International First-year Students: Apply

Application Instructions

You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen and currently hold or will obtain an F or J Visa to study in the United States as a first-year or transfer student. Any other visa types should use the first-year application.

1. Apply online

   There are several ways to apply; please submit one application:

   The Common Application allows you to apply to over 500 participating schools with one application. Apply via the Common Application

   The SUNY Application allows you to apply to multiple SUNY schools with one application. Apply via the SUNY Application

   The Coalition Application allows you to apply to over 90 schools with the assistance of an online toolkit. Apply via the Coalition Application

   Note: International students are not eligible for fee waivers. The application fee is $50 USD.

2. Check your email and activate your password

   Beginning in early October,  after we receive your application, we'll email you a Reference Number and User ID. Once you receive these, you will be able to activate your account by setting  your password. You must do this before you can successfully complete the rest of your application.

   Add admit@binghamton.edu to your email contact list to ensure you receive our emails. Don't forget to check your spam folder.

3. Submit your transcripts

   Official transcripts are required for each of the most recent three (3) years of schooling and must list all courses attended and grades obtained. If the transcripts are not in English, send the original transcript with English translations. In order for transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly to Binghamton by a school officer:

   • Electronically through the application;
   • By email to international@binghamton.edu (Note: must be sent from a school email domain); or
   • By mail to Binghamton University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 6001, Binghamton, NY 13902-6001

4. Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

   Binghamton University is a SAT/ACT test-optional university which means SAT/ACT scores are not required. Students have the option to submit SAT/ACT scores for academic review and/or to fulfill the application requirement to demonstrate English proficiency (see below). 

   All students must indicate on the Common Application, the Coalition application or the SUNY application whether or not they want standardized SAT/ACT test scores included in the academic review of their overall application. 
   

   For complete details, review our testing policy and our test-optional FAQ page.

5. Demonstrate English Proficiency

   All international students (who are not native English speakers) are required to submit at least one test score that demonstrates English proficiency. This is true even for students who attend a school where English is the language of instruction and for students who choose to be SAT/ACT test optional. All test scores must be less than two (2) years old. Students who attend a school for four years where English is the language of instruction may request a waiver by writing to international@binghamton.edu. Binghamton accepts the following tests for demonstrating English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearson PTE, Cambridge (B2, C1, C2), SAT, IB higher level, O level English and ACT. Only official scores will be accepted. In order to be considered official, scores must be sent directly by the testing organization. 

Check status of your application regularly

Once you've appliedk you should regulary check the status of your application regularly.

Submit financial support documents

International students planning to attend with an F-1 or J-1 visa will be required to submit proof of financial support. An I-20 or DS-2019 form will not be issued until a verification of funds to cover the first year of study has been received. Students should submit the following to meet this requirement:

International Student Financial Statementcontaining the signature of any relevant sponsors.

Official bank statement(s) verifying adequate available funds to cover student expenses; submit English translation if necessary

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 form once a student has been admitted and has submitted financial support documents.