Who is an International Student?

An international student is an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and who will study in the United States under a temporary, non‑immigrant visa. You are considered an international applicant if any of the following apply:

You will need an F‑1 visa to enter and study in the United States.
You are not a U.S. citizen and currently attend a U.S. high school while on an F‑1 or F‑2 student visa.
You are in the United States on a different temporary visa type, such as H, E, L, or another non‑immigrant classification.

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International Student Resources

Application Deadlines

UGA International Student Life

Immigration Services at UGA

International Student FAQ

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from international applicants. Please remember that the application process is student‑managed, meaning it is the student’s responsibility to stay informed about all requirements, deadlines, and materials that must be submitted.

Determining Your Application Type

How do I know if I should apply as an international student?

You should apply as an international student if any of the following apply:

You will need an F‑1 visa to study in the United States.
You are not a U.S. citizen and currently attend a U.S. high school on an F‑1 or F‑2 visa.
You are in the United States on another temporary visa (such as H, E, or L).

I’m a U.S. citizen educated abroad. How should I apply?

Apply as a domestic student. Submit your international transcripts, and UGA will calculate your GPA.

I’ve never attended college after high school. How should I apply?

Apply as a First‑Year applicant.

I’ve graduated high school and attended a college or university. How should I apply?

Apply as a Transfer applicant.

Permanent Residency, Refugee, and DACA Status

I have a Green Card. Do I apply as an international student?

No. Apply as a domestic student and submit a copy of your Green Card (front and back).

I have applied for a Green Card. Do I apply as an international student?

Yes. Until permanent residency is approved, you must apply as an international student.
Submit documentation such as:

EAD
Form I‑485
I‑94 record

I have refugee or asylum status. Do I apply as an international student?

Yes. Apply as an international student and submit your supporting documents.

I am a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student. How should I apply?

You may apply and receive a decision, but you cannot enroll unless your immigration status changes. More information can be on our page for Verification of Lawful Presence.

Academic Records & Transcripts

How are international transcripts evaluated?

Submit final, English‑translated transcripts from each school.
UGA will calculate a new GPA from your records.
You must complete the level of education that qualifies you for university study in your home country.
On your application, select “Do not self‑report grades.”

Do international students need to self‑report grades?

No. Do not self‑report grades.

English Proficiency Requirements (First-Year Applicants)

How do I show English proficiency?

Most students meet proficiency through SAT or ACT scores required by the Board of Regents. Students may also submit IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Average scores for admitted international students (2019–2023):

SAT EBRW: 650
ACT English: 30
IELTS: 7.5
TOEFL: 102 (the equivalent under the new system is a 5.0)

Applying as a Transfer Student from Outside the U.S.

How do I apply as a transfer student from a non-U.S. university?

Apply as a Transfer applicant and follow the additional requirements below.

Credit Evaluation Requirements:

If your institution is outside the U.S. and not regionally accredited, you must submit a course‑by‑course evaluation through one of these approved services:

English Proficiency for Transfer Students

If English is not your first language, proof of English Proficiency can be demonstrated by submitting one of the following:

An official transcript with the equivalent of English 1101 and 1102 (first-year composition) at an accredited U.S. institution, minimum 2.5 combined GPA
SAT – EBRW score of 430
ACT English section score of 17 or higher
A band score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS
A TOEFL score of at least 213 on the computer-based exam, or a 550 paper based score, or an 80 on the internet based TOEFL

The University of Georgia accepts TOEFL and IELTS results from testing headquarters. UGA’s TOEFL and SAT code is 5813, the ACT code is 0872. Scores must not be more than 5 years old.