Application Instructions for International Students

International students interested in applying to the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research must complete our online application. The application cycle for Fall 2025 is now open. The application deadline for international students applying to our Ph.D. program is December 15, and January 1 for M.S.S. applicants.

Transcripts

• International applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. If your degree was earned at an institution outside of the United States, we require that you have your transcripts evaluated by a third-party service like World Education Services (WES). 
• Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an international institution may be eligible for Advanced Standing status. You must submit an equivalence report from the Council on Social Work Education's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES) to qualify.

English Language Proficiency

• International students whose first language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. The GSSWSR requires a minimum 100 on the TOEFL iBT or a minimum 7.0 on the IELTS. 
• Exceptions may be made for applicants who:
  • have lived in the U.S. for three or more years (proof of residency required).
  • have graduated from a college or university at which the language of instruction is English.

Financial Aid

• International applicants interested in financial aid are eligible for institutional grants awarded by the College. 

Visa Information

• International students admitted to the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research will be required to complete an Entry Document Application Form issued by the Office of International Services and Advising. This form must be completed and returned before an I-20 form (certificate of eligibility for F-1 status) is issued.
• International students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for an F-1 Visa.