In addition to the application requirements, individuals with international credentials must comply with the Fox Graduate School's Minimum Requirements for Admission. International students are required to meet additional requirements for admission.
- Clinical Psychology: International students who require an I-20 visa should submit a complete application by mid-February for fall admission.
- Master of Business Administration: International students who require an I-20 visa and international students residing in the U.S. with a work visa can apply to our MBA program.
Review the Fox Graduate School's Admission Eligibility (by Country) and English Proficiency Requirements, as well as academic documents required, to verify your eligibility for graduate study at Penn State.
TOEFL or IELTS scores
The TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language, or IELTS, International English Testing System, must be taken by applicants for whom English is not their first language. This is not required of students who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. institution that has been accredited by an accepted agency. Students who have earned a degree in certain countries are also exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
- To submit scores to Penn State, select "Penn State" as your choice for ETS. Penn State's Institution Code is 2660 (all Penn State locations). The Department Code is 02.
- The Fox Graduate School at University Park receives score reports monthly. Applicants must demonstrate a TOEFL score of at least 4.5 with a 3.5 or greater on the speaking section for the internet-based test (IBT). Applicants who have taken the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, must have a total score of at least 80 with a 19 or greater on the speaking section for the internet-based test (IBT). The IELTS minimum score is 6.5.
- Penn State Behrend doesn't offer an Intensive English Communication program.
- Applicants cannot be considered for admission unless the minimum requirements stated above are met.
Academic Background
You must supply transcripts/marksheets and diplomas from any institutions attended.
Your international records will be considered complete and official if:
- each document is an original or an attested copy that is certified by the issuing institution;
- it is a comprehensive record of all study completed, in the form of a transcript or yearly marksheets;
- it includes all degree certificates conferred; and
- each document is submitted with an officially certified English translation.
The University reserves the right to request official credentials or additional supporting documentation at any time during the admission process as deemed necessary.
If admission is offered and accepted, you will be contacted by the Fox Graduate School with instructions on submitting official documents.
Translations to English should be conducted by Educational Credentials Evaluators Inc.
Please note: Individuals who are already in the United States on a work or dependent visa will need to provide scanned copies of their original passport, visa, and I-94 to the International Student Services staff at Penn State University’s Office of Global Programs, located at the Penn State University Park campus.