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Worcester State University is a community of problem-solvers and challenge-accepters from across the state and around the world. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second largest city in New England, Worcester State offers:
To learn more about how Worcester State can benefit you, visit the At a Glance page.
Experience all that Worcester State has to offer. The International Programs Office is ready to assist you when you become a part of Worcester State’s community of international students.
The admissions office can accommodate a virtual meeting in which would allow a great opportunity to make a personal connection with an admissions counselor. To request a virtual meeting, please send an email to admissions@worcester.edu along with your preferred date and time.
If you have graduated from a college or university outside of the United States and are interested in earning an advanced degree or certificate from a university in the United States, join one of Worcester State’s 30+ graduate-level programs. You will be joining graduate students from countries like China, India, and Kenya.
An international applicant is anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, is not a U.S. permanent resident, and has/is requesting a non-immigrant visa or status. Priority review will be given to international applicants who submit all required documentation prior to April 1 for the fall semester (September entrance).
Worcester State is a selective institution looking for students who have attempted a rigorous academic curriculum. All applicants must meet the following criteria
* Applicants who have received an Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university are not required to submit an English proficiency exam.
International students are eligible for a merit scholarship up to $18,000 USD ($2,250 per semester for up to eight semesters or upon completion of your degree). Students are automatically considered for a merit scholarship as part of the admissions process and awarding is based on your academic credentials. However, there are no need-based scholarships or financial aid for international students.
Additional renewal criteria include:
While the International Programs Office will follow up with accepted students regarding the I-20 process, in addition to the academic program requirements and the Worcester State University Graduate School’s general admission process, international applicants must submit the following:
An international student is defined as F-1 or J-1 students sponsored by Worcester State who are physically in the United States studying full-time.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the following represents an estimated annual cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, living expenses, health insurance, and books:
Full-time undergraduate students: $34,900*
*figures are subject to change
No, international students cannot study part-time. In fact, studying part-time is considered a serious violation of F-1 status.
U.S. immigration law requires international students to enroll in classes full-time. To be considered full-time, undergraduate students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester (fall and spring semesters).
F-1 international students are also limited to one online class per semester.
F-1 students are permitted to work on-campus ONLY for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (fall and spring semesters). International students may work more than the allotted 20 hours per week on-campus when school is not in session or during the annual vacation period.
Off-campus employment is not permitted. Not complying with these guidelines for on-campus employment may be a violation of status that could result in the F-1 student having to leave the United States.
Students will receive a Form I-20 once they:
Once the International Programs Office is notified by Admissions that these requirements have been satisfied, a member of the International Programs staff will reach out to you.
Worcester State is test optional (SAT or ACT) for all first year applicants. As a test optional candidate it is highly encouraged to submit one letter of recommendation and a personal essay. International students are still required to submit the TOEFL, IELTS, DuoLingo English Test, or comparable exam as the primary means for evaluating English-language proficiency.
