At this time the Office of International Admissions is open and fully operational.
The best way to reach us is by email at intadmit@buffalo.edu. Though we have shifted to a primarily virtual model for document submission, we are continuing to review applications, answer your questions, generate immigration documents, and keep our website up to date with the latest information.
This is an evolving and ever changing situation. Updates will be posted here as new information is received.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the impact of COVID-19 here at UB.
UB is still actively accepting and reviewing applications, and enrolling students for the upcoming fall semester.
Admission to the university is based on your academic record and English proficiency. Details can be found on the Admissions Criteria page.
Applying is easy and can be done completely online. Find application details on the How to Apply page.
If you have searched our website and still have questions about submitting an application please contact us using the form on our website.
UB and its representatives are monitoring the status of COVID-19 in areas where we plan to travel and following CDC and WHO guidelines. Events may be cancelled with little notice as the situation evolves.
You can find the most up to date information about campus visit events on the Visit UB page.
Find everything you need to know on your Applicant Status Portal.
If you have checked your status online and still have questions please contact us using the form on our website.
We do not need to receive official transcripts, marksheets, or score reports in order to make an admissions decision. You can submit a picture of an unofficial transcript you may have received from your school or upload a screenshot from your online student portal.
Make sure any academic documents you submit include your full name, the course/exam names and results, as well as the date or term completed.
If you don't have access to any version of your academic documents due to the impacts of COVID-19, please email us at intadmit@buffalo.edu.
Include your full name and UB Person Number and explain your situation. Our admissions team will carefully review your application and try to help you find a solution.
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition can be completed online at home in areas where test centers have been closed. Visit the TOEFL website and enter your address. If the at home test is available in your area you will be able to register for it.
Make sure to have your official test results sent to SUNY University at Buffalo using school code 2925.
To help you complete your application, UB is now accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET), a convenient and affordable English proficiency test that can be taken online, on demand, anywhere in the world.
The test requires an internet connection and a computer with a front-facing camera and microphone. The registration fee is $49, and you can get started by visiting englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants
When you receive your results, select University at Buffalo, the State University at New York from the dropdown menu to share your score with us. You will receive an email notification to confirm once your test has been scored and shared.
You will also need to login to your Applicant Status Portal to upload a copy of your score report to alert us that your application is ready for review. Use the label "English Language Proficiency Score (TOEFL/IELTS)" in the dropdown menu.
Because many testing centers are closed due to COVID-19, submission of SAT/ACT scores is optional for all applicants.
Applicants without these test scores will have the same chance at admission and scholarship consideration as those with them.
The University is anticipating regular enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester. We recommend that you pay your tuition deposit to secure your seat in the incoming class.
If you received a scholarship offer you are still required to deposit by May 1 in order to keep your award.
Visa appointment and issuance are regulated by the U.S. government. Information about visa appointment wait times and news and alerts can be found at the U.S. Department of State website. You can also contact your local U.S. consulate office for specific information about the impact of COVID-19 on visa issuance in your area.
Continue to participate in your classes in whatever form they are being offered to you.
As the situation becomes clearer, we will contact all accepted students regarding academic documentation requirements.
We understand that there may be disruptions in services at other institutions related to COVID-19. We will evaluate each situation and be as flexible and accommodating as possible.
We know you have questions and concerns about taking the next steps to ensure your enrollment at UB. We will be communicating by email with updates about visas, travel, orientation and other arrival issues throughout the coming months as we get a clearer sense of how the situation is progressing.
These are extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances, and we know a lot can change between now and August.
UB’s overall goal is to deliver the best educational and research programs possible while protecting the health and safety of the university community. We will return to normal operations as soon as it is possible.
If we anticipate that disruptions to Fall semester enrollment will occur, we will be in contact with you regarding your enrollment options.
Visit: buffalo.edu/iss for information about contacting the Office of International Student Services and instructions about virtual advising.
If you have any additional questions that aren't answered here please contact the Office of International Admissions by email at intadmit@buffalo.edu