Welcome
International
Students!
“At Alfred State, I have grown as a leader, grown as an academic student, and more importantly I am a better human being.” Soumya Konar, Mumbai, India
US News & World Report Ranking: Alfred State is the #1 SUNY Regional College
Alfred State is a top choice for students wanting real-world experience and new career skills. Choose from 80 academic programs that prepare you for a great future. To prove our success, 98 percent of alumni immediately start their careers or pursue advanced degrees after graduation.
The State University of New York (SUNY) is the largest integrated system of higher education in the US and Alfred State is the #1 SUNY Regional College according to US News and World Report. Students from 160 countries select SUNY thanks to its experienced faculty and 5,000 courses of undergraduate study.
Why Choose Alfred State?
Hear from those who know us best, our students! Bee Williams from Australia says that with scholarships Alfred State was less expensive and a better value than going to a university at home. Dean Jackson from Canada says campus life is amazing with a healthy variety of food options and a supportive atmosphere. Soumya Konar from India notes that being in a less populated city helps her focus and she receives personal attention at Alfred State.
Now that you heard what a welcoming community we offer, we want to make it easy to answer your questions about enrollment, tuition, and scholarships.
Admission Requirements
1
Applicants must possess a recognized high school/secondary school diploma. Verification must be supplied to the Admissions Office.
Students who have earned a university/post-secondary degree and provide official verification are exempt from this requirement.
2
Individual program requirements must be satisfied as indicated on the program's Web page (full list of academic programs).
3
Applicants with previous university/post-secondary experience must submit an official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
If applicable, students must also supply proof of university/post-secondary graduation.
4
Submit official SAT or ACT scores if applicable. Standardized test score (ACT or SAT) results are reviewed for some scholarship considerations and for those interested in intercollegiate athletics.
Note: If a student entering submits standardized test scores, they are taken into consideration during the application review process. When multiple SAT score reports are submitted, the highest composite score (critical reading and math) is used.
5
Applicants must submit proof of English proficiency. Please send an official score sheet of your examination results from the testing center (Alfred State’s TOEFL code is 2522).
For information about the IELTS exam and how to send official scores, please visit the IELTS website. Photocopies, scans, and faxed documents are not considered official. Minimum scores:
- TOEFL Internet-based test: 61 or paper-based test: 500
- IELTS: 5.5
- Duolingo English Test: 90
- Pearson (PTE): 46
6
- One academic letter of reference written in English, including a valid email address to contact the reference.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- An official bank statement on bank letterhead. The bank statement must indicate that the applicant or sponsor has sufficient funds to pay for the first year of study in the United States. The bank statement must contain a fresh ink signature or stamp from a bank official to be considered official.
Application Process
1
Apply to Alfred State College
Complete the online SUNY application or the International Application Form (PDF).[See the International Student Application Checklist for help with the application process.]
2
Submit Financial Documents
Submit evidence of financial support, including:
- The International Student Financial Statement/Form FSA-4 (PDF); and
- An official bank statement (copies are not acceptable) on bank letterhead. The bank statement must indicate that the applicant or sponsor has sufficient funds to pay for the first year of study in the United States.
3
Submit Academic Documents
Submit the appropriate academic records from all secondary and post-secondary institutions you have attended, including:
- Official transcripts
- Matriculation certificates
- Mark sheets and/or diplomas
- Academic records must be official. A photocopy or a fax of a record without a fresh ink signature is not considered official. If the transcripts are not in English, have them translated into English and notarized/certified.
4
Demonstrate Language Proficiency
Submit official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PEARSON score report from the testing center.
- Alfred State's TOEFL school code is 2522.
5
Submit Test Scores
Submit official SAT or ACT scores if applicable. Standardized test score (ACT or SAT) results are for some scholarship considerations and for those interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics. When multiple SAT score reports are submitted, the highest composite score (critical reading and math) is used.
6
Submit Academic References
Submit at least one academic letter of reference written in English, including a valid email address to contact the referee.
7
Submit Documentation
Submit a copy of a valid passport.
International Transfer Students
International students who are studying in the U.S., and would like to transfer to Alfred State, should use the international student application forms and follow the same procedures as initial attendance students. Students who have completed university/post-secondary-level coursework and would like to have their courses evaluated for possible transfer credit, must submit the following to Alfred State:
- course descriptions for courses to be evaluated
- and a course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Below are the organizations we feel best meet the needs of the applicant and of Alfred State:
Checklist for Accepted International Students
1
Set up Alfred State Email and BannerWeb Account
Set up your Alfred State email account and BannerWeb account. Students must check their Alfred State email account regularly for important updates from the College. Directions for setting up both accounts are included in your acceptance packet. You must set up your Alfred State email account to receive your BannerWeb PIN.
2
Pay Enrollment Deposit
Your due date is listed on your “Deposit Instructions/Refund Policy” sheet included in your acceptance packet. Please refer to the deposit refund policy listed on the back.
Should you not receive a visa, the deposit is fully refundable. Deposits may be paid online through BannerWeb.
3
Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Form I-901 may be found at FMJfee.com. Proof of fee payment must be presented at the visa interview.
4
Schedule Visa Interview
Schedule a visa interview and apply for the F-1 visa. You may wish to visit USAEmbassy.gov and Travel.State.Gov to locate the consulate or embassy near you and for more information on the visa process. Be sure the spelling and format of your name match your passport.
5
Transfer University/Post-Secondary Credits if Applicable
If you have completed university/post-secondary credits outside the United States and would like transfer credit, complete a credential evaluation, please see our international transfer students page for more information on transferring your university-level coursework completed outside the United States.
6
Complete Health Form
Complete the health form (found in the acceptance packet and includes Meningitis response form and immunization records) by you and your doctor and return the form to:
Health Center, TA Parish Hall
Alfred State College
10 Upper College Drive
Alfred, NY 14802 USA
7
Register for Classes
When your deposit has been paid, the Coordinator of International Student Programs will contact you via email regarding registering for classes. Registration starts in May for students beginning their studies in August and in November for students beginning their studies in January.
Start by logging into BannerWeb for the first time to fill out a Pre-Scheduling Survey. You will work in consultation with the Coordinator of International Student Programs and your academic advisor to register for classes. If you have any questions, please email the International Student Services Office.
8
Pay Semester Bill
Bills are available online in July for the August semester and in the middle of November for the January semester. You must pay your bill by the due date (August 9 for the August semester or January 3 for the January semester) or else your courses will be dropped. Your bill information may be seen on BannerWeb.
Directions for paying online are on BannerWeb. Payment can be made by:
- Online credit card payment (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards are accepted)
- Check, money order (in U.S. dollars) made out to Alfred State with a signed copy of the bill.
- General questions regarding the bill can be directed to the Student Records & Financial Services Office.
9
Check Arrival Schedule
Contact the International Student Services Office regarding your arrival date and time. See a schedule for transportation from the Greater Rochester International Airport.
You may arrive no more than thirty (30) days before the mandatory International Student Orientation.
10
Determine Computing Requirements
Visit our laptop required curriculums page to determine if a laptop computer is required for your particular major.
11
Take Housing Survey
Complete the housing preference survey to help guide residential life staff with your on-campus housing placement.
13
Enjoy your Semester
Pack, relax, and get ready to start the semester at Alfred State!
Where Is Alfred?
Alfred State is 70 miles south of Rochester, NY, and 90 miles southeast of Buffalo, NY surrounded by outdoor recreation with beautiful lakes and state parks. The Washington Post ranks Alfred as the #1 Ultimate College Town. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our community is incredibly supportive and student-focused.
At the center of the US Northeast, Alfred State is within 350 miles of 104 million people and a third of the US population. Our campus is equally close to four international landmarks: New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and Ottawa, Canada.
Ready to Become a Pioneer?
Senior International Officer Melissa Holland specializes in student admissions and scholarships for international students. International agencies wishing to partner with Alfred State should also contact Melissa. Those applying for admission are considered an International Student if they are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or do not have refugee status in the US. Alfred State accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis. Recommended application deadline dates are May 15 for an August entry or October 15 for a January entry.
Student Profiles and Testimonials
Aryan Bairagi | India
About Myself
My name is Aryan Bairagi, I am from India, where the colors are doubly bright.
Personal Achievements at Alfred State
As a first-year student, I got into all the clubs I could sign up for. Starting from the international club, outdoor recreation, karate, and a lot more. I had a constant on-campus job at The Terrace as the cashier.
Life on Campus
Life on campus can be tough with a lot of college work and limited socializing time. My friends include mostly my studio mates because we have been together for three years. Working and enjoying college life together forms a nice bond between people. Somehow, I have always ended up in a friend circle with people who love outdoor activities.
Future Aspirations
With an energetic and driven mind, I am pursuing two majors at the same time (architecture and interior design), future goals always keeps changing. But one thing remains constant the childhood dream of being Indiana Jones. Not the crazy guy who jumps around with a whip but the archeologist and architecture history professor who has a lot of knowledge. So yeah, at the end of the day I want to be an archeologist or historical preservation architect.
Calvin Tay | Malaysia
Personal Achievements at Alfred State
My proudest achievement during my time in Alfred was when I was the president of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club. We organized a business ethics dinner and had over 200 attendees consisting of staff and students, a record-breaking attendance. Students who attended walked away with knowledge of business dinner ethics that will be helpful to them in the pursuit of their careers. This was all made possible with the support of my fellow club members and club advisors that share a similar spirit of service that I have.
Life on Campus
Being curious and interested in the topic of money, I chose financial planning as my major. The course was wonderful. Aside from meeting like-minded people to bounce ideas off, it allowed us to gain broader exposure into the industry with association meetings in Rochester as well as conferences in Nashville and Chicago. I was also active in the Internationals Club. The time spent sharing food from all around the world on Friday nights is something that I cherish even after graduation.
Future Aspirations
In the words of Emerson, “…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Every day, I remind myself of my goal: To help remove the anxiety and frustration people feel when it comes to managing their finances. For the past year as a banker, I learned that my career is more than just excel sheets and projections. I think I share a goal that all college graduates share. I simply hope that through my efforts, I can make the world a better place, even just a little.
Le Q Nguyen | Vietnam
Personal Achievements at Alfred State
I started working for the International Office my second year here at Alfred State. I was also fortunate enough to be a part of an honor society for construction management, which is my major here at Alfred State. I worked as a math tutor in the Student Success Center for a year as well.
Life on Campus
I usually hangout with my friends from International Club. I also served the club as a vice president for a semester which gave me endless opportunities to meet new people from different parts of the world. I also have a few friends from my major that I work and study with outside classes as well.
Future Aspirations
After completing my studies here, I want to go back to Vietnam and contribute to the construction sector of the country. Before going back, I want to be able gain as much as knowledge and experience I can.
Soomin Park | South Korea
About Myself
Hello! My name is Soomin, and I am from South Korea. My major is interior design and I was in Alfred for two years for my associate's degree. During those two years, I became an RA, a club president (International Club), and worked as a student ambassador.
Life on Campus
I met most of my closest friends through club activities, especially International Club, and they [completed] my life in Alfred. These friends and the life in Alfred also lead me to new goals! And those goals are to come back to the United States and have my own business. The great and warm experience in Alfred was unforgettable, and I would come back and experience all of it over and over again in a heartbeat.
Contact Us
Melissa Holland
Senior International Officer
Student Leadership Center
Phone: 607-587-4215
Fax: 607-587-4299
Email: hollanmr@alfredstate.edu