Applying as an International Student
Application Requirements
Applicants who are not United States citizens or Permanent Residents of the US must submit all materials required of domestic applicants, as well as the following documentation:
Proof of Financial Support
International applicants must submit proof of sufficient funding to cover the cost of attendance for at least one academic year’s expenses ($79,000). This proof is required before an appropriate visa can be issued to the student. Acceptable proof for privately sponsored applicants is an original signed letter of support from the sponsor that includes the US dollar amount of support and certified bank statements indicating funds sufficient to cover at least the student’s first-year expenses.
For government-sponsored applicants, acceptable proof is an official or certified copy of the award letter that includes the US dollar amount of the award per year and any special billing instructions. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Educational Records
Syracuse University College of Law requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC J.D. Credential Assembly Service. If you completed any postsecondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts.
One exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the CAS subscription fee.
A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), which will be incorporated into your CAS report.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, or IELTS score, no more than two years old, as evidence of language competency sufficient to undertake law study.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) must be contacted to request that scores be sent directly to LSAC. LSAC’s TOEFL code for the J.D. Credential Assembly Service is 2823. Your score will be reported in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your CAS law school report.
To use J.D. Credential Assembly Service, log in to your online account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Questions about the J.D. Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 215.968.1001 or LSAC’s website for international applicants.
The TOEFL/IELTS score requirement will be waived for non-resident students who have completed a four-year undergraduate program or a minimum of two years of graduate work in a U.S. college or university. The College of Law recommends a TOEFL score in the range of 100 or an IELTS score in the range of 7.0.
F1 Student Visa Information
Congratulations on your acceptance to Syracuse University College of Law! In order to begin your law school journey with us, we will need important information for issuing your I-20 paperwork.
Please follow these instructions on how to obtain your F1 Student Visa.