International Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find some commonly asked questions for international applicants. Please keep in mind that the application process is student-managed and that students are responsible for keeping up with dates, deadlines, and items to be submitted.

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

You should apply as an international student if you meet one of the following:

  • You will require an F-1 visa to enter and study in the United States.
  • You are not a U.S. citizen and are currently in the United States on an F-1/F-2 (student) visa and attending a United States High School.
  • You are currently in the United States on some other class of visa (including: H, E, L, etc.).
I am a Green Card holder. Do I apply as an International student?

No. For the purpose of your application, please apply as a domestic student, and plan to submit a front and back copy of your Green Card.

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

Yes. If you are in the process of obtaining permanent legal residency, please also plan to submit all documentation related to this process. This would include, but not limited to, an Employment Authorization Document, the form I-485, or your I-94 departure record.

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

Yes. If you hold refugee or asylum status, apply as an international student. Please plan to submit all documentation related to this status.

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

At this time you are able to apply and receive an admissions decision, however you will be unable to enroll at the University of Georgia unless your immigration status changes. For more information on the USG policy for DACA and Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP), please visit: https://www.admissions.uga.edu/apply/vlp/.

I’ve submitted my international student application. Where can I find more information?

You can find more information about the visa process and the International student experience at UGA  through the Office of Global Engagement and  International Student Life at UGA.

I have never attended any colleges or universities after high school. How should I apply?

You should apply as a First Year Student.

I am a U.S. Citizen, and I attended high school outside of the United States. How do I apply?

As a US Citizen you are considered a domestic student and you should apply to UGA as such, even if you attended high school or college outside of the United States. To evaluate your international grades, submit your international transcripts and our office will make the proper adjustments to obtain your new GPA.

How do I show English proficiency if I apply as a first-year student?

If you are applying as a First Year Student, there are several ways you can demonstrate English proficiency. All First Year students are required to meet the minimum SAT or ACT scores required by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for admission to its research universities. Since these scores align with the International Freshman English Proficiency Requirements set by the Board of Regents, most international students meet these minimums through their SAT or ACT scores. However, most competitive students’ scores are much higher than these minimums. Additionally, many students choose to send us an IELTS or TOEFL score to further demonstrate their English proficiency during our holistic review. The average English scores for admitted international First Year students from 2019 through 2023 are below:

  • SAT EBRW – 650
  • ACT English – 30
  • IELTS – 7.5
  • TOEFL – 102
How do you evaluate international transcripts and curriculum?

The University of Georgia accepts transcripts from many different types of curriculums. Before you submit, please review the recommendations for your application below: 

  • Translate your academic records into English and send us your final academic records from each school.  Based on this information we will calculate a new GPA.
  • Students will need to complete the level of education that would allow them to enroll in a competitive university in their home country.
  • On your application to UGA, select the option to “not self-report your grades”.
I am an International student. How do I self-report my grades?

As an international student you don’t need to do this. Please do not self-report your grades.

I have graduated from high school, and have attended a college or university after high school. How should I apply?

You should apply as a Transfer Student.

I am a student at a University outside of the United States. How do I apply?

Please apply as a Transfer student. In addition to the required application items listed on the transfer website please note:

Credit Evaluation

Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you can demonstrate English proficiency. For example:

  • An official transcript with the equivalent of English 1101 and 1102 (first-year composition – not in progress hours – these have to be final credits with final grades) at an accredited U.S. institution, minimum 2.5 combined GPA or higher, OR
  • SAT R – EBRW score of 480 or higher, OR
  • ACT English section score of 17 or higher, OR

If your SAT English scores are below 480 or if your ACT English score is below 17, you may submit:

  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher, OR
  • TOEFL: 80 or higher

 

Not an international applicant and looking for the domestic first-year FAQ? Visit here!

Not an international applicant and looking for the domestic transfer FAQ? Visit here!