International Students

Study from Anywhere in the World

 

Do you live outside the United States but want a degree from a well-respected American college? Empire State College provides several ways for international students to earn a degree from the State University of New York. Review the options below to find which option best fits you.

Please note, Empire State College is unable to issue I-20s to students who require an F-1 student visa to come to the U.S. If you wish to live in the U.S. to study, please see other State University of New York options at www.suny.edu. If you have questions about your visa status or eligiblity to study at Empire State College, e-mail Admissions at admissions@esc.edu or call 800-847-3000.

International Distance Learning Program

You can earn a degree online from anywhere in the world through Empire State College's International Distance Learning (IDL) program. Provided through the Center for Distance Learning, IDL has enabled students in over 20 countries to continue their education.

Residents of the United States and Canada register for courses through the Center for Distance Learning.

Learn more about International Distance Learning.

Center for International Programs

Working with partners in various parts of the world, the Center for International Programs (CIP) offers programs at the following locations:

  • Tirana, Albania
  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • Athens, Greece
  • Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Beirut, Lebanon
  • Panama City, Panama

CIP offers broad-ranging degree study opportunities in business, information systems, and the liberal arts and sciences.

Learn more about the Center for International Programs.

Canadian Students

Canadian students who maintain their residence in Canada and travel to the U.S. for required residencies or meetings with their mentors are considered border commuter students.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Additional admission requirements apply to international students. Review the international admission requirements for more information.

English Proficiency

Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they have sufficient English proficiency to study at Empire State College. Applicants may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Consult our TOEFL requirements for details.

Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials

Foreign educational documents must be evaluated by one of the following approved evaluation services:

Evaluation reports must be submitted directly from an approved evaluation service to the college. Copies of evaluations will not be accepted.

Canadian transcripts must be in English and approved by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) or Canadian Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT).