You may return to an unfinished application by logging in to InfOSU Admissions. If you have completed and submitted an application online, you will not be able to review your application content; however, you will be able to check which documents have been received along with the status of your application by going to “Processed Applications”
How can I pay my application fee? Can the application fee be waived?
If you apply using the online application, you will need to provide your credit card billing information at the time of submission. If you do not have access to a credit card, you will need to use the downloadable printed application and enclose a bank check for US$50. Application fees cannot be waived nor refunded.
Can I apply to OSU even if I don’t have a TOEFL score?
You may submit your application to OSU at any time as long as it meets the deadline for your preferred start term; however, before an admissions decision can be made, you will need to provide the Office of Admissions with a TOEFL score or alternative test score.
If my TOEFL score is less than the minimum requirement, can I still be admitted to OSU?
If you are academically qualified to be admitted to OSU, but do not have a sufficient TOEFL score, you may be eligible for the Conditional Admission Program which requires that you attend full or part-time intensive English language instruction at OSU's English Language Institute prior to beginning full-time studies at OSU.
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 you apply online, we encourage you to submit the supporting documents at one time; however, we frequently receive official TOEFL scores separately and occassionally official transcripts. Please see Application Procedures for more detailed information.
How will I know if my application materials have been received by OSU? How can I check my application status?
Undergraduate applicants can expect a letter confirming what documents have been received and what documents we are still missing within 3-4 weeks of mailing your application. Graduate applicants will, generally, be notified by their department if any items are missing.
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 Certification of Finances Form?
It is helpful, but not required, that you submit the Certification of Finances Form 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 Certification of Finances Form and sufficient evidence of funding have been received.
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?
Undergraduate applicants who apply early in the admission cycle generally receive a response within 3-4 weeks. Graduate Applicants should refer to their prospective department for a general timeline as each department will have their own schedules for the review of applications.
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.
Do I need to confirm my plans to attend OSU if I am admitted?
If you are admitted to OSU, we will send you additional information that includes an electronic form that can be submitted to confirm your intent to attend OSU and also to attend the Orientation for new international students. International students are not required to pay an Advance Tuition Deposit (as is required of domestic students); however, if you are admitted to an undergraduate degree program and are currently living in the U.S., you may wish to participate in a summer START session that requires the Advance Tuition Deposit. For more information, please visit the Admissions ATD page.
Can I defer my admission to another (future) term?
If you are undergraduate applicant, you may change your term of admission without submitting a new application or paying a new application fee for up to one year. You may, however, as an international student be required to submit new financial documents prior to having a new I-20 issued. To do so, please submit the Admissions Application Change Form online or print the form and post or fax it to the Office of Admissions. A new I-20 with a new start date, will then be issued and mailed to you at an address that you specify.
If you are a graduate applicant, you may also submit the Admissions Application Change Form; however, your department will need to approve the change of term of admission. If approved, a new letter of admission and accompanying documents will be sent to you. Please contact your prospective department for further information.
How do I change information on my application?
You may update your application by submitting the Admissions Application Change Form online or print the form and post or fax it to the Office of Admissions. 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 Admissions also.
I want to add a second major or change my degree level. 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.
For Graduate Applicants, please refer to the new prospective department's website, submit additional information as needed and submit a request using the Admissions Application Change Form. No additional application fee is required for up to one year.
I have extraordinary talent in a particular sport and am interested in attending OSU and participating in your athletics program. 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 am from an low income family/country, how do I apply for a scholarship?
Oregon State University offers several scholarships and tuition remission programs that award qualified international students with partial and sometime full tuition remission, as in the case of graduate assistantships. Some are highly competitive and require an application, while others are automatically awarded based on your previous grades. Please note the descriptions below and links to their respective websites.
Completed ICSP applications and two current letters of recommendation must be completed and received by Mar. 1st. Selection is made only in the spring for the next academic year. ICSP applicants must also apply formally to the OSU Office of Admissions by Apr. 1st.
What is the international community like at Oregon State University and are there other students from my country?
OSU is fortunate to host over 900 international students from over 90 countries who add immensely to the learning environment. If you wish to see which countries were represented this past year, please view the International Student Data Profile. OSU also hosts approximately 450 visiting international faculty and researchers who, similarly, contribute to the campus culture and surrounding community.
I want to take on-line courses only. Which application form do I use?
If you wish to pursue a degree program and take on-line courses only, you will need to be formally admitted to the university. Please visit OSU E-campus for more information.
If you do not plan to pursue a degree, you may apply for Non-degree Enrollment Status.
I want to apply as a non-degree seeking student. How do I apply?
You may apply for the non-degree program, if you do not need to maintain a student visa, and do not intend to pursue a degree. Please see the Non-degree Admissions w ebsite for more information. http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/nondegree/information.html
For non-degree seeking exchange students, OSU’s International Education and Outreach Office and International Student and Faculty Services together assist student who will be attending OSU as part of a study abroad exchange agreement with particular institutions in different parts of the world.
I want to take English courses before attending OSU. How do I apply?
The English Language Institute located on the OSU campus offers quality English language instruction and teacher training to individuals who wish to study intensive English full-time or part-time in the case of Conditionally Admitted Students to OSU.
Please note that ELI and OSU issue distinct I-20’s for the F-1 visa.
I noticed that the print application asks for SAT scores and a set of essays known as the Insight Resume? As an international student, do I need to submit these items?
International students are not required to submit SAT scores, unless you have attended a US high school for one year or more. International students are also not required to submit answers to the Insight Resume. If you do have SAT scores, you are welcome to submit them to OSU. OSU's school code is 4586.
Will I receive transfer credit for all of the classes I’m taking at my current college (whether in the U.S. or in another country)?
In some, but not all cases. Courses that are substantially the same in content and quality as OSU courses and are passed with grades of C- or better are usually transferable, but the final determination about awarding credit rests with OSU’s Office of Admissions. An enrolled student may be granted credit for Advance Placement course work that meets OSU requirements. No more than 83 semester units or 124 quarter units of credit for work done elsewhere may be counted toward a bachelor's degree from OSU.
How will I find out if I have been offered the International Provost Scholarship? (This scholarship is based on merit; no additional application is necessary.)
Admissions applications and accompanying grades are reviewed each spring for the International Provost scholarship. If selected, The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will send and award letter to the address listed on the admissions application. A response is required within 30 days from receipt of the letter.
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.
What format do letters of recommendation need to be in and do they need to be in English? How should I submit my letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation must be written on official letterhead, placed in sealed envelopes with the referees signatures on the back side and addressed to the proposed major department. If you have a master’s degree, you should include a letter from your major professor in addition to your other professional references.
How do I apply for a graduate assistantship? How will I find out if I have been offered a graduate assistantship?
The graduate application includes a question about whether or not you are interested in receiving a graduate assistantship. If you are interested, please be sure to check the box marked “yes”. Awarding of assistantships is generally made at the time of admission. Please contact your prospective department for further information and updates.
How do I know if there are additional documents required for my major?
Be sure to visit the website for your department and review what is listed as an admissions requirement. http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/international/graduate.php. If you still have questions, please contact the departmental contact person who’s email address will also be listed.
We hope the information provided above has helped to answer your questions related to applying to Oregon State University as an international student. If, after reviewing these questions and answers, you still have concerns, please send us your questions and we will do our best to respond within 48 hours.
