Over 900 international students representing almost 90 countries pursue their education at Oregon State University, and each individual brings his or her own unique experiences, perspectives, and academic goals. Yet many students face common challenges such as adjusting to American culture, developing English language skills, securing student visas, coping with pressures from home, funding education, and establishing new support networks. OSU and the Graduate School are committed to working in partnership with your academic program to ensure you have a quality educational experience.
Your education is one of the best investments you will make in your lifetime. The rewards of graduate study at OSU are not just the education you'll receive, but the friendships, professional contacts, cultural awareness, and mastery of English that will be reflected in your daily life. This link contains an estimated cost of attendance and some suggestions in calculating your expenses.
All international students are required to have health insurance for themselves and their dependents throughout their program of study including summers and periods of practical/academic training. This link contains information on the OSU International Student Health Insurance plan, the OSU Graduate Assistant Employee Health Insurance plan, and Student Health Services.
The TOEFL test measures English language skills in reading, listening, and writing. The Graduate School at OSU requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), or 80 total score with all subscores 18 or above (Internet-based Test [iBT]) for regular admission, yet some degree programs require scores above 550. Contact your department to determine the minimum score required for your degree program. The TOEFL score must be no more than two years old at the time of your first term of registration. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for complete details. This link takes you to the official TOEFL website for more information about the test and a listing of TOEFL test centers.
Students may take the IELTS test as an alternative to TOEFL. The IELTS is designed to assess English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Graduate School at OSU requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for regular admission into any degree program. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for complete details. This link connects you to the official IELTS website for more information on IELTS and IELTS test centers.
The visa application process can be confusing at times, and it requires a lot of planning, research, and energy. Don't get discouraged! The opportunities that await you in your graduate studies at OSU are worth the effort. The office of International Student & Faculty Services (ISFS) has advisors and on-line resources to assist you in applying and maintaining your visa status.
This link contains important information about testing, training, and teaching assignments for international students who have received teaching assistant positions. Guidelines for the Assignment of International GTAs details the oral proficiency levels indicated by the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) scoring and outlines the appropriate placement and training of IGTAs.
A division of International Programs, ISFS strives to provide useful resources to international students throughout their education at OSU. This site contains information about student visas, scholarships, cultural adjustment, financial issues, health insurance, academic concerns, and personal counseling.
For students who wish to concentrate on building their English language skills, INTO OSU offers a range of courses.
ISOSU is an organization that strives to be a "home away from home" for our international students. ISOSU brings together people from around the world in an effort to educate students and the community about international issues. This site will also connect you to the international student groups on campus from specific countries and regions of the world such as the Chinese Association of OSU and the Association of Latin American Students.
