Admission - International Students

Image: WindowFairfield University welcomes applicants from the United States and abroad. An international applicant is someone whose citizenship is from a country other than the United States.

Application Procedures

International first year or transfer applicants should submit the following information:

  • Common Application and Fairfield University Supplement

  • Academic Credentials - A secondary school transcript and/or A or O level exams results are needed for admission. This must be an original of your academic record or a certified copy. (Certification must be by an official of the institution in which you are enrolled, a notary public or a U.S. consular official.)

    When necessary, an English translation must accompany your transcript. Students submitting GCE (O Level) must have passes (C or above) in at least five academic subjects.

  • Recommendations - A school counselor recommendation is required for admission. For schools without a counselor, a recommendation may be sent from the principal or headmaster of the school.

  • Standardized Tests:

    All students for whom English is not their native language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score a minimum of score 550 (paper-based exam), 213 (computer-based), or an 80 (Internet-based). These students may choose to submit the TOEFL exam exclusively in place of the SAT or ACT.

    Students for whom English is their first language must take and submit the SAT or ACT.

  • Application Fee - The $60 (US) application fee can either be paid by credit card through the Common Application, issued on a United States bank account, or wire transferred. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission directly if you intend to wire the payment.

  • Financial Affidavit - As an international student coming to the United States, you will need to secure an F-1 student visa The F-1 student visa permits an individual to enter the United States for full-time study at an authorized institution in the United States. To obtain F-1 status, it is necessary to submit the following forms:

  • I-20 Form This form will be sent only after the student has been accepted, paid the confirmation deposit and provided evidence (financial affidavit) of an ability to finance his or her own education.

Please Note:

  • Full Time Students - All undergraduate F and J Visa holders must take 12 credit hours per semester to remain in status.

International Scholarship & Financial Aid

Any first-year student who applies for admission is automatically considered for a Magis Scholarship. No separate application is required. The Magis scholarship is an annual award of $20,000 renewable for four years, providing the student maintains a 3.0 average. Students will also participate in special activities for recipients of the scholarship.

Although a limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available for international citizens, all applicants must also submit verification of financial resources to cover the costs of attendance.

An I-20 will be mailed only after the student has been admitted, paid a confirmation deposit, and provided evidence (financial affidavit) of the ability to finance his or her education.

Application Deadlines

Early Action Admission Application - November 15
Early Action Notification Date - January 1

Regular Admission Deadline - January 15
Regular Admission Notification Date - April 1

Student Orientation and Services

All international students (first year, transfers, exchange and graduate) are required to attend the international student orientation. This program provides time to personal advising and course registration, time to complete governmental and university paper work and an overview of the academic and campus environment as well as an opportunity to meet other international students.

Contact Us: If you have any questions or need clarification please contact Jay Majewski at (203) 254-4100 or by e-mail.

Helpful Websites:

International Education Financial Aid | Education USA