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How to Apply to Alfred University as an International Student

Posted By Valeriia Radko

Feb 27, 2026 | Financial Aid General Blogs Parents & Families Pre-College Student Services

Choosing to study abroad is an extremely brave decision. Alfred University is proud to be home to students from every corner of the world, and we understand how anxious and complex the application process can feel for international students. To help make things easier, we created this guide to answer common questions and highlight important documents you’ll need along the way.

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Application Basics

The first step for any international student applying to Alfred University is knowing what documents you must submit. The application process can be more complex for international students, so missing or submitting incorrect documents may affect your chances of admission. We encourage you to follow each step carefully and reach out if you need support.

You will need:

Academic transcripts from your secondary school and/or any college or university you attended.
Proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT.
Financial documents that show you can afford tuition and living expenses.
Passport
Health records that include all immunization requirements set by New York State.

English Proficiency Tests

All courses at Alfred University are taught in English, so demonstrating proficiency helps show that you’re prepared for academic work and daily communication in an English‑speaking environment. Don’t worry! This is just one part of the application, and with preparation, you’ll feel confident in your skills.

Accepted tests

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Minimum score: 80
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Minimum score: 6.0
SAT and/or ACT
- U.S. standardized tests that can also demonstrate English proficiency.

If you’ve completed English courses at a U.S. college or university, we may review them in place of test scores. However, depending on your results, we may still request official TOEFL or IELTS scores, so it’s a good idea to prepare them in advance.

Sending your scores

Send scores directly from the testing organization so they are official. Use Alfred University’s institution code: 2005. We cannot accept copies or screenshots of score reports. If your score is slightly below the minimum, Admissions may review your application case‑by‑case and request additional documentation.

Transcripts and School Systems

Your academic transcripts are one of the most important parts of your application. They help Alfred University understand your academic background and whether you're prepared for university‑level coursework. Because each country has different grading systems and school structures, this part of the process can feel overwhelming—but knowing what’s required will make things much easier.

International applicants must provide official academic records from all schools attended, including:

Secondary school transcripts — showing grades and proof of graduation.
College or university transcripts — if you have studied at a higher education institution.

All transcripts must be original or certified copies, and they must be provided in English. If your documents are in another language, include an official English translation.

Understanding different school systems

Because academic systems vary worldwide, our admissions team may not be familiar with your grading scale. To help us better understand your academic background, we recommend a credential evaluation through an approved service such as World Education Services (WES) or Education Evaluators International (EEI).

Financial Documents

Providing financial documentation is another essential step in the international application process. Proof that you can financially support your education is required by U.S. immigration regulations. Without these documents, we may not be able to consider your application.

The main financial document you must submit is the Evidence of Financial Support, completed through the Undergraduate Student Certification of Finances. This form confirms that you have the funds needed to cover tuition and living expenses.

This form is required by the U.S. government to make you eligible for an F‑1 student visa. Without it, Alfred University cannot issue your I‑20 form, which is needed to apply for your visa.

Your Journey Starts Here

Deciding to apply to a university in another country is already something to be proud of. International applications require effort, patience, and attention to detail—but with good preparation and a willingness to ask for support, the process becomes much more manageable (and even exciting).

Alfred University values every international applicant and strives to provide the resources you need to succeed. As you move forward, trust yourself, stay organized, and remember that the Alfred community is here to support you every step of the way.

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About the Writer

Meet Valeriia

Valeriia Radko is a first-year student at Alfred University from Cherkassy, Ukraine, studying psychology and marketing. As a student writer for the university’s marketing team, she develops content focused on providing helpful information for current and prospective students as well as highlighting campus life and available resources. Her interests include content marketing and media psychology, shaped by her involvement in student government and several other organizations on campus. In her free time, Valeriia enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with a good book.

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