Apply:Graduate

International Applicants

UF is home to more than 3,000 students from around the world who seek an education at one of the world's great research universities. Here are some additional requirements for international graduate applicants.

Review the Graduate School's international Information

INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION

English Proficiency

All international applicants will be required to provide English Proficiency Test Scores and meet the minimum score requirements. Students from countries where English is the only official language, who have attended non-US institutions where the only official language of instruction is English, or who have earned a degree within the United States may qualify for an exemption at the discretion of the academic department. The university does not accept scores compiled from multiple tests to meet English proficiency requirements.

UF's TOEFL and GRE school code is 5812.

Minimum acceptable scores

* UF is registered to receive IELTS scores using the IELTS Results Service E-Delivery. Scores should be sent to the University of Florida, which only accepts scores from this E-delivery service. UF does not accept paper Test Report Forms or unofficial copies of IELTS Test Report Forms from students. Applicants should contact the IELTS test center where they took the IELTS to request their official test results be sent to our account name: The University of Florida. An institution code is not required.

The address associated with our IELTS Results Service account is:

The University of Florida
201 Criser Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
United States

Exemptions are granted if applicants:

  • Have successfully completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a UF-recognized/accredited university or college in the United States.
  • Have successfully completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program in a country where English is the only official language.
  • Have successfully completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a non-US institution in which English is the only official language of instruction.
  • Hold an earned equivalent of associate's, bachelor's, master's or PhD degree from a UF-recognized/accredited college or university in the United States.
  • Hold an earned equivalent of associate's, bachelor's, master's or PhD degree from a country where English is the only official language.
  • Hold an earned equivalent of associate's, bachelor's, master's or PhD degree from a non-US institution in which English is the only official language of instruction.

Countries Exempt from English Proficiency
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Malawi
  • Malta
  • Montserrat
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Virgin Islands
  • Zimbabwe

Transcript Submission and Review

The Office of Admissions will review the transcripts and degrees (if applicable) from every institution listed in the educational history provided on your application. Our review process of all non-U.S. academic credentials (transcripts, mark sheets, degrees/diplomas) ensures that the applicant has been conferred/awarded the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or will be awarded such a degree by the desired date of enrollment. Academic departments will make the ultimate decision on an application.

For our review, these documents may be unofficial and uploaded in the application or via your Check Status page. These transcripts and degree certificate/diplomas should be scanned copies of the official paper versions issued to you by your previous or current institution. Digitally uploaded academic credentials must include the same information appearing on an official transcript, including biographical information, institution name, signatures, seals and stamps. We will not accept screen shots of your grades from your institution's student academic portal.

Non-English Transcripts

Transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified, literal line-for-line English translation of the original document. Acceptable certified translations are issued by your institution or a professional translating service.

Credential Evaluations

Submitting a credential evaluation for college coursework outside of the U.S. is optional. Students who choose to submit an evaluation should submit a course-by-course evaluation with credits, grades and grade averages from a NACES member. Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates still must be submitted with a credential evaluation during the application process.

Review of Transcripts

An email notification will be sent approximately 24-48 hours after submission of your UF application with instructions on how to create your MyAdmissions application/Check Status page. Transcripts uploaded or received by mail will display on the Check Status checklist as Transcript - Under Review. As soon as your transcript(s) are received, the college and department you have applied to will be able to review your transcript(s). Due to the high volume of applications, transcripts may not be updated on your checklist until the department has completed an initial review of your application. Once the transcripts are reviewed by Admissions, the checklist will be updated, and the Awaiting Transcript checklist items will be updated accordingly.

Official Transcripts

While not required for the initial admissions review, official transcripts, translations (if applicable) and degree certificates/diplomas are required for enrolling students and must be submitted no later than the end of your first semester of enrollment. Official documents are mailed directly from the institution, including all official stamps and signatures, or presented in-person inside the institution's sealed and stamped envelope.

Credentials are mailed directly to the UF Office of Admissions at:

Office of Admissions
201 Criser Hall
PO Box 114000
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000
United States of America

Return of credentials

All documents submitted with your application become property of the University of Florida. The Office of Admissions is unable to honor requests to return transcripts or provide transcript copies to you or a third party. Do not mail diplomas or academic credentials that are only issued once. An attested or certified copy (by the institution's registrar), or originals presented in-person are accepted in such circumstances.

Student Visa and Financial Information

The University of Florida International Center (UFIC) helps students with making a smooth transition to American culture and student life at the university. UFIC works with international students once admission is granted. One of the primary services provided by the UFIC is to process the documentation for new incoming international students to obtain a student visa to study in the U.S. If granted admission, the UFIC will request and collect all required documentation related to the student visa process.

Refer to the Graduate School website or contact your graduate program directly for more information about scholarships, assistantships and fellowships for graduate students.

Submit Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

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