Information for International Students

Thank you for your interest in the University at Albany. The University welcomes students from around the world, and annually enrolls approximately 1,000 students representing nearly 80 nations. All international applicants must apply through the Office of Graduate Admissions at UAB 121, 1400 Washington Avenue. Prior to enrolling at Albany, students must have completed a degree program equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Students who have not completed all first degree requirements and students completing programs that are not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree will not be considered for admission to Albany graduate programs.

The University maintains highly competitive standards for admission. Students with superior academic records are (such as First Class or honors) are encouraged to apply. There is a required application fee which must be submitted before an application will be processed. This fee will not be waived or deferred. Please be aware that application materials cannot be returned and credentials will not be forwarded to any other address.

Please carefully read the application instructions. The information contained in this document is meant to supplement the application instructions. You are encouraged to learn more about the university by visiting our web site at http://www.albany.edu/

TRANSCRIPTS - Academic transcripts must be provided in the original language and accompanied by certified translations into English. An official certification of the award of all degrees is also required.

REQUIRED STANDARDIZED TESTS - Many academic departments at the University at Albany require the submission of standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, LSAT) with the application. Please refer to “Proposed Program of Study Codes” to determine what tests are required by each department.

Proven English proficiency is required to ensure success in Albany’s graduate programs. For students whose native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used as the basis for this evaluation. Students enrolled for a minimum of two full-time semesters or more in a U.S. colleges (or English speaking institution) prior to applying are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

The University recommended minimum TOEFL score required by most programs is 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based), or 79 (Internet based). The recommended minimum IELTS bandscore is 6.5 for most graduate programs. Several academic departments do require significantly higher results. For example, the TESOL program requires applicants to submit TOEFL results of at least 250 (computer), 600 (paper), or 100 (Internet).

COST OF STUDY - The figures below represent the estimated costs of attending the University at Albany. They are only an estimate and are subject to change. You should plan for an additional $4,000 annually for each dependent who accompanies you to Albany.

COST FOR ONE CALENDAR YEAR
Tuition and Fees	$12,837.00
Living Expenses	11,243.00
	$24,080.00

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The University offers a limited number of graduate fellowships and assistantships on a merit basis to qualified matriculated graduate students. These awards, which may include a stipend and a tuition scholarship, are offered and administered by the academic departments. The University is unable to provide any other financial assistance to prospective graduate international students. It is, therefore, essential that students provide an honest and accurate declaration of funding on the Financial Affidavit (to be submitted with the application). Falsification of documentation relating to available funds is a serious violation, which will result in denial of an applicant's request to study here, or removal from the University. Graduate students who are awarded assistantships become members of the State University Graduate Student Negotiating Unit, which is represented by the Graduate Students Employee Union (GSEU). The terms and conditions of employment for Assistants are governed by the collectively negotiated agreement between New York State and the GSEU. Current benefits include health insurance, minimum stipends, general salary increases, and a grievance and arbitration procedure.

Applicants interested in being considered for funding should also submit the Graduate Assistantship / Fellowship Form.

GENERAL
The University at Albany is a center of higher education in the Northeast United States and one of only four graduate research University Centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Enrolling approximately 17,000 students, (5,000 graduate and 12,000 undergraduate), the University is noted for academic excellence and a commitment to access and diversity. Nationally and internationally renowned scholars are among some 630 full-time faculty members who continue to maintain the high academic standards that have characterized the University at Albany since it’s founding in 1844 as New York State's first state-chartered public institution of higher education. More than 2,000 full-time and 3,000 part-time graduate students study in programs leading to advanced certificates, masters, and doctoral degrees.

The University, located in New York State's Capital Region, is within a few hours ride of Boston, New York City and Montreal. Air, bus, and rail terminals are within five miles of the University, and major U.S. interstate highways are only minutes away. Because Albany is the country's largest government center outside of Washington, D.C., graduate students have opportunities for internships and access to the vast resources of the nation's largest state government. The Capital Region includes the cities of Albany, Troy, and Schenectady, which together have a culturally diverse population of about 750,000. The area is home to 15 colleges and universities, including Albany Medical College, Albany Law School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Graduate students may cross-register for courses and use the library and research facilities of many of these institutions. The Capital Region is at the heart of an area known for its remarkable natural beauty and cultural resources. The Adirondacks, the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River, is nearby. The Green Mountains of Vermont provide first-class skiing. Campus community members also enjoy hiking, camping, white-water rafting, and golf. Nearby music and art venues include the internationally known Saratoga Performing Arts Center (summer home to the New York City Ballet, the New York City Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra); the celebrated Saratoga Racetrack; and Tanglewood (summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra). The 17,000 seat Pepsi Arena in downtown Albany offers major concerts (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, and many others) and sporting events.

GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES
Graduate Student Organization The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is a not-for-profit organization created in 1990 to serve the needs of graduate students at the University of Albany. Among its services, the travel and research grants committee provides money to qualifying graduate students. To date, approximately $60,000 in research and travel grants has been awarded, and more than $30,000 has been given to 25 various graduate student groups through GSO's allocation and general fund. The GSO also offers a multicultural environment through International Thanksgiving Dinner, workshops, seminars, conferences, and brings distinguished speakers to enhance graduate students' awareness of cultural diversity. Among other services are: the Job Fair, social networking, fundraising, GSO newsletter, and mentoring for students. Further information is available by contacting GSO, Performing Arts Center, Room 209.

Health Care and Counseling Services The University Health Center provides routine medical services year round for all enrolled students. A mandatory Student Health Fee covers most of the services offered at the Health Center. In addition, enrollment in the voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan is available for students wanting more extensive medical coverage. Students employed as Teaching, Graduate, or Research Assistants may also be eligible for the Student Employee Health Plan. Dependent coverage is available through these plans. Psychological services including short-term counseling, assessment, and referral are available for enrolled students through the University Counseling Center. Center services are provided to help students achieve their educational goals and are available to all enrolled students. In addition, the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program provides a crisis hotline and peer education services.

Housing On-campus housing facilities are provided for approximately 6,000 students. Graduate housing options include Freedom Quad and Empire Commons, apartment-style complexes which offer quiet, convenient environments for graduate students on the Uptown Campus. Waterbury Hall, a more traditional residence hall, is also available closer to the Downtown Campus. The University (as well as the City of Albany) maintains shuttle bus service between the two campuses. The Off-Campus Housing Office provides information on available off-campus housing facilities and possible roommates.

International Student Services The Office of International Student Services is the resource and advisement center for the University's international students. Services provided include U.S. Immigration counseling, cultural and academic orientation, coordination of social events, a Language Partners Program, and continued counseling for immigration, personal and University procedural concerns. Contact ISS at (518) 442 – 3902 or at ISS@uamail.albany.edu.