Welcome International Students

The Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University welcomes international students to become part of our academic community and share the experience of life in the most creative and exciting city in the world. LIU values the rich diversity of cultural experience international students bring to this institution.

Applicants with foreign credentials must provide academic records in the original language as well as a certified English translation.  Applicants need to provide official results of secondary external examination, for example, the Indian Higher Secondary Certificate/HSC (arts or sciences group) earned after standard XII (grade 12), or All –India Senior School Certificate/SSC, and certificates of completion of secondary schooling. 

All international students who attended high schools or colleges outside the United States will need to submit a course-by course evaluation of their transcript(s) from an accredited international credit evaluation firm. To view a list of the current firms the Brooklyn Campus uses to perform these services click here.

PLEASE DO NOT FAX DOCUMENTS.  Applications will not be reviewed until the Office of Admissions receives all official documentation.

International students interested in applying to our university should download and submit via mail a completed copy of both the undergraduate application and the I-20 request form

First year students must submit:

Completed application

• Official high school transcript (secondary school) or mark sheets with translation. 
   Transcripts must be submitted in the original language with English translation.
• A course-by-course evaluation (performed from an accredited international credit   evaluation firm) of courses taken at institutions outside the United States.
• Official copy of the student’s Leaving Certificate or Diploma, and General Certificate of Education (GCE), if applicable.
• Submit SAT I or ACT official scores.  Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. When requesting scores to be sent to the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University please use institution code 2369 for the SAT and the institution code 2792 for the ACT.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report, if English is not your native language you must meet the qualifying scores of (500 paper-based score; 173 computer based score; 61 internet based score). 
• All applicants seeking an F-1 student visa are required to submit an Affidavit of Support, demonstrating the availability of finances equal to one year’s tuition, room and board.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Optional: Applicants are encouraged to submit a personal statement explaining academic challenges and/or future goals, as well as a resume or statement of extracurricular activities.
• $30 application fee

An applicant will be considered a transfer applicant if applicant has performed university-level credit beyond secondary school at the time the applicant plans to enroll at LIU.  Successful transfer applicants must demonstrate better than average grades in strong academic courses, proficiency in English, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses. 

Transfer students must submit:

• Completed application.
• A course-by-course evaluation (performed from an accredited international credit   evaluation firm) of courses taken at institutions outside the United States.
• Applicants having completed fewer than 24 semester or 45 quarter hours, are requested to submit official secondary records (see above), as well as SAT I or ACT scores to the Office of Admissions. Applicants must request an official copy of all college transcripts be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by all former college (s).  Transcripts must be in native language with certified English translations.   A final official transcript must also be sent upon completion of any courses in progress.  Please note that all offers of admission are contingent on satisfactory completion of any work in progress between the time of the application and the time of enrollment.  Long Island University accepts transfer credits taken only from regionally accredited institutions.  The acceptance of credit will be determined after an offer of admissions is given.  If admitted to Long Island University, applicants must also provide course description information, translated into English, for all international coursework completed.  Course descriptions may come either from an undergraduate catalog or from course syllabi.  Please send all course descriptions to the Office of Admissions.
• Applicant must provide proof of English Proficiency.  If English is not the native language – regardless of citizenship – the applicant must provide Long Island University with verification of English proficiency.  Scoring 480 or higher on the critical reading of the SAT I will exempt applicant from the proficiency requirement.
• Certificate of Finances, including supporting documents that demonstrate support of one year’s tuition, room and board  (U.S. currency).
• Photocopies of I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, visa stamp, and current I-20 or DS2019
• Two letters of recommendation.
• $30 application fee

I-20 Form or DS-2019 Form Information

Upon receipt of the non-refundable required tuition deposit, Long Island University will issue an I-20 form.  The I-20 is necessary for obtaining an F-1 student visa or for legal transfer from another institution in the U.S.  If, for any reason, a student cannot attend during the term planned, the I-20 must be returned with notification of a future enrollment date or notification that the student will not be attending LIU.  For students who will enroll in a later term, a new I-20 will be sent by LIU to the student upon final acceptance to the new term. 

Students must attend the school named on the certificate of eligibility presented at the United States port of entry.  Page three of the I-20 should be retained by the student for later endorsement by LIU and for future reentries in the U.S.  Students who will leave the U.S. and return to LIU need to have the endorsement of the Director of International Students in order to show that they are students in good standing and, therefore, permitted to continue their studies at the LIU. 

Students must present their passport, Form I-20 ID and entry permit (I-94 card) at the Office of International Students upon arrival at LIU.  Copies of documents must be kept on file according to immigration regulations. 

VISA APPLICATION

International Students must appear before a United States consulate in order to secure an F-1 student visa. The following items must be presented:  Form I-20 (certificate of eligibility issued by Long Island University), a valid passport, and proof of sufficient financial support

Students with F-1 status who are transferring from an educational institution in the United States should consult with the international student adviser at their present school for instructions on the Immigration Service’s transfer process.  This should be done as early as possible to avoid any difficulties. 

Financial Capability

All students with non-immigrant visas must provide certification of financial support for the time period that they will be enrolled at Long Island University.  The financial statement guarantees that the required minimum finds, in U.S. dollars, will be available to the student during the academic year.  Applicants must also plan to meet expenses for subsequent years of study. 

Financial assistance to international undergraduate students in not available.   Graduate students are eligible to compete for small departmental scholarships based on need and academic performance. 

Holders of the F-1 student visa may work at jobs on campus providing their employment does not displace a U.S. citizen.  This work generally pays minimum wage and is limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session (40 hours during vacation periods).  Employment of this type is not guaranteed and this income cannot be counted as part of the amount required on the financial statement.  F-2 visa holders (spouses) may not work under any circumstances.  Off-campus employment is limited to practical training in a position that relates closely to the student’s program of study.  Practical training cannot start until after the first nine months of an academic program and many regulations apply.  For clarification of employment regulations, contact the Foreign Student Adviser.

* Students interested in applying for any undergraduate major must also submit a course work in progress sheet

To view additional information about admissions requirements, financial aid, and course information please click here to view the undergraduate and graduate bulletins.

International students interested in applying to our university should download and submit via mail a completed copy of both the undergraduate application and the I-20 request form