Undergraduate Admissions
International Students
Choosing to study in another country is a big decision, which is why we do everything we can to make our international students feel as welcome, safe and supported as possible.
As a student at Jefferson, you’ll join a collaborative community, explore big ideas and prepare to help shape the world.
Reimagine your city's architecture. Develop products and bring them to market. Help small businesses plan for the future. Each of our 160-plus programs of study gives you the freedom to explore the intersections between disciplines—and prepares you for what's yet to come.
Our average class has only 18 students, giving you immediate access to expert faculty who take your interests to heart and help you chart a path to the future.
Our graduates go on to prestigious graduate schools in cities all over the world. They’re hired by companies like Target, Amazon and Pfizer. They’ve invented new machines, founded non-profits and become best-selling authors of fictional works.
The Philadelphia region is blooming with lively urban parks, re-imagined recreational landscapes, spirited pop-up gardens and scenic running and biking trails. From the massive trail systems of Fairmount Park and Wissahickon Valley Park to the delightful riverside enclaves of the seasonal Spruce Street Harbor Park and Race Street Pier to regional attractions like Longwood Gardens and Valley Forge National Historical Park, residents and visitors enjoy relaxing, exercising and playing in these public spaces.
Academics
Choose to study in one of our undergraduate program options across disciplines such as Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Fashion & Textiles, Health, Science and Social Science.
There are some unique aspects to timing and required items as it relates to the application process for our international students. More information is found on our Apply as a First-Year Student page. Know that our team is here to help you navigate it.
No matter which area of study you pursue at Jefferson, you’ll collaborate with classmates across majors to solve actual problems for actual companies like Verizon or NASA. Our students have created solutions for young adults with disabilities, designed new products for Tenneco, developed a vaccine and more. Our signature Nexus Learning™ approach gives you the tools, connections and confidence to reach your full potential.
Financing Your Education
Thomas Jefferson University remains committed to providing our students with the high quality education they deserve. Find your applicable tuition and fees information on the Tuition & Fees website.
All international applicants are considered for an International Merit Scholarship from Thomas Jefferson University at the time their application is reviewed. These awards can range from $15,000 - $24,500 and the unique terms are communicated to admitted students in their initial acceptance letters.
If additional funding is needed in order to attend, international students are encouraged to explore student loan opportunities available in their home country or to contact their local banking institutions. Reaching out to an Education USA Office near you, might also help you to explore available options.
Life at Jefferson
College is more than an education—it’s an experience. From activities and clubs on campus to Philadelphia’s parks, sporting events and incredible music scene, life at Jefferson includes time and space to live. As a new student, you’ll also make friends at our international student orientation program, complete with small-group meetups, Q&A sessions and more.
At Jefferson, you'll be steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Our students explore art and science at world-class museums like The Barnes Foundation or The Academy of Natural Sciences, eat at trendy new restaurants and visit high-end boutiques. They also participate in service missions and community initiatives—check out Park in a Truck!
One of the most walkable cities in the United States, Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods—from the lively music scene in Fishtown to the Italian Market in South Philly. With a low cost of living and job-market growth above 10%, Philadelphia is a fantastic place to be.
Our admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step in applying and completing your international forms.
Jefferson has a policy that requires incoming, full-time, first-year undergraduate students who live more than 15 miles driving distance away (residing with their parent/guardian at their permanent residence) to live in University-owned or leased housing for their first two years of enrollment. This means that our international students are joining an active and supportive living and learning community.
Admitted International Students
Once a student receives an offer of admission and then confirms their intent to enroll at Jefferson, our international team will invite them to join an International Services Portal where they can submit all of their required documentation and manage the process to secure their needed I-20 or DS-2019 for Visa purposes.
Our international offices work with all University departments and individuals to facilitate exchange and to offer orientation to international visitors.
F-1 or J-1 students are supported by appropriate offices after they have been admitted to an academic program at the University. Permanent Residents in the U.S. are considered to be immigrants with employment authorization incidental to their immigration status and therefore, do not need any additional documents from our office to work or study at Jefferson.
New International Student Orientations are held each year prior to the start of a student's first semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our non-binding Early Action application deadline for incoming first-year students is November 1. Our Regular Decision application deadline is March 1. Jefferson reviews applications on a rolling basis.
English proficiency requirements are waived for countries where the official language is English. View the complete list of countries where an English is the official language.
Learn more about application requirements for International students.
Students declare themselves as international students when they apply for admission to Jefferson.
There are a limited number of on-campus jobs available to international students. While opportunities are available, students should not rely on obtaining an on-campus job to fund their studies at Jefferson.