International Graduate Student Information

Visa Requirements

All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must be registered as a full-time students (i.e., minimum of 9 credits per semester) during both the Fall and Spring Semesters to maintain a proper visa status. However, if all course work has been completed and the student does not wish to register as a full-time student while completing a thesis or paper, the Office of International Students may allow part time registration; with the approval of the student's graduate advisor.

Time Constraints for Completion of Degrees

According to immigration documents, a maximum of three years is permitted for a Master's Degree and a maximum of six years for a Doctorate. Students entering a Ph.D. Program with a Master's Degree are allowed no more than four years to complete the degree.

Teaching Assistant English Requirements

International graduate teaching assistants must attain a score of at least 250 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). This test is administered (free of charge) at Penn State University. The International Test of Spoken English may also be taken prior to arrival at Penn State. Information and application forms for this examination may be obtained by writing to the following address:

Educational Testing Service
Test of Spoken English
Box 2822
Princeton, NJ, 08541
(There is a fee for this examination)

Office of International Programs

All international graduate students should become familiar with the Office of International Programs on campus. This office is designed specifically for meeting international students' special needs, e.g., visas. Some of the many benefits include:

Providing an opportunity for international students to become familiar with the campus before the arrival of the other new students.
Helping international students to obtain a Social Security Number, if the student has funding
Providing information about shopping, housing, school registration for children, etc.