Apply as an International First-Year Student

Choose Your Application

Complete and submit only one of the applications below. A $50 non-refundable fee is required.

After You Apply

We will send you an email with a unique link to your Applicant Status Page, where you can monitor your application status. You are strongly encouraged to check this page regularly for updates about your application.

Spring Dates & Deadlines

International Students (First-Year and Transfer)
Application Date
Recommended application submission date October 1
Students can continue to submit an application for consideration until capacity is reached.
Enrollment/Tuition Deposit deadline December 1
or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later.
Housing Deposit deadline December 1
Classes begin January
See UB Academic Calendar

Fall Dates & Deadlines

International Students (First-Year and Transfer)
Application Date
Application opens August 1
Early Action November 1
Honors College Priority Consideration December 15
Housing Application opens January 21
Regular Decision application completion deadline February 1
Students can continue to submit an application for consideration until capacity is reached.
Enrollment/Tuition Deposit deadline May 1
or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later.
Housing Deposit deadline May 7
Classes begin August
See UB Academic Calendar

International First-Year Admissions Requirements

First-year/first-time admission to the University at Buffalo is based on a holistic review of your application that considers your academic marks, test scores, essay and recommendations.

We are looking for students who excel academically, engage in extracurricular activities and maintain a good school-life balance.

*Any document not written in English must be accompanied by an English translation. 

Academics English Proficiency Standardized Tests Other Requirements

Test-Optional Policy

The University at Buffalo has adopted a test-optional policy. This means that standardized test scores are not required for admission or scholarship consideration.

If your test scores accurately reflect your abilities, you may choose to submit them. However test score submission is not required.

Please note that most admitted applicants submitting a test score to the University at Buffalo have a total SAT Reading/Math Composite score of 1170 and above or an ACT composite score of 25 and above.

Applicants who opt not to submit their test scores will not be at a disadvantage.

SAT Code: 2925

ACT Code: 2978

If submitting scores, SAT or ACT standardized test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.