Information for International Applicants
Brandeis has been a welcoming place for international students since its inception in 1948. Our commitment to the international community was enhanced in 1958 with the establishment of the Wien International Scholarship Program, an extensive grant program that awards deserving students based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Throughout our history, we have valued the energy, perspective and enthusiasm that the international student population brings towards enhancing campus life.
The Brandeis community works hard to ensure your seamless transition to the educational system and daily life in the United States. The International Students and Scholars Office, in conjunction with the Department of Orientation and First Year Programs, hosts a comprehensive two-day program designed to help you adjust to life on campus. During this time, you will receive guidance with regard to visa requirements, banking, obtaining a cell phone and other immediate concerns. Housing for international students is guaranteed for the first two years, and the vast majority of students who wish to remain on campus for their full four years may do so.
- Educational Expectations
- Application Forms
- Financial Aid Forms
- Required Application Documents
- Testing Requirements
- Visa Information
- Scholarship and Financial Aid
Educational Expectations
International students applying to Brandeis should complete a curriculum of study in a national education system, international school or an American school in the United States or oversees that would enable them to attend a highly regarded university in their home country. Strong performance on many national system exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams may earn credit to a maximum of four courses or one semester's work. These exams may also allow for advanced standing in specific areas of the Brandeis degree program or general study requirements.
Application Forms
International students are invited to apply electronically using the Brandeis Applications Online or the Common Application and Supplement found at http://www.commonapp.org/. If you contact the Admissions Office through the information request form, we will mail you a paper version of the Common Application. The required School Report and Teacher Evaluation form of the Common Application should also be submitted.
Applications through the Early Decision Plan are welcomed. By submitting your materials by one of two dates (Nov. 15 and Jan. 1), you will receive an admissions decision by Dec. 15 or Feb. 1, respectively. Please note that application to Brandeis through the Early Decision Plan implies a binding agreement between you and the university to enroll should you be accepted and to withdraw applications from all other universities. As such, students who require full financial aid to cover tuition and expenses should only apply as a Regular Decision applicant as full consideration for the Wien International Scholarship is given only during that review period.
International Student Application for Financial Aid Forms
Brandeis is recognized for its competitive program of scholarship and financial aid for international students. We require all students seeking aid to complete either the International Student Financial Aid Application provided by the College Board or Brandeis' International Student Application for Financial Aid (download here).
Students whose parents are working in the United States must also submit the CSS PROFILE need analysis from the College Board. This is available online at http://profileonline.collegeboard.com. International students in the United States must indicate on the Common Application whether they are seeking financial aid even if they are not eligible for US federal monies.
Required Application Documents
First-year and transfer applicants must provide a record of their school marks directly from the school. First-year applicants must send marks for three complete years of study and for their current or fourth year as available; the early years may be known as school, middle school or high school and the latter years as secondary school, college or junior college. First-year and transfer applicants must submit final secondary school records and any external or national exam results when available. The Midyear Report is required only if it is appropriate in your educational system; it is not required of transfer applicants or first-year applicants who have completed secondary school.
Applicants who have completed secondary school and have begun a degree program at a university will be considered transfer applicants. A transcript of university studies will be needed to complete your application.
Two teacher evaluations from those who have taught you in academic subject areas are required for first-year and transfer applicants. You may make copies of the original Teacher Evaluation form. Evaluation letters written on school letterhead stationery are acceptable.
First-year applicants must ask a counselor or Head of School to complete the School Report. This includes a letter of recommendation the school official. Transfer applicants need to ask the Dean of Students, a Department Head or an adviser to complete the Dean’s Report.
Interviews are not required in our application process. If you are able to visit Brandeis, please visit http://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/visiting/tours.html to register for an information session, tour and interview. Alumni interviews are offered in the United States and a limited number of countries.
Current Brandeis students are anxious to assist through emailing applicants who desire to know more about campus life and the educational experience at the university; please use the admissions@brandeis.edu address to initiate this contact.
Testing Requirements for International Students
Students for whom English is not their primary language are required to demonstrate proficiency by presenting a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 250 on the Computer-Based Test or 100 on the Internet-Based Test. These scores are equivalent to 600 on the earlier paper-based test. Students who score 600 or better on the Critical Reasoning portion of the SAT or 27 on the ACT will have the TOEFL requirement waived. Students who have the opportunity to take IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and score a 7 or better will also be exempted from the TOEFL.
Students who identify English as their primary language are required to take the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT exam. SAT II Subject Tests are also recommended, but are not required.
We urge you to complete your testing by December to ensure that your scores arrive in a timely manner. However, if we receive results from later testing prior to mid-February, we will take them into consideration.
Please consult the Education USA office in your home country if you need assistance in initiating your university search, advising about test dates and centers or to discuss the general U.S. admission process or the steps required to obtain a student visa. A list of centers may be found at http://educationusa.state.gov/centers/
Visa Information/Declaration and Certification of Finances Form
The Visa Information/Declaration and Certification of Finances Form is required of all students in the application process to document the necessary funds that the family has indicated will be available. Those who do not seek financial aid must verify the availability of funds sufficient to cover the full cost of one year of education. Those who are seeking financial aid should document that funds are available to cover the amount of the family contribution indicated on the International Student Application for Financial Aid.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs
The Wien International Scholarship Program can provide a package of scholarship, work and loan to cover the full cost of education at Brandeis. Partial Wien Scholarships are also offered depending on individual merit and level of demonstrated family financial need.
Alumni and Friends Scholarships are packages of scholarship, work and loan that meet the demonstrated need of students whose families are able to contribute significantly toward the cost of education. The average package each year is in the range of $20,000 to $25,000.
Awards are all understood to be four-year commitments by Brandeis, contingent upon academic progress.
Sylvia and Joseph Slifka Israeli Coexistence Scholarships are awarded nearly every year to two Israeli citizens; one Arab and one Jewish. These students, along with the two recipients of the Judd and Jennifer Malkin Israeli Scholarship, bring reality and personal commitment to the campus discussion of peaceful coexistence in Israel and in the world in general.
The Slifka Scholarship will be awarded for fall 2008; the next Malkin Scholarship will be awarded for fall 2009. Applicants must be Israeli citizens, demonstrate strong academic achievement and English proficiency and have been involved significantly in coexistence efforts. An interview in Israel is required for the Slifka Scholarship and is preferred for the Malkin Scholarship.
The Davis United World College Scholars Program provides a $10,000 grant by the Shelby Davis Foundation for any graduate of one of the United World Colleges (http://www.uwc.org/) who demonstrates financial need. Brandeis will meet the remaining financial need with Alumni and Friends Scholarship and work if we are able to offer admission.
For further information, please contact Nicholas Senecal, at nsenecal@brandeis.edu, or Katy West, at kwest@brandeis.edu.
