International Graduate Students

SUNY Potsdam welcomes a number of international graduate students each year. International students should consult directly with the Contact Person listed for the program they are interested in to determine if it is consistent with their educational and professional  needs.

For the purpose of admission, an international student is defined as a student studying in the U.S. on an F-1 nonimmigrant student visa. International graduate students can learn more about F-1 immigration requirements by contacting the Office of International Education and Programs at (315) 267-2335.

For non-native English speaking applicants, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 80 (internet-based), or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required.

Over the past few years, our faculty has developed some of our programs to meet the special needs of some international students (see links on this page):

  • Canadian students desiring to pursue teacher certification by enrolling in any of our campus-based MST programs, as well as the part-time MST Childhood Education program in Watertown;
  • Korean students interested in improving their English competencies while learning about American education;
  • Chinese students interested in Information and Communication Technology.


International Initiative Grant

International graduate students qualify for the International Initiative Grant.  Eligibility requirements to receive the grant are as follows:


  1. Meet regular admission requirements for graduate study as an F-1 student
  2. Enroll in nine (9) or more credit hours per semester
  3. Live on campus in one of the residence halls in a standard double room (individuals choosing another housing option will be billed accordingly for the cost differential).
  4. Participate in a meal plan (exception: Summer semester).
  5. This incentive is renewable for up to four (4) semesters of full-time graduate study during the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms (not available for Winterim session).

Note: The International Initiative Grant will be discontinued for students beginning their master's degree after Spring 2012.  Once it becomes available, information will be listed here about financial assistance opportunities for international graduate students beginning study in the Summer or Fall 2012.