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FAQs

As an international student, you will find that enrolling at St. John's University is an easy process. To help you further, we have provided answers to many Frequently Asked Questions from international students.

FAQs for International Students

Who is considered an international student?

St. John’s University defines an international student as one who will hold a non-immigrant visa while enrolled at the University. The following are considered international students: non-U.S. citizens holding a visa (F-1, J-1, A, G, H-4 or any others). We also consider undocumented and DACA students as international students for application purposes. Students who are pending permanent residency should also submit an international application. The following are not considered international students: U.S. citizens living abroad, U.S. permanent residents (green-card holders), documented refugees or asylees.

How many international students attend St. John’s University?

631 international students from 96 countries attend St. John’s University.

Does St. John’s University accept university credits from an international institution?

Courses completed at other international universities can be transferable when accompanied by an evaluation from a NACES (www.naces.org/members.html) accredited evaluation service. St. John’s University will accept up to 90 transfer credits depending on the major. Applicants with less than 60 transferable credits requires translated secondary school transcript. St. John’s University will only accept/grant transfer credits with final scores of C+ or higher or their equivalency on international transcripts.

Please note, programs offered by The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences require course-by-course evaluations be completed by World Education Services (www.wes.org).

Am I required to live on campus?

You are not required to live on campus. Nonetheless, keep in mind the advantages of living in University housing. Our ultramodern residence facilities are cable-ready with Wi-Fi Internet access and plenty of space, our residence halls offer you everything you expect of a total college experience—varied activities, and the convenience of being close to class, the library, University support services, and campus recreational facilities.

Learn more about living on campus here.

How far is the campus from the closest International airport?

St. John’s University is easily accessible from all New York City area airports.

Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
By car - 15 to 20 minutes without traffic.
By public transportation - 50 to 60 minutes 

La Guardia Airport (LGA):
By car - 20 to 25 minutes without traffic.
By public transportation - 50 to 60 minutes

Newark International Airport (EWR):
By car - 60 to 80 minutes without traffic.
By public transportation - 100 to 110 minutes

Can International Students apply for terms other than fall?

Yes, St. John’s University accepts international students starting in our fall or spring semester.

Do you have international student advisors?

Yes, the International Student Services and Scholar Office (ISSSO) provides assistance to our international students in many ways including immigration matters. ISSSO also educates students about their rights and responsibilities while in F-1 student status. The ISSSO acts as an advocate for all students in non-immigrant status (i.e., F-1, A-1, G-1, E-2, L-2, ...etc.) Please visit St. John’s University’s ISSSO page for additional information

The International Admission Team is available to help answer your application questions. To find your international admission counselor, click here.

 What is the purpose of the I-20 application?

This application, when completed by you and your financial sponsor, will serve as the first document needed to acquire an I-20 from St. John’s University. The information on this document will be used to prepare your I-20 Form. We must verify that you will be able to complete the academic year and fulfill all your financial obligations (tuition, room, board, insurance, books, travel, and personal expenses) before we can issue the Form I-20.

Download forms here.

Can I apply for financial aid as an international student?

We do not have financial aid available for international students. Nonetheless, our scholarships for international students are very competitive! Please see more details below about our scholarship programs.

What scholarships are available for international students?

St. John’s University is pleased to offer merit-based scholarships to first-year, fulltime undergraduate students who enroll in a bachelor’s level degree program. The admission application is used to automatically determine merit scholarship eligibility; no additional application is required.

Other scholarships available for first-year international students include:

  • Ozanam Scholars Program: Separate application required.
  • Catholic Scholars Program: Separate application required.
  • Catholic School Scholarship
  • Catholic Student Scholarship
  • Fine Arts Scholarships: Portfolio and separate application required. Images can be uploaded to https://sju.slideroom.com.
  • Athletic Scholarships: At the discretion of the coach.
  • Fall 2024 Engagement Grant
  • Fall 2024 First-Year Future Johnny Award

Scholarships available for transfer international students include:

  • Transfer Distinction Award
  • University Transfer Merit Scholarships
  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Fall 2024 Engagement Grant
  • Fall 2024 New Transfer Student Future Johnny Award
  • Athletic Scholarships: At the discretion of the coach.

Please visit St. John’s University’s Scholarships page for additional information.

Does St. John’s University require health insurance for (F-1) International Students?

St. John’s University requires that F-1 international students be covered by a health insurance policy. We automatically enroll F-1 students in a mandatory plan that is billed directly to you. Please click here for additional information.

Can I work during the time I am attending University on an F-1 Visa?

During your first two years as an undergraduate, F-1 students may find employment on campus only. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week (up to 39 during vacation periods). After your first two years or completing 60 credits you will be able to look for a credit-bearing internship in your field of study (major) which can be paid. Please click here for additional information.

Do you have international student orientation?

Yes. An international student’s orientation is held prior to the University-wide freshman orientation and the start of the fall/spring semester. Please visit this link for additional information.

Can I chat with a current International Student?

Yes! Please visit here to chat with some of our current international students.

Do you have any social media accounts?

Yes! Follow us @StJohnsIntl 

Can I join clubs when I am on campus?

Yes! St. John’s is a place where discovery doesn’t stop when class ends. With more than 180 clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and an active Greek scene, you can always find something to do on campus. Click here to see some of our student organizations!

What are the basic procedures and requirements for applying to St. John's?

For graduate admission, international students need to do the following:

  • Please complete a graduate online application.
  • Send payment for our $70 USD application fee (non-refundable).
  • Evidence of baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university, including official transcripts from each institution attended.
  • Transcripts from international universities need to be accompanied by an evaluation from a NACES accredited evaluation source. The foreign transcript evaluation must include a detailed course-by-course comparison, including the U.S. degree equivalency and U.S. grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
    • For expedited foreign transcript evaluation service at a discounted rate you may complete a SpanTran Foreign Transcript Evaluation Application Form.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo: International students must earn satisfactory TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores and supply official scores directly to the Office of Graduate Admission. School official testing code is 2799.
  • Additional Admission documents are required based on program of interest.

Do you have any social media accounts?

Yes! Follow @GradSJU on Instagram!

General Information
Office of Graduate Admission
718-990-1601
[email protected]
 

What are the basic procedures and requirements for applying to St. John's?
For graduate admission, international students need to do the following:

  • Provide secondary school records, including diplomas and any external examinations taken.
  • Provide official college and university records (if attended), including diplomas/degrees awarded.
  • Send payment for our $70 USD application fee (non-refundable).
  • Submit most recent TOEFL score (if language of instruction is not English).
  • Provide official English translation of all academic records that are not in English.