Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right university means finding the best fit for your personal, academic, and professional goals as well as your budget and personal experiences.

Kutztown offers a balance of quality education, affordability, and personal attention, making it a smart choice for students who want to succeed academically but also feel at home. 

• • Strong academic programs aligned with your career goals
  • Internships, practical training, and employment opportunities
  • Affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities
  • Strong return on investment
  • Personalized support for international students
  • A safe, welcoming campus in Pennsylvania
  • Access to major east coast cities: New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. 

Public universities, like Kutztown University, are funded by state governments and typically offer lower tuition costs and a wide range of academic programs. Public universities tend to have a more diverse student body, as well as a lot of programming to support student engagement and success. 

Private universities are independently funded and often have higher tuition. They may be able to offer larger scholarships, but the overall cost is often greater. Private universities may have more competitive, holistic admission processes. Private universities have less students so they can offer smaller class sizes. 

Which style is your best fit? At Kutztown, international students can benefit from:

• Competitive tuition rates
• High-quality academic programs
• A close-knit campus community
• Access to resources and support services found at larger institutions: Undergraduate and Graduate Research, Writing Center, Tutoring Center, Career Development Center, Honors Program, Health and Wellness Center, Counseling Center, Multicultural Center, Women's Center, and more!

A liberal arts approach focuses on broad learning across subjects, while research universities emphasize specialized research and graduate study. Most universities in the United States focus on a liberal arts education which requires students to take general education courses. General education includes a set list of courses which students in every academic major must complete before graduation. 

Kutztown University provides a mix of both:

• A liberal arts foundation that builds critical thinking
• Career-focused majors that prepare you for the workforce
• Opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on learning

A good fit means you feel academically supported, socially comfortable, and financially confident. International students often choose Kutztown because:

• Classes are interactive and student-centered
• Faculty are accessible and supportive
• The campus is welcoming and Kutztown, Pennsylvania is safe
• Faculty and staff are dedicated and provide services help you adjust

When you feel supported, you succeed. That is what it means to be part of the Golden Bear community!

Yes, Kutztown University's international student community is very diverse! Kutztown has international students from 40+ different countries around the world. This area of Pennsylvania also is host to a significant numbers of refugees, asylees, and other international-adjacent populations. 

When you arrive in August, you'll likely experience temperatures ranging anywhere from 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 40 degrees Celsius). In these temperatures, lightweight clothing is suggested for your comfort.

As the semester continues, heavier clothing may become necessary. Colder weather often begins in October. In November and December, temperatures can drop to 17-40 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 to 4 degrees Celsius) and are typically accompanied by occasional snow and ice, therefore a heavy coat, gloves, hats, and scarves are highly recommended. These temperatures can last until February, but don't be surprised if January or February give you a few warm days. 

Once springtime approaches in March, temperatures begin to rise again to about 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (7-15 degrees Celsius) and are often accompanied by rain, so a raincoat and umbrella are also a good idea. These temperatures can last throughout the remainder of the spring, until the summer heat comes. 

Undergraduate students are required to live on campus for their first two years of study unless they meet one of the Residency Exceptions. On campus housing is available to all international students who deposit (undergraduate) or confirm their admissions (graduate). 

• On Campus Housing Options

Kutztown University staff do not inspect, recommend, regulate, nor approve privately-owned off-campus properties. To start your search, below will be some on and off campus options around Kutztown to consider. You can also click here to find an off campus housing search engine specifically for student housing. This list is not exhaustive nor an endorsement of one housing option over another.

• Advantage Point Student Apartments
• DLP Kutztown
• Eagle Point Management

U.S. universities offer a wide variety of majors across fields like business, science, technology, arts, and education.

At Kutztown University, popular programs for international students include:

• Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Sport Management, MBA
• Biology - PreMed, Allied Health, Biochemistry
• Computer Science, Information Technology, Game Development
• Psychology, Cinema Television and Media Production, 
• Music Performance, Music Business, Art, Animated Arts

View Kutztown University Programs 

Yes. One of the benefits of studying in the U.S. is the flexibility to explore different subjects before declaring your major, especially at liberal arts unviersities like Kutztown University. 

While at Kutztown, you can take general education courses in a variety of subjects. You can also choose more than one major or minor, and your Kutztown academic advisor can help you explore your interests. 

In the United States it is very common that students change their major if their interests or career goals change. International students on an F-1 student visa need additional advising before changing a major. Only specific programs are eligible for international students, so you'll need to speak with the university's international student advisor to see what is possible. 

Kutztown supports international students changing majors:

• Providing clear immigration and academic advising
• Offering a wide range of programs
• Helping you transition smoothly between majors and minors

Here is a sample of the types of classes international students may experience while studying in the United States. Some classes have mixed styles depending on the professor or subject.

• Lecture: The instructor presents materials while students listen and take notes​
• Discussion: Students actively participate by asking questions, expressing opinions, and engaging in dialogue with the instructor and other students​
• Labs: Students get hands-on experience in the subject.​

What will you be graded on? Here are examples!​

• 1 or 2 big projects/exams vs. many smaller projects/exams​
• Class attendance​
• "Active" participation: Participate in class discussions or online discussion posts​
• Individual projects vs. Group projects

Kutztown University emphasizes interactive and student-centered learning. This approach helps students build confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking. Classes often include:

• Class discussions and group work
• Presentations and projects
• Real-world applications of knowledge

Class sizes vary significantly across colleges and universities in the United States. 

• Larger classes with 50-150+ students tend to be lower level and general education classes.
• Smaller classes with 8-30 students allow for more personalized learning and tend to be higher-level courses in your major. 

At Kutztown University, the average class size is 29. 

• Many classes are small to medium-sized
• Faculty know students by name so you will receive individual attention and support

The cost of studying in the US varies from $20,000 to $80,000 per year. Community Colleges (2-year schools) and public universities like Kutztown University, are the most affordable options for international students. Private universities are the most expensive options for international students. 

There are two costs that international students should know: (1) tuition costs (2) living expenses and F-1 visa costs. The cost of tuition and fees may change based on the type of college/university and the cost of living expenses and F-1 visa costs may change based on the location of the school. 

Kutztown University offers undergraduate tuition under $17,000 per year. View Kutztown's International Student Tuition and Costs

• Competitive tuition discount for international students
• Affordable living costs compared to major cities
• Strong value and return for your investment

Many US universities offer scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, academic program, and activity involvement. Scholarships help make your education more affordable and accessible.

At Kutztown University, international undergraduate students can earn up to $17,000 per year in scholarships and awards through the following:

• International student tuition discount
• Merit-based scholarships based on GPA
• Financial need awards based on family income
• Transfer student awards based on earned Associate Degree. 
• Participation in athletics
• Academic awards (Example: Music performance, Honors Program)

At Kutztown University, international graduate students can earn up to $21,000 per year in assistantship funding. 

View Kutztown University International Students Scholarships

Kutztown University has many scholarships for internatioanl students studying in the US.

At Kutztown University, international freshman/first year students can earn up to $17,000 per year in scholarships and awards.

• International student tuition discount
• Merit-based scholarships based on GPA up to $6,000 per year
• Financial need awards based on family income up to $4,000 per year

At Kutztown University, international freshman/first year students can earn up to $15,500 per year in scholarships and awards.

• International student tuition discount
• Merit-based scholarships based on GPA up to $3,000 per year
• Financial need awards based on family income up to $4,000 per year
• Transfer student awards based on earned Associate Degree up to $1,500 one time

Kutztown University additionally provides scholarships for the following:

• Participation in athletics
• Academic awards (Example: Music performance, Honors Program)

View Kutztown University International Students Scholarships

Yes, international students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the winter and summer breaks. F-1 international students can also participate in off campus internships during their program. 

This provides the potential to earn between $2,000 - $8,000 annually depending on the number of hours you work each week, if you work all year, and the pay you get per hour.

20 hours x 15 weeks in a semester x $9.00 pay per hour = $2,700 per semester

At Kutztown University, international students work on campus in housing, dining, the recreation center, the student union, the mail room, in acadmeic departments, in administrative offices, and more. The International Office and the Career Development Center helps international students access these opportunities. 

Most international students (such as F-1, J-1, H-1 or H-4  visa holders) are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid (loans, grants, or work-study). Some international students may be eligible for private loans, if they have a U.S. cosigner or can apply to international organization grants.

International students at Kutztown University can secure funding through merit (academic) scholarships, need-based awards, departmental/program scholarships, graduate assistantships, or through authorized employment. Kutztown University also offers a tuition discount to all new out-of-state/international freshman and transfer students. More information is listed on our International Scholarships and Awards webpage. 

Kutztown University does not partner with College Board's CSS Profile. To determine your eligibility for needs-based awards, international admissions staff internally calculates your level of financial need based on your family’s financial resources. 

Kutztown University offers a needs-based scholarship called the International Avalanche Award. International students can apply online after they have submitted their application to Kutztown University. 

Students are awarded on a rolling basis, buthere is a deposit deadline to accept the award. Awards are rescinded if deposits are not made by the deadline. 

Fall Term Start:

• Students are awarded on a rolling basis from January through May. 
• Submit the $300 USD deposit by May 1st to accept the award. 

Spring Term Start:

• Students are awarded on a rolling basis from October through December. 
• Submit the $300 USD deposit by November 1st to accept the award. 

The International Avalanche Award is a tuition waiver so it will not appear as a separate line item on your student bill. Instead, the amount of tuition you are charged is reduced by amount of the award (like an additional tuition discount). 

International students who are selected to receive the award will have it applied to their semester bill typically by the week before classes begin. It does not appear automatically. 

Yes. International students who remain eligible for renewal of their International Avalanche Award will see the amount posted to their tuition bill each semester. This International Avalanche Award is renewable each year based on maintaining the following requirements:

• Maintain a 2.00 overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Maintain full-time enrollment at Kutztown University.
• Earn 24 credits each academic year.
• Complete 5 volunteer hours for the Office of International Education and Global Engagement each academic year.
• First year students received the awards for up to 4 years or 8 semesters.
• Transfer students receive the awards for up to 3 years or 6 semesters.

Students who become ineligible for the award, either based on GPA or full-time student status, may appeal the the loss of an award. In the case of an appeal, needs-based award renewal is not guaranteed and appeal decisions are final.

Click on one of the links below to view the "how to apply" webpage guide for each type of international applicant. Each page has different deadlines and lists of application materials that are required. 

Undergraduate Students:

Submit the Kutztown Application (Recommended) or apply through the Common Application. 

• How to Apply: First Year
• How to Apply: Transfer

Graduate Students: 

Submit the Kutztown Application.

• How to Apply: Graduate

Exchange Students:

Complete one of the following Online Applications: 

A) International Exchange/Visiting Application (Undergraduate) 
Complete this application if you intend to take undergraduate-level courses.

B) International Exchange/Visiting Application (Graduate)
Complete this application if you intend to take graduate-level courses. 

• How to Apply: Exchange

If you have difficulty paying the application fee, please contact the international admissions team at international@kutztown.edu. to request an Application Fee Waiver code. There is a question on the application where you can provide the code. 

Note: You must request a waiver code before you submit your application. 

Click on one of the links below to view the "how to apply" webpage guide for each type of international applicant. Each page has different deadlines and lists of application materials that are required. 

First Year Students:

How to Apply: First Year

• Submit Official Secondary School Academic Records or National Exam Results. (Read specific requirements by country here.)
• Submit Official Post-Secondary School (College/University) Records or Transcript.
• Submit Proof of English Proficiency. (Read the full list of English Proficiency options here.)
• Submit a copy of your passport (Recommended)

Transfer Students:

How to Apply: Transfer

• Submit Official Secondary School Academic Records or National Exam Results. (Read specific requirements by country here.)
• Submit Proof of English Proficiency. (Read the full list of English Proficiency options here.)
• Submit a copy of your passport (Recommended)

Graduate Students: 

How to Apply: Graduate

• Submit a Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation (international transcripts)
  or  Submit Official US Post-Secondary (College/University) Transcripts (US transcripts).
• Submit Proof of English Proficiency. (Read the full list of English Proficiency options here.)
• Submit a copy of your passport (Recommended)
• Submit Graduate Program-Specific Requirements
  Each graduate program may require additional items to be completed, such as letters of  recommendation, an essay, clearances, resume/CV, or interview.

The International Admissions Team will make preliminary admissions decisions with unofficial documents. However, official documents and evaluations are due by August 1 (fall term start) and January 1 (spring term start). 

Unofficial documents can be uploaded on your Applicant Status Portal. Documents you email to international@kutztown.edu are considered unofficial. 

Official documents must be emailed to international@kutztown.edu (preferred) or mailed to the International Office in a sealed envelope by your Secondary School, National Exam organization, or transcript evaluation company. 

Kuztown University is a transfer friendly institution! We encourage students to transfer coursework completed at other colleges and universities during the admissions process. However, if you do not disclose your attendance at a college or university on your application for admission then you will not be permitted to transfer those credits at a later time. 

Did you earn credits or a degree in the U.S.? 

You can request your college or university to send an official transcript to Kutztown University's International Office at international@kutztown.edu. 

Use our Transfer Credit Evaluation Tool to find out if any undergraduate courses from your college/university have been evaluated for transfer credit at Kutztown University. The Transfer Credit Evaluation tool includes these local community colleges and more! 

Did you earn credits or a degree outside the U.S.?

Kutztown University requires a course-by-course transcript evaluation for all college or university coursework completed outside the United States. To be considered official, the evaluation must be sent directly from the evaluation company to Kutztown University. Transcript evaluations must be received by:

• August 1 for Fall semester entry
• January 1 for Spring semester entry

If your evaluation is not received by the deadline, your admission will be deferred to the next available term. Applicants may use any NACES recognized company or one of the following:

• IEE: A link for Kutztown applicants with a discounted rate. 
• The Evaluation Company: A link for Kutztown applicants with a discounted rate. 
• World Education Services (WES)

Can graduate students transfer credit?

The Gradaute Program Coordinator of each program determines if a student may transfer credit at the graduate level.

No, Kutztown University does not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores. 

The language of instruction at Kutztown University is English, therefore students must provide evidence that they have achieved a level of English proficiency to be successful in their courses. You may prove English proficiency in one of the following ways:

Option 1: English Proficiency Exam

• Option 2: Education Occurring in the U.S.
• Option 3: Completion of an Approved ESL/English Program
• Option 4: English as a Medium of Instruction (Select Countries Only)
• Option 5: International Curriculum and Qualifying National Exams
• Option 6 (Exchange Students Only) Letter from Home Institution

Read more details about all options on our English Proficiency Webpage. 

Yes, we often accept international curriculum exams and national exams, as a replacement for the following:

• Secondary Transcripts
• English Proficiency Requirements

Review Transcript Requirements by country.

Review English Proficiency qualifying curriculums and exams under Option 5. 

You can check the status of your application by logging in to your Applicant Status Portal. All important items such as your admissions letter, steps for immigration, and pre-arrival forms, will be listed in this portal. You can also email the International Office at international@kutztown.edu. 

Note: If you applied using the Common App or as an exchange student, you will need to log in using the email you applied with and click the "Forgot Your Password?" link to set up a password for the first time. 

All F-1 visa students are required to declare a major. If you do not declare a major at the time of admission, you will be automatically assigned to the Bachelor of Science in General Studies. 

International students of other visa types may be undeclared but are encouraged to select a major by the end of their second year. 

Learn more about the majors offered at KU.

An undergraduate program of study is appropriate for students who have completed their high school or secondary school program but have not yet earned a Bachelor's degree.

A graduate program of study is appropriate for students who have completed their Bachelor's degree and are seeking to complete advanced study in an academic or professional field and earn a Master's degree.

Yes. Kutztown University accepts O-, AS-, and A-level coursework. In some cases, the coursework may be deemed equivalent to the completion of a secondary-level program (i.e. high school diploma).

• Applicants who are still in High School: Must submit the most recent 3 years of consecutive education (predicted scores for third year is acceptable)
• Applicants who completed High School: Must submit at least 5 IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O-Levels to be considered for admission. If you sat for the same subject more than once, you must report the grades earned from each sitting.

You may also receive university credit for AS- and A-level coursework depending on your final scores on the exams. You will need to request that the examination company send official score results directly to Kutztown University. The number of credits awarded is determined on a case-by-case basis.

View the exam equivalencies webpage to see what you can receive! Note, if your exam is not listed you can still request for it to be reviewed for transfer credit. 

Yes, KU accepts CAPE results for admission to the university. You may also receive college-level credit for the exams. Request that the Caribbean Examinations Council send exam results directly to Kutztown University. Credit will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis. 

Find contact information for KU coaches at www.kubears.com staff directory. be sure to include the International Office international@kutztown.edu in your outreach so the coach knows you are working with our office. 

International students can only be admitted to Kutztown University in a degree program for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Students wishing to study at KU in the summer may attend KU as an online student if outside the U.S. or as a transient or visiting student if they have a visa status that will allow them to study.

Click on one of the links below to view the "how to apply" webpage guide for each type of international applicant. Each page has different deadlines that are required. 

Undergraduate Students:

Typically July 1 and November 1 for First Year students and July 15 and December 1 for Transfer students. However, for students already in the U.S. with a valid visa, they may receive an extension on a case-by-case basis. 

• How to Apply: First Year
• How to Apply: Transfer

Graduate Students: 

Typically June 1 and October 1. However, certain programs have limited seats available! You are encouraged to submit your completed application as early as possible.

• How to Apply: Graduate

Exchange Students:

Typically June 1 and November 1 for exchange students. However, they may receive an extension on a case-by-case basis. 

• How to Apply: Exchange

You can find the cost to attend Kutztown University on the International Tuition and Costs webpage. 

Students who hold a non-student visa may apply for admission to Kutztown University, however, students must meet all academic requirements and be accepted to KU before they can apply for a change of status to a student visa (i.e. F-1 or J-1).

Certain non-student visa holders, such as B-1/B-2 visitors may not begin their program of study until the change of status has been approved by USCIS. While, F-2 visa holders may enroll part-time at KU while they are waiting for their change of status to be approved. 

Accepted students on a non-student visa may apply for a change of status to the F-1 visa. In this case, the following documents must be submitted to the assigned USCIS Service Center:

• Notify the International Office you need to apply for a change of status
• Receive a Change of Status Form I-20 issued by the International Office
• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• Form I-539 Filing Fee - U.S. check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
• Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
• Form I-94 
• Copies of passport, current visa, and other current immigration status documents - as required
• Copies of financial support documents
• Letter explaining why you are requesting the change of status

Note: The following visa holders may not apply for a change of status within the United States: M-1, C, D, or K non-immigrants, J non-immigrants subject to the 212(e) two-year foreign residency requirement, and WT and WB visitors admitted under the visa waiver program.

Yes. Kutztown University will not deny admission to the university so long as the student meets general admissions requirements. However it is best to meet with the International Office to review important information so that we can best advise you.

Contact international@kutztown.edu. 

No. You are considered a permanent resident and thus should apply through the domestic application process.

International Applicants are students who request or are on a non-immigrant visa. Common visa examples include F, J, H, L, M (among other visa categories). 

Regular Applicants are students who are US Citizens, Dual Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the US (“Green Card” holders), Asylees, Refugees, Parolees, Temporary Protected Status, and students in other categories not addressed in “International Applicants”. 

For undergraduate and exchange students: After the International Office receives your application and all required items (transcripts, English Proficiencey), you can expect to receive an admissions decision in two to three days. 

For graduate students: The timeline is different for each program. The Graduate Admissions and International Office prepares and reviews your application to ensure all required items have been received. The academic departments may take two to three weeks to make a decision if they review applications on a rolling basis. Some programs wait to review applications until a specific date and will issue decisions to all applicants at once.