The University at Buffalo welcomes international first-year students (freshmen) who are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a top-quality public research university.
Admission to the freshman class at the University at Buffalo is based on more than just your grades. We perform 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.
Freshman or transfer status has a strict definition which is based upon the facts of your educational background.
If a minimum of one item in statement 1 and all of statement 2 is true, then you are a freshman applicant. Otherwise you are a transfer applicant.
STATEMENT 1: A minimum of one item must be true.
A. I am currently studying in high school (secondary school).
B. Even though I am not in high school, I am studying a secondary school curriculum.
C. I have completed high school.
AND
STATEMENT 2: This statement must also be true.
I have never enrolled in or studied at a postsecondary institution after completing secondary school.
Both are true? You will apply as a Freshman.
Any part not true? You will apply as a Transfer.
If you are not able to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home.
TEST | MINIMUM SCORES* |
---|---|
TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) | 70 |
TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 |
TOEFL (PBT) and TOEFL ITP Plus | 523 |
IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.0 |
50 | |
ACT (English AND reading sections) | 18 |
SAT I ERWS | 500 |
CAEL | 70 |
CanTEST | 4.5 |
Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) |
185 |
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 |
IB Higher Level English A Literature | 4 |
IB Higher Level English A Language and Literature | 4 |
AS Level or A Level English or English Language Subject | C |
Duolingo English Test (DET) | 105 ** |
** Scores below 105 on the Duolingo English Test (DET) may be considered on a case-by-case basis as part of our holistic review process
Transfer applicants currently enrolled in a U.S. college who have:
OR
NOTE: ESL classes, remedial English classes, and foundation English classes (for example, non-credit intensive English classes/programs) are not recognized for this waiver.