Pennsylvania State University, USA: Admission Info

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one of the most respected public research universities in the United States. Founded in 1855, it has built a global reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a strong commitment to student success. Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State serves over 100,000 students across its campuses. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields like engineering, business, science, health, and the arts.

In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Pennsylvania State University is ranked among the top 100 universities globally, reflecting its academic strength, international outlook, and employer reputation.

Pennsylvania State University: Quick Summary

• Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
• Global Ranking: Consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS & THE rankings)
• Available Programs: 275+ undergraduate and graduate programs across engineering, business, sciences, arts, and more
• Program Duration:
  • Bachelor’s: 4 years
  • Master’s: 1.5–2 years
  • PhD: 3–5 years
• Application Time: Opens in August for fall intake; early action and priority deadlines in November–January
  • Undergraduate
    • Application for Admission
      • Fall and Summer: Available August 1
      • Spring: Available June 1
    • For Early Action:
      • Apply by November 1 in order to receive a decision by December 24

Study Areas: Program List

Pennsylvania State University offers diverse programs in:

• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
• Business (Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain)
• Computer Science and IT
• Biological and Health Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Agriculture
• Communications
• Education
• Law and Public Policy
• Social Sciences
• Arts and Humanities
• Undergraduate Majors
• Graduate Majors

Admission Requirements at Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor’s:

First-Year International Students Requirements

• International Credentials
• English Proficiency (choose one):
  • Duolingo: 120+
  • TOEFL iBT/Home Edition: 80+
  • IELTS (Academic/Indicator): 6.5+
  • SAT EBRW: 570+
  • ACT English: 24+
  • GCSE/GCE English: A, B, or C
  • IB English A: Score of 5+
  • 4 years of U.S. high school or
  • 1 year of U.S. college + English comp course (C grade or higher)
  • Completion of IECP at Penn State

Transfer International Students Requirements

• Application: Submit online via MyPennState
• Transcripts:
  • Outside U.S.: Official transcripts with subjects, grades, and grading key
  • U.S. institutions: Must be sent directly from the school
• English Proficiency: Same options and minimum scores as first-year applicants
• SRAR not required for transfer students

Transfer Credit Opportunities

• Can earn credit from:
  • A-Levels (A, B, or C)
  • Abitur (grades 1–3 or 15–13)
  • CAPE (score of III+)
  • IB Higher Level (score of 5+)
  • AP/CLEP exams from College Board

Graduate Program Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a degree from a recognized institution in their country.
• The degree must meet one of these criteria:
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or
  • A postsecondary (tertiary) degree that is equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree.
• Visit, Minimum Eligibility by Country

English Proficiency Requirements

• Language of Instruction: English
• Required Tests:
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score 80, with speaking score of 19
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
• Provisional Admission: May be granted if scores are below the requirement, with conditions to meet later.
• Exemptions from Testing
  • Penn State’s Intensive English Communication Program (IECP):
    • Completing this program waives the test requirement.
    • Other institutions’ programs do not qualify for exemption.
  • Exempt Countries:
    Applicants with a degree from the following English-speaking countries do not need TOEFL/IELTS:

Required Documents to Apply at Pennsylvania State University

Undergraduate:

• Academic Record:
  • Most applicants: Submit SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record)
  • South Korean students: Submit official transcripts
• Standardized Tests (optional):
  • Submit SAT/ACT only if you choose to or for English proof
• Documents:
  • Must be official, certified, and in original language + English translation
  • Unopened, sealed envelopes required if documents sent via student

For Graduate

Acceptable Documents from Outside the U.S.:

• Marksheet or transcript
• Record of courses completed
• Degree, study, or provisional certificate
• Original diploma
• Diploma supplement
• Other official, country-specific documents
• If Documents Are Not in English:
  • Submit both the native language documents and official English translations.

Acceptable English Translations Can Be Done By:

• The degree-issuing institution
• The country’s Ministry of Education
• A certified government translator
• A U.S. government agency translator
• A translator certified by the American Translators Association (ATA)

Tuition Fees for International Students

Undergraduate Program Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. 

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?	If you have 59 or fewer credits	If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer	$632 per credit	$678 per credit
12–19	$7,678 per semester	$8,288 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?	If you have 59 or fewer credits	If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer	$638 per credit	$685 per credit
12–19	$7,755 per semester	$8,371 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

• Graduate (Master’s/PhD): $25,000 – $35,000 per year
  • For More Details, Visit
• 2025-26 Student Initiated Fee Per Semester

Living Expenses

• Housing (on-campus/off-campus): $600 – $1,000/month
• Food and groceries: $200 – $400/month
• Transportation (local): $50 – $100/month
• Books and supplies: $500 – $1,000/year
• Utilities (if living off-campus): $100 – $150/month
• Health insurance: $2,000 – $2,500/year
• Personal and miscellaneous expenses: $100 – $300/month
• Estimated total: $12,000 – $16,000 per year

Why Choose The Pennsylvania State University

• Top-ranked research university with global recognition
• Diverse academic programs and modern facilities
• Strong alumni network and career support
• Safe, student-friendly campus environment
• Ample research, internship, and leadership opportunities

Suggestions for International Applicants

• Start early and check specific program requirements
• Submit strong personal statement and recommendation letters
• Prepare and meet English test score requirements
• Explore scholarship and assistantship options in advance
• Attend virtual info sessions and contact the admissions office if needed

Available Scholarships for Interested Students

• Merit-Based Scholarships (limited and competitive)
• Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + stipend)
• Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
• External scholarships like Fulbright, Joint Japan/World Bank, etc.
• Apply early and meet all eligibility criteria
• For More Scholarships, Visit

FAQs about This University

Q1. Can I apply without SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, Penn State has test-optional policies for most undergraduate programs.

Q2. Is work allowed during studies?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester.

Q3. Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Absolutely! Penn State promotes undergraduate research through programs and funding.

Q4. How competitive is the admission process?
Admission is moderately competitive, but having a strong academic profile and clear application helps a lot.

Q5. Is housing guaranteed for international students?
Yes, especially for first-year students, but you should apply early to secure your spot.