International students comprise approximately 25% of Eastman’s student body, and come from all over the world, including S. Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, Canada, and South America. International applicants must meet the same requirements and deadlines as all other applicants, and are considered for admission and merit scholarship on the same basis as US citizens.
APPLYING
International students must submit ALL of the following by the application deadline, in addition to the online application:
- Non-native English Essay. All applicants whose native language is not English must submit a one page essay describing their experience with the English language. Upload the essay within the online application on the Additional Documents page (near the bottom under “Additional Information.”) Include your name and the title, “Non-Native English Essay” on the file. Do not use a translation from your native language or the services of a translator. This essay should tell us about your experience with the English language, including any formal study in English, any time spent in an English-speaking environment, and your comfort level speaking and writing English.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended must be submitted, in envelopes sealed and signed by the schools. Transcripts not in English must be sent with certified translations.
- An official TOEFL score is required from every applicant whose native language is not English.
- All other Undergraduate or Graduate application requirements must be met.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND TOEFL REQUIREMENT
The three most important requirements for demonstrating English proficiency are:
- An official iBT TOEFL score, not more than 2 years old, submitted by the application deadline.
- Non-native English Essay (see details above)
- An interview with an Eastman School official
After these reviewing these items, and your complete application file, we will determine what kind of provisions may be necessary for you to achieve success in an Eastman degree program. The levels of provisional admission are as follows:
- Admitted applicants may be encouraged to attend the summer ESL (English as a Second Language) program
- Admitted applicants may be required to attend summer ESL
- Admitted applicants may be required to enroll in English courses during the academic year
- Applicants to the Master of Music degree may be admitted to the English Language and Music Performance (ELMP) program, and not to the degree program.
For details on Eastman’s score requirements and more information about ESL and ELMP at Eastman, download:
TOEFL and Information for Non-Native English Speakers
For information on the TOEFL programs, visit the TOEFL website.
FINANCIAL AID
International students are considered for financial assistance using the same criteria as described earlier (for undergraduate students or for graduate students). For full consideration of Eastman funds, internationsl students must complete the CSS PROFILE for International students. Eastman’s CSS Code is 2224.
International students may also apply for private loans to help their families defray the cost of attendance. A U.S. Citizen or eligible permanent resident is required as a co-applicant.
VISAS
As part of their preparation to study at Eastman, international students who are not permanent residents of the United States must obtain a student visa. Those students admitted to the U.S. on student visas must enroll as full-time students and register for a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (or nine credit hours if the student has an assistantship). Special Students (non-matriculated students) also must be full-time in order to qualify for a student visa. Advisement as to course load is through the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs. The paperwork necessary to obtain an I-20 (certificate of eligibility for a student visa) from the University of Rochester is coordinated by the Eastman Admissions Office.
Visas may not be requested or obtained until the student has been accepted to the School, has paid the enrollment deposit, and has provided requested documentation required to process visa paperwork.
Getting a visa takes time—in some countries as much as several months. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with all paperwork, and to obtain the visa in enough time to arrive in Rochester for orientation. Incomplete or incorrect submission of forms to Eastman may jeopardize the applicant’s study in the U.S.
ORIENTATION REQUIREMENT
International students are required to attend Eastman Orientation before beginning their degree studies at Eastman. Specific sessions are provided for international students to aid in their adjustment to study in the United States. Orientation typically begins in August, two weeks before the first Monday in September.
