Paul Smith’s College admits international students for the August start term. There is no May 1 deadline. However, due to the time sensitivity of processing international student applications, we request that applications for admissions be sent before June 1 for the August semester. The easiest and most affordable way to apply is online. There is no application fee and you can apply here.

Once we receive your application, we will begin expecting the other documents we need to complete your application.

International Students

First-Time Freshman International Student

Documentation and Requirements

Submit your Official Transcripts from high schools/secondary schools you have attended. Every effort will be made to review transcripts in your home language however the admissions office reserves the right to request an English translation if necessary.

  1. Essay. 250-500 words explaining why you want to study abroad.
  2. Letters of Recommendation are encouraged for all applications, but not required.
  3. SAT/ACT tests are not required.
  4. If English is not your native language, you must submit an official copy of your English proficiency score.
  • TOEFL score of at least 550/79/213 (paper/internet/computer); TOEFL code 2640
  • IELTS score of at least 6.5;
  • EIKEN – Grade Pre-1
  • SAT Reading and Writing Score of 500; SAT code 2640
  • Duolingo score of 100
  • IB Higher Level score of 5,6,7 or grade A or B
  • GCE or GCSE English exam grade of A or B
  • iTEP 3.8 or higher

(Students not achieving the minimum scores may have their results evaluated and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis through the Admissions Office.)

English Proficiency Test Exemptions: You are exempt from the English Proficiency Test requirement if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • Are a citizen of a country where English is the official (or national) language
  • Have earned a diploma from a U.S. High School
  • Have earned a diploma from a high school outside the US that is based on the American system of education and English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited US college or university
  • Have completed a minimum of one year of study (two full-time semesters) at an accredited US college or university
  • Have completed a minimum of one year of study (two full-time semesters) at a college or university in a country where English is the official language.
  • Received a waiver from the Paul Smith’s College Office of Admissions based on mutually agreed-upon documentation.

External Secondary School Examinations

International applicants must submit external examination results that signify completion of their secondary school program and show that they are qualified for university study. Paul Smith’s College accepts a range of tests that are standard in applicants’ native countries. Examples of such tests include:

  • The Abitur
  • Cambridge Examinations (A Level, AS Level, O Level)
  • Chinese National Higher Education Entrance Exam (Gao Kao) or High School Academic Proficiency Test (Xueye shuiping ceshi)
  • International Baccalaureate
  • West African Examinations Council Exams

Examination results must be verified by the individual examination authority. For example, Chinese credentials must be verified by the CDGDC; GCE exams taken in India must be verified by the Indian School Certificate Examinations; and students in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia must have their credentials verified by the West African Examination Council.

Students taking international O-level exams must have passes in five subjects with at least a grade of C in order to be eligible for admissions consideration.

If you attended a college or university after you graduated from secondary school/high school, please apply as an international transfer student. Any student who has previously attended another higher education institution cannot apply as a new freshman.

Transfer students may apply to enter in the August OR January start term.

  1. English language proficiency: International students must document their English language proficiency through TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo unless they have attended college in the United States for one consecutive year.
  2. Send official transcripts directly to Paul Smith’s Office of Admission for all previously attended colleges. For any university not in the United States, we require a course-by-course evaluation, at your expense. We require the course-by-course evaluation provided by World Education Service (WES).
  3. A letter of recommendation and essay are not required but suggested for optimal consideration.

Once your application is completed you will generally know of an admissions decision within two weeks. Submit your application, official transcripts, and English proficiency scores to:

Paul Smith’s College Office of Admissions

P.O. Box 265

Paul Smiths, NY 12970 USA.

OR

We will accept unofficial emailed copies of documents for admissions purposes but official mailed copies will be required should you choose to attend. Please email documents to admissions@mygril-yaoyao.com.

Paul Smith’s College will issue an I-20 to accepted international students upon receipt and review of the following required documents. The I-20 is the document required to make your student visa appointment at the Embassy or Consulate and is the first step of the F-1 student visa process.

​​1. Passport: ​Submit a copy or scan of the photo identity page of your passport.

  1. Proof of financial status: Submit a completed financial verification form along with supporting documents from within the past six months showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study. Supporting documents include a bank statement or letter from the bank.

Transfer-in form: If transferring from a U.S. based college or university please complete the transfer-in form with the international student advisor at your current university. Your advisor should email the completed form to admissions@mygril-yaoyao.com.

Acceptable evidence of financial support

  • Bank statements indicating required currency amount in liquid asset form (cash deposits, certificates of deposit, savings accounts)
  • Investment statements indicating liquid assets (submissions need to include clear evidence of the funds liquidity and the cash surrender value)
  • Business bank accounts need to include a letter on company letterhead stating the financial guarantor has signatory authority on the referenced account.
  • Scholarship letters
  • Lines of credit
  • Governmental funding

Unacceptable financial documents

  • Chartered accountant statements
  • Payroll reports/expected income
  • Tax statements
  • Property assessments
  • Statements regarding property, jewelry, cars, and other non-liquid assets
  • Bank statements lacking currency amounts
  • Insurance policies
  • Other statements of non-liquid assets
  • Business named bank account without signatory verification

How to Pay for Express Mail Service of your I-20 – Use eShipGlobal

“eShipGlobal” is an online service that allows students to easily pay for Express Mail with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover cards only). Do not request delivery through the FedEx or DHL websites. All Express Mail-related communication will be handled by the eShipGlobal service. To pay for Express Mail delivery through eShipGlobal, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to http://study.eshipglobal.com (link is external)(works best with Internet Explorer & Mozilla Firefox browsers).
  2. Click on “Sign up” under the Students section.
  3. Register for an account by completing the online form. Have the student’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, and credit card information ready.
  4. Paul Smith’s College International Admissions Office will receive an email confirmation from EShipGlobal with your mailing label and will ship documents within 24 hours of receipt.

If you have any difficulties, please use the “Help(link is external)” link on the eShipGlobal site to access their step-by-step instructions. Paul Smith’s College International Office is unable to resolve technical problems associated with the eShipGlobal service.

Direct Costs

  • Tuition & Fees                    $33,009.00
  • Housing & Meal Plan          $14,236.00
  • Direct Cost Total:              $47,245.00

Indirect Costs

  • Personal Expenses               $1,562.00
  • Books                                    $500.00
  • Health Insurance                   $2,000.00
  • Transportation                       $1,939.00
  • Indirect Cost Total               $6,001.00

TOTAL COSTS FOR 1 YEAR: $53,246.00

Scholarships

All accepted international students are guaranteed a scholarship of $10,000-$21,000 per year based on high school/secondary school grades. There is no separate application process. Scholarship amounts will be included with your offer letter.  We may offer additional need-based financial aid as a part of a separate application process once you have been accepted.

Transfer academic scholarships:

  • Excellence     >3.0   $13,000
  • Achievement  2.5-2.99  $12,000
  • Honor: 2.0-2.49 $11,000
  • Recognition   <2.0   $10,000

International Student Scholarship Links

Scholarship DOs and DON’Ts:

  • DO apply through reputable sites.
  • DO apply early and often.
  • DO include a personal statement of purpose.
  • DON’T use ChatGPT to write your statement of purpose.
  • DON’T ever pay money or fees for signing up.
  • DON’T overlook the smaller scholarships, every little bit helps!

Paul Smith’s College proudly partners with the International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI). ILI offers online and in-person English proficiency courses that will prepare you for college level coursework at Paul Smith’s College. Work directly with ILI or we can connect you with their team! Complete your English language courses and transfer to Paul Smith’s College as a full time student. Your college journey starts here!

ILI is located in beautiful downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. ILI is celebrating 35 years of excellence in teaching languages and training teachers. This boutique language school offers skilled instructors, small student-centered English language classes and accommodations with carefully selected community members who live within walking distance or on a short bus ride from the school. The school offers online and on campus Intensive English and Teacher Training Certificate Programs. Northampton is a culturally rich university town with 4 colleges and a major university within 15km of the school. Students have  access to world class libraries, museums, film festivals and great restaurants all in a wonderful and safe New England town, only a few hours from Boston and New York City. Learn more at www.ili.edu.