Applying to Buffalo State
Guidance throughout the Admissions Process
We are thrilled that you’re considering studying at Buffalo State University and look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to our campus. Buffalo State is a close-knit community located in a big city. More than 6,000 undergraduate students have selected Buffalo State for its distinctive academic programs, diverse faculty and student body, vibrant urban location, and great SUNY value. Buffalo State has 3 academic schools and 36 academic departments. Our academic centers offer intellectual enrichment, community engagement, and provide opportunities for students and faculty to work together across disciplines. To find a program that matches your academic pursuits, visit Buffalo State Academics for all offerings.
Whether you’re applying to study at the undergraduate or graduate academic level, the Buffalo State International Admissions and ISSS teams are here to support and guide you along the way. Please note the enrollment deadlines for international students listed below. The dates are chosen to ensure students that received an acceptance letter and I-20 from Buffalo State University have adequate time to attend their mandatory U.S. Embassy/Consulate Interview and prepare for the incoming academic semester.
Dates and Deadlines
Fall 2026 Academic Semester
|
Enrollment Deadlines |
Fall 2026 |
|---|---|
|
Application Deadline: |
06/01/26 |
|
Required Materials Deadline: |
06/01/26 |
|
Tuition Deposit Deadline: |
05/01/26 |
|
On Campus Housing opens |
8/17/26 |
|
International Orientation: |
08/18/26 |
|
Classes Begin: |
08/24/26 |
Spring 2026 Academic Semester
|
Enrollment Deadlines |
Spring 2026 |
|---|---|
|
Application Deadline: |
12/01/25 |
|
Required Materials Deadline: |
01/10/26 |
|
Tuition Deposit Deadline: |
01/17/26 |
|
On Campus Housing move in: |
01/21/26 |
|
International Orientation: |
01/22/26 |
|
Classes Begin: |
01/26/26 |
Applying Student Type
F-1 UG Freshman
The Office of International Admissions processes all non-citizen applications for undergraduate programs at Buffalo State. The link below will take you to the International Undergraduate Admissions page for first-year students, where you will find detailed application information and can begin the application process.
Application Process:
- Choose and complete one application. SUNY Buffalo State accepts the SUNY Application and the Common Application. Both applications require a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit required documents.
- Check your application status.
- Upon acceptance, the Office of International Student & Scholar Services will issue your I-20.
F-1 UG Transfer
The Office of International Admissions processes all non-citizen applications for undergraduate programs at Buffalo State. The links below will take you to the International Undergraduate Admissions page for transfer students, where you will find detailed application information and can begin the application process.
Application Process:
- Choose and complete one application. SUNY Buffalo State accepts the SUNY Application and the Common Application. Both applications require a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit required documents. An official course by course evaluation is required for all international transfer credits.
- Check your application status.
- Upon acceptance, the Office of International Student & Scholar Services will issue your I-20
Graduate Studies
The Office of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, processes all non-citizen applications for graduate programs at Buffalo State. The link below will take you to the Graduate Studies Admissions page where you will find detailed application information and can begin the application process.
GR Admissions - Graduates Apply!J-1 Exchange
Exchange students must be nominated by their home university.
Students studying on exchange are not degree-seeking, and may be nominated by their home university to study at SUNY Buffalo State for one or two semesters.
Deadline to Apply for Fall Enrollment: April 15
Deadline to Apply for Spring Enrollment: October 15
J-1 Exchange students are required to live on campus, have a meal plan and be enrolled in the SUNY International Health Insurance while on exchange.
Steps to Apply as a J-1 Exchange Student:
- Nomination from home campus
- Complete exchange application (Buffalo State will send the exchange application to students after receiving a nomination from their home university)
- Submit supporting documents: Passport bio page, transcript, English proficiency page, bank statement, FSA-4 form
Steps After Acceptance
- Complete health form
- Proof of vaccinations
- Apply for J1 visa
- Select classes
- Attend orientation
- Arrive on campus one week prior to classes starting
Costs & Finances
Costs for International Undergraduate Students
|
2025 - 2026 Academic Year |
|
|
Tuition & Fees (Full-Time, 9 Credit Hours per Semester): |
$ 19,903.00 |
|
Living Expenses (Housing, Meals, Books, Travel): |
$ 17,258.00 |
|
Mandatory SUNY International Health Insurance: |
$ 2,164.37 |
|
Total: |
$ 39,325.37 |
|
*Costs subject to change |
|
*All freshman and sophomore international students are required to live in the residence halls, or until they earn junior status, 60 credit hours. Students over the age of 21 are not required to live on campus. The meal plan is optional for juniors and students age 21 or older.
Costs for International Graduate Students
|
2025 - 2026 Academic Year |
|
|
Tuition & Fees (Full-Time, 9 Credit Hours per Semester): |
$ 18,506.00 |
|
Living Expenses (Housing, Meals, Books, Travel): |
$ 15,330.00 |
|
Mandatory SUNY International Health Insurance: |
$ 2,164.37 |
|
Total: |
$ 36,000.37 |
|
*Costs subject to change |
|
Required Financial Documentation
You will be required to submit documents proving you have the financial means to support yourself during the first full calendar year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Your financial documents are not related to your admission decision, however our office cannot issue you an I-20 until you have provided sufficient evidence of financial support. Submitting your financial documents as soon as possible will allow us to finalize your application and process your immigration documents in a timely manner.
While proof of funding is only required for first calendar year, you are expected to fund your studies for the duration of your academic program. Please remember that you should not look to employment as a means of support. International students need special authorization for employment in the US and are limited in the number of hours they can work.
Scholarship Opportunities
First-Year Scholarships
| Criteria | President’s Scholars Award* | Provost’s Scholars Award | Dean’s Scholars Award | Orange & Black Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Based on high school grades and activities: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual amount: | $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| 4-year amount: | $16,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 | $4,000 |
| Renewable: | Up to 4 years | Up to 4 years | Up to 4 years | Up to 4 years |
| GPA to maintain award: | 3.2 | 3 | 2.75 | 2.5 |
| Fall start: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full-time enrollment: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*President’s Scholars Awardees who participate in the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program will be eligible for an additional $1,000 honors award for up to 4 years - $5,000 per year or $20,000 total.
Transfer Scholarships
| Scholarship | Annual Award | Total Award | Maximum Semesters | Merit-Based | Must Live On-Campus | GPA to Renew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Student Merit Scholarship (Fall Start) | $1,000 | $1,000 | 2 | Yes | No | 3.25 |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | $1,500 | $6,000 | 8 | Yes | No | 3.5 |
Scholarship Qualifications
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides financial awards through several scholarships to international students. Recipients must be matriculated and enrolled full-time at Buffalo State at the time they apply for the scholarships. Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship. Please review qualifications for Scholarship opportunities here.
Facts
56
Accepted Students
28
International Athletes
119
International Students
100
UG Students
19
GR Students
22
OPT Students