Office of Undergraduate Admission
203-254-4184
admis@fairfield.edu
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Prospective Students
Fairfield University welcomes applications from international students around the world in recognition of the diverse perspective they bring to the classroom and the greater University community. Our students represent over 50 countries across four continents and include China, India, Ireland, Vietnam, Peru, and Mexico to name a few.
During their academic journey at Fairfield, international students have plenty of time between lectures and lab sessions to explore the landscape, visit iconic landmarks, and experience a brand new country with brand-new customs and activities. With the shoreline and beach just one mile from campus and New York City only a 60-minute train ride away, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
Virtual information Sessions are currently being offered to prospective international students interested in learning more about the Fairfield experience. The sessions will be conducted via Zoom conferencing software and held on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Register today.
Office of Graduate Admission
203-254-4100
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
When filling out your international student application form and all other related documents, be sure to use your full name as it appears on your passport. A completed international application to Fairfield University includes the following items:
- Completed Common Application
- Academic Credentials: Students are required to submit official copies of secondary school records which include academic transcripts, results from national examinations, graduation certificates, and/or any other documentation that certifies successful completion of secondary education. Students should refer to the World Education Services Required Documents or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. webpages for assistance in determining required documentation for the admission process. In order for documentation to be considered official, it must be mailed or emailed directly from a secondary school or national education ministry in a sealed envelope. If documentation is not in English, provide both original and translated copies. Electronic copies cannot be accepted.
- Recommendations: A school counselor recommendation is required for admission. For schools without a counselor, a recommendation may be sent from the principal or head of school.
- Standardized Tests: All students for whom English is not their native language are required to submit results from the TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO exam(s). For the TOEFL, a minimum of score 80 (Internet-based) or a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) is required. For the IELTS, a minimum score of a 6.5 is required. For DUOLINGO a minimum score of 105 is required. Students must submit official institutional score reports NOT student score reports.
- Certificate of Finances
- Copy of Your Passport
- Affidavit of Financial Support: Must be submitted if funds to cover the cost of attendance are being demonstrated by the applicant’s parents, legal guardians, or sponsors.
Please not that your application cannot be reviewed until all materials have been received by the Office of Admission. Any application materials can be mailed to the following address:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
| Early Action | November 1 |
| Early Action Notification Date | January 1 |
| Early Decision I | November 15 |
| Early Decision I Notification Date | December 15 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 |
| Early Decision II Notification Date | February 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 |
| Regular Decision Notification Date | April 1 |
Ready to Apply?
Newly Enrolled International Students
Congratulations on your admission into Fairfield University! Now that you've been admitted, we have prepared a list of requirements and necessities for a smooth transition to your time on campus.
International Transfer Student Application Requirements
When filling out your transfer application form and all other related documents, be sure to use your full name as it appears on your passport. In addition to the requirements and materials that need to be submitted for transfer admission, a completed international transfer student application to Fairfield University includes the following.
- Academic Credentials: Students are required to submit official copies of secondary school records which include academic transcripts, results from national examinations, graduation certificates, and/or any other documentation that certifies successful completion of secondary education. Students should refer to the World Education Services Required Documents (WES) webpage for assistance in determining required documentation for the admission process. In order for documentation to be considered official, it must be mailed directly from a secondary school or national education ministry in a sealed envelope. If documentation is not in English, provide both original and translated copies. Electronic copies cannot be accepted.
- Post-secondary Credential Evaluation: International transfer students with college credits from an institution outside of the United States are required to provide copies of the WES Course-by-Course Evaluation (additional fee will apply). Students are asked to complete the WES evaluation in order to determine the most appropriate transfer of credit to your program at Fairfield University. Please begin this process as soon as possible as some institutions can take several weeks to provide documentation.
- Course Descriptions: All students are asked to compile and submit course descriptions for all college courses taken, both at current, and past institutions attended if more than one. If the classes are taken at an institution outside of the United States, where English is not the native language, students are required to submit both original and translated documents. It is in the student’s best interest to also submit course syllabi to expedite the process.
- Standardized Tests: All students for whom English is not their native language are required to submit results from the TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO exam(s). For the TOEFL, a minimum of score 80 (Internet-based) or a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) is required. For the IELTS, a minimum score of a 6.5 is required. For DUOLINGO a minimum score of 105 is required. Students must submit official institutional score reports NOT student score reports.
- Certificate of Finances
Please note that your application cannot be reviewed until all materials have been received by the Office of Admission. Please submit all materials as they become available.
International Student Resources
Financial Aid
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Financial Aid
All students regardless of citizenship are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. No separate application is required. Merit-based scholarships are renewable over all four years of attendance at Fairfield, as long as certain academic requirements are met.
International and international transfer students are encouraged to apply for financial aid using the College Board's CSS Profile. This application should be submitted by the stated deadline.
Form I-20
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Form I-20
The Form I-20 allows for the F-1 visa to be obtained and is required for international students planning to study full-time at Fairfield University. The Form I-20 will be sent only after an international student has completed all necessary application procedures, has been admitted to the program of study, has accepted the offer of admission, and has paid the required confirmation deposit and fees.
Work Authorization
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Work Authorization
Already a current undergraduate or graduate international student? Make sure you've obtained your Net ID and have set up a password to access the Work Authorization form.
STEM OPT Extension Program
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STEM OPT Extension Program
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and growth, and the demand for qualified workers in these fields is higher than ever before.
Under the traditional Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students on an F-1 Visa who graduate from colleges and universities in the U.S. are able to remain in the country for up 12 months to gain professional work experience. The OPT STEM Extension Program, however, allows international students who graduate from a designated STEM degree programs to remain in the U.S. for an additional 24 months post-graduation to participate in on-the-job training within high demand STEM fields. Taken in addition to the 12 months that all programs provide, STEM students can apply for 36 months (three years) of OPT, making it possible for them to remain stateside longer and establish their careers while helping meet the nationwide demand for STEM-educated professionals.
Below is a list of Fairfield University’s STEM designated undergraduate degree programs that are eligible for the OPT STEM Extension Program:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biology
- Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity
- Health and Human Biology
- Marine Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Business Analytics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics/ Mathematical Analysis
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Software Engineering (Five-Year BS/MS Program)
F-1 Student Visa
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F-1 Student Visa
Full-time international students are required to obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa allows an individual to enter the United States for full-time study at an authorized institution. To secure a student visa, students are required to submit financial documentation to prove that a student has the means necessary to cover the full cost of attendance at Fairfield.
Although not initially required as part of the application for admission to Fairfield University, students will eventually be asked to submit official copies of either a bank statement or bank letter certifying available funds. Bank documentation must be submitted on official bank letterhead and must come directly from the originating bank. These documents can be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Bank documentation sent from students and/or parents cannot be accepted.
Fairfield University is also registered with the service FundsV which allows for electronic verification of bank documents. If your bank is represented by FundsV, you may register with them to submit bank documentation electronically.
International Student Orientation
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International Student Orientation
All international students (first year, transfer, exchange, and graduate) are required to attend the international student orientation. This program provides personal advising and course registration, time to complete governmental and University paperwork, an overview of the academic and campus environment, and an opportunity to meet other international students.
For more information, visit the international student page for admitted students.
Helpful Websites
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Helpful Websites
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
IEFA is the premier resource for international scholarship and grant information. On this website, you will find the most comprehensive list of scholarships and student loan program for international students.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States. EducationUSA also provides services to the U.S. higher education.
Student Spotlight
We think Fairfield University is the perfect place to start your next academic adventure, but don’t take our word for it. See what students from around the world are saying about their campus experience.
Anmol Sheikh
International Business and Management
Pakistan
"Fairfield University has had a profound impact on my life. Its rich resources have deeply transformed my intellectual, social, and personal experience and have helped shape my future while making me a better leader. The friendly environment and support I receive from faculty, staff, and my fellow students has instilled a strong sense of community in me and empowered me to become a global citizen."
— Anmol Sheikh
International Business and Management
Pakistan
Antonio Tello
Electrical Engineering
Mexico
"My experience at Fairfield University has been absolutely great. I meet new people and make new connections everyday. I love the community because everyone is so friendly, and the student clubs are fun and exciting. They conduct many great activities to keep us engaged and make the overall University experience even more enjoyable."
— Antonio Tello
Electrical Engineering
Mexico
Huseyn Mustafabayli
Finance
Azerbaijan
How my experience at Fairfield University has altered my overall perspective
As an international student I can certainly say that Fairfield University is a great fit for me. When I was applying to various universities I was looking for a specific school that would challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone, a school where I could pursue intensive studies while making lifelong friends, and that would train me for a professional life. I found all of these traits and more during my three years at Fairfield University.
My favorite class or experience at Fairfield University
I will undoubtedly say that every class that I took at Fairfield University had a positive impact on me as a person. But, my favorite class was “Introduction to Management.” This class made me feel like I was already part of the professional world. Every class of “Introduction to Management” was exciting for me.
My other interests and activities at Fairfield and how they have enhanced my college experience
I have been a part of a few clubs on campus, including the Finance Club. Throughout the semester, the Finance Club held various meetings and brought interesting speakers to talk to members. All of the professionals that came to speak to us shared their knowledge and experience outside of Fairfield and in the finance world.
My plans after graduation
I am considering continuing my education by attending graduate school.
Carlos Gavilano
Finance and Accounting
Peru
"I decided to attend Fairfield because it has an amazing business program and because its core curriculum helps students gain a wider knowledge in diverse fields of study. I have attended lectures by well-know guest speakers, participated in extra curricular activities like intramural soccer and the Holi Festival, and made many friends. There is honestly no way to get bored at this school because there is always something interesting going on."
— Carlos Gavilano
Finance and Accounting
Peru