Attention: For International Undergraduate Procedures,
please visit: http://admissions.fiu.edu/how/international.php
International Graduate Students Admission Procedures
International students must meet all the admission requirements as established by the University as well as by the Academic program.
The application for admission and all related documents should be sent to:
- FIU College of Engineering and Computing
- 10555 West Flagler Street
- EC 2430 – Dean’s Office
- Attn: Graduate Admissions Coordinator
- Miami, Florida 33174-1630
A Certificate of eligibility will be issued once the applicant is academically admitted to the University and submits all necessary documentation, which may include:
- Official Bank Letter (s)
- Sponsor letter (s)
- Declaration & Certification of Finances PDF
- F1 Transfer form (if applicable) PDF What’s this?
- Scholarship / Graduate stipend form (if applicable)
- Immunization documentation Form
The applicant should then take all necessary documentation to the nearest US Consular office, in order to obtain the necessary student Visa. Contact the nearest US Consulate for more specific information. International applicants may not register for classes until proof of appropriate immigration status is provided to FIU.
For a list of US Embassies and Consulates abroad, please visit:
http://www.usembassy.gov/
Priority Consideration Application Dates
Due to the additional processing time needed for international students, please submit your application and supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, evaluations of university coursework, tests, and the Declaration and Certification of Finances) by the following Priority Consideration deadline dates:
- Fall Term: April 1st
- Spring Term: September 1st
- Summer Term: February 1st
We will accept applications and supporting documentation after the Priority Consideration deadline, but cannot guarantee a review by the admissions committee for the specified term.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The TOEFL is given worldwide. There is a fee for the examination. A minimum score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL (equivalent to 550 on the paper-based version, or 213 on the computer-based version is required for all graduate programs. The following exceptions apply:
- 1. Applicants who completed 4 years of high school in the United States or other English-speaking countries.
- 2. Applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution within the United States or other English-speaking countries.
Academic Records
Official transcripts must be sent directly from each previous institution to FIU. Documents in a language other than English must be translated by an official translation agency. Notarized translations are not acceptable.
Medical Insurance
The State of Florida requires that all international students maintain health insurance coverage to help defray the costs in case of a medical emergency. The University has approved a plan which meets the state requirements and which meets the needs of most students; however, a student may select alternate coverage provided it meets the state requirements for minimal coverage. Students are advised not to purchase other insurance policies prior to arrival without verifying that the policies meet FIU/SUS requirements. Compliance with the insurance regulation is required prior to registration.
Full Time Enrollment
Non-immigrant alien students in F-1 visa status are required by United States immigration regulations to be enrolled full-time. Full time graduate enrollment is defined as a minimum of nine (9) credits per semester during the Fall and Spring terms, and six (6) credits during Summer terms.
Employment
International student employment regulations are complex. In general, however, employment is available and regulated under the following categories:
- 1. On campus employment:
For a maximum of 20 hours per week during fall and spring terms while school is in session, and full time during holidays, vacations and summer. On-campus employment includes teaching and research assistantships, as well as hourly part time work. - 2. Off campus employment:
May be requested under very limited conditions and only after maintaining status for at least one full academic year. Students should not rely on off-campus employment as a source of income to finance their studies. - 3. Practical training:
International students may request optional practical training employment to accept jobs related to their studies, generally after completion of degree requirements. Limited to up to one year of full time employment for each degree level.
Cost of attendance
The University is required by immigration authorities to check carefully the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing a certificate of eligibility. The cost of attendance includes not only the Tuition and Fees, but also books, cost of living and transportation.
International Student and Scholar Services
The office of International Student and Scholar Services advises international students and scholars on a variety of issues and is responsible for complying with procedures mandated by the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Official Bank Letter (s)
This letter should be produced by your sponsor’s bank(s) on their letterhead. It should state the financial balance in US dollars, which should suffice to fund your otherwise unmet expenditures while you attend FIU. If the account is in another individual’s name (e.g. your parent’s name) the letter must list you, by name, as the recipient of financial support.
Sponsor letter (s)
A notarized statement written and signed by the sponsor that guarantees financial support for the student to cover tuition and living.
Declaration & Certification of Finances
This form is required by the Graduate Admissions Office to determine your ability to meet the financial obligations while you are attending the University.
F1 Transfer form (if applicable)
Form used by international students currently studying at another US educational institution and who, having been admitted to pursue a degree at FIU, would like to transfer their immigration (SEVIS) record to FIU.
Scholarship / Graduate stipend form (if applicable)
This form is issued to confirm funding for an international student in the form of a Scholarship or stipend. If the total award does not fully cover the annual estimate of cost, it is expected that the student will provide additional documentation for financial support in order for FIU to issue the new I-20 Form.
