Undergraduate Admissions
International Students

Transferring to a university in another country is a big decision. That’s 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. Read on for information about academics, student life and more. 

  • 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

    Continue your education by transferring into 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 the timing and required items as it relates to the application process for our international transfer applicants. More detailed information is available on the Apply as a Transfer 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. 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. 

    See the Liberty Bell or tour Independence Hall. 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. Join your peers on service missions and community initiatives. 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.

    On-campus housing is not available for transfer students at our Jefferson - East Falls Campus. International students are encouraged to learn more about off-campus housing options. Many affordable and convenient options are located close to our campus in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia.

    University housing is available to transfer students studying on our Jefferson - Center City Campus. Jefferson offers a variety of on-campus options ranging from traditional dorm-style to apartment-style housing. Students studying in Center City may also opt to live off-campus.

    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.