Flags of many nations fly before the University at Albany Podium complex. Flags of many nations fly before the University at Albany Podium complex.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Welcoming Learners from Around the Globe

Welcome Home to the University at Albany

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) works to help international students and scholars achieve their educational goals and make the most of their time at the University at Albany. We provide resources and information to new and current international students and visiting scholars. Here you'll find information on immigration, life in Albany and in the United States, administrative and academic requirements, employment, housing, insurance and more, plus timely announcements to help you call the University at Albany "home."

You can visit our advisors during walk-in hours without an appointment.  Walk-in advising hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1-3:30pm in Science Library G-40.

Our International Students, By the Numbers

The University at Albany is committed to providing a top-tier learning experience for students worldwide. It's no surprise that so many international students and scholars come to the University at Albany to reach their educational ambitions. The numbers speak for themselves.

 

Announcements

View our latest newsletter.


CIEGS' Spring 2024 International Celebration Student Speaker a Model for Undergraduate Success

Florinda Gjypi, international student from Albania, will be featured as graduating international student speaker at the CIEGS Spring 2024 International Celebration on May 9, 2024. Florinda - affectionately known as Flor by her colleagues and friends - will also be presenting her Honor's English thesis at the UAlbany Showcase at the end of April.  Read More.


Applying for Post-Completion OPT?

Students who are graduating and planning to apply for Post-Completion OPT Work Authorization should complete the following steps to apply:

  1. Watch the required OPT workshop
  2. Review all instructions on the OPT Request EForm website, including the Supplemental Forms and Instructions
  3. Submit the EForm to ISSS to request a new I-20 recommending you for post-completion OPT 
  4. File with DHS-USCIS within 30 days of receiving the new I-20 from ISSS recommending you for post-completion OPT 

If you have questions please speak with an ISSS advisor.

 

Meet Our Team

The staff of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) brings nearly five decades of experience to the job of helping international students forge a path to success through higher education. They're here to help you realize your dreams by earning a degree from the University at Albany. Meet the team!

 

Help an International Student Succeed

International students and scholars fund their studies and research at UAlbany with grants, scholarships and assistantships, or with their own money and financial support from their families. 

In a few cases, however, through no fault of their own, excellent international students and scholars who are part-way through their programs at UAlbany find themselves unable to graduate or complete their research without a new infusion of financial support.

These funds are intended to provide emergency help in moments of crisis. Examples of crises include a sudden illness not covered by insurance; the death of a child, parent or financial sponsor; and an economic collapse, natural disaster, or coup d’etat in their home country. 

Learn more about various ways you can donate via the mail or by phone, or make your contribution online.

To donate online, please designate your gift to International Students and Scholars 20-50001-00.

 

Help a Student Today

 

New Frontiers to Health

Scientists can identify the origins of diseases by studying how RNA turns genes on and off, potentially leading to innovative disease treatments and possible cures.

Biological Science grad student Marissa Louis in RNA lab

The RNA Institute offers unique opportunities to researchers and trainees for collaboration and interdisciplinary research. We have more than 50 faculty working to understand the role of RNA in fundamental biological processes, developing RNA as a tool for science and harnessing this knowledge to improve human health. 

The RNA Institute is more than just a modern research facility. We are a collection of diverse and talented researchers and laboratories united by a common goal in understanding the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, physics, and nanobiosciences. RNA forms the basis of our research, it is the common element that we study, build, modify and analyze as well as the building blocks that we use to construct tools, reporters, and therapies.

Our RNA Training Programs provide a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on RNA and its health-related benefits. We develop our future science leaders by providing trainees from high school to post-doc students and beyond with comprehensive access to faculty, techniques, and collaborations within Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Nanobiosciences. Our training includes the Doctoral RNA Training Program and the Undergraduate Summer Fellowship.
 

Ken Halvorsen and student researcher of the RNA Institute

One of The RNA Institute's strengths is the diversity of our faculty's research and range of disciplines. However, the diversity of our faculty and trainees lags behind the University at Albany's undergraduate population and surrounding communities. In line with UAlbany's mission to ensure that diversity, in its people and in its ideas, drives excellence in everything that it does, the Institute launched a multi-pronged approach to increase diversity and support inclusivity at the Institute and across STEM disciplines.
 

The RNA Institute hosted its inaugural RNA Day, inviting local students from the New York State’s Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
The RNA Institute News
The RNA Institute, College of Arts and Sciences
Life Sciences 2033

1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Phone
Fax
518-437-4456
Office Hours

On Site & By Phone: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twitter: @TheRNAInstitute

RNA Institute logo, College of Arts and Sciences