At the University at Albany, we pride ourselves on our commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming environment for students from over 100 countries. For more than 175 years we’ve been fueled by a unique mix of academic excellence, internationally recognized research, and world-class faculty. Our students relentlessly pursue possibilities, create connections, and seize opportunities – locally and globally – with a single-minded purpose: to author their own success doing the things that matter. If you’re ready to tackle today’s biggest challenges, answer our most pressing questions, and solve society’s most vexing problems, you’re ready to join the University at Albany community!
Program Information
In today’s evolving world, you need more than the tools of a trade or knowledge that comes from a book. You need a broad view of the world—the ability to adapt, to accept new ideas, and to embrace, even lead, change. At UAlbany, you’ll find the resources and experiences you need to prepare for an unpredictable future. And you’ll study and learn with a diverse group of students from around the globe—enriching your experience and opening you up to endless new ideas.
Whether you’re interested in psychology or biology, informatics or engineering, our diverse academic offerings will teach you new ways to think about your subject and the world. Our wide array of academic choices includes 150-plus undergraduate programs and more than 125 graduate programs, several of which are ranked near the top in the nation.
Academic Training
To complement your program of study in the United States, J-1 visa students are eligible for Academic Training (A/T). Academic Training is designed to provide J-1 students with employment experience in their field of study. Academic Training must be directly related to the your field of study. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in the Center for International Education & Global Strategy (CIEGS) assists currently enrolled students in the Academic Training process.
Attendance Policy for International Students
A strict attendance policy is enforced. To maintain visa status, you are required to submit homework assignments, attend classes, and participate fully. All undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits each semester. Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits each semester.
In every area of study, you are instructed by faculty who are world-class scholars and teachers – many actively engaged in life-enhancing research that contributes profoundly to the public good. They are partners with industry and published authors, and know from experience what it takes to succeed. As mentors, they provide numerous student-research opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, inspiring students to advance their skills and aspirations.
All undergraduate exchange and visiting students are guaranteed on-campus dorm housing. After acceptance to UAlbany, you will be sent an email from your Program Coordinator with the link from the Residential Life department that is used for on-campus housing sign up.
For general information about on-campus living, please visit the Residential Life web page.
Housing for graduate students is limited to a first come, first serve basis. Graduate students will be notified if they receive housing a few weeks before the start of the semester with an email to your UAlbany email account.
Homestays are also available in a limited quantity. Please email us to learn more.
Some students choose to live off campus. We cannot assist you in finding off-campus housing. For information regarding off campus living, please review the Off-Campus Housing web page.
You must provide evidence of financial support (bank statements and/or other proof that you have sufficient funds for educational and living expenses) in order for UAlbany to issue you visa support.
Click to view the Estimate of Costs: Tuition and fees benefits
Note: there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester/academic year of study at UAlbany.
Under this exchange agreement, UAlbany tuition and fees are waived. You are liable for all other expenses, including mandatory health insurance and the SEVIS I-901 fee.
The UAlbany exchange program receives students for semester or year-long exchange from our partner universities.
To study at UAlbany as an exchange student, your home university must select and recommend you. Exchange students receive academic and social support from the Center for International Education & Global Strategy (CIEGS).
English Language Requirement
- TOEFL: 70 / 523 pbt
- IELTS: 6.0
- ELS 112
- Completion of the UAlbany IELP program
I have been selected by my home campus, now what?
If you are selected by your home campus, you must apply to UAlbany using the special forms and procedures designed for exchange students. To be admitted, your application must be processed by the Education Abroad Office which is part of the Center for International Education & Global Strategy at UAlbany. Do not apply directly to either the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Offices.
How long am I allowed to stay at UAlbany as an exchange student?
Your home campus will determine how many semesters you may attend UAlbany as an exchange student. If your university does not object you may choose to remain at UAlbany longer at your own cost, as a visiting student.
Please note:
- Some departments and schools at UAlbany have partnership agreements that are not managed by the Center for International Education & Global Strategy;
- If there is no agreement between your university and UAlbany you may still be able to study here as a visiting “study abroad” student.
Scholarship information and advisement for international students is available through the U.S. government’s EducationUSA website.
“My experience here at the University at Albany has been one of the most revitalizing and invigorating experiences. Coming here my expectations were muddled, I was anxious about the educational system, the people and the lifestyle. However, being here for over 8 months I now consider it a home for me, so much so that I have extended my visa for another work. Being an exchange student for one year gave me opportunities and support that was incredible. My family originated from Punjab India, and I am the second generation to be born in the United Kingdom. Both my mother and father were encouraged to work straight out of school and are now self-employed, they did not make it past the earliest stages of school. Being the oldest of four children it was an achievement in itself that I was the first in the family to make it to University. I truly enjoyed every moment of UAlbany.”
— Academic year exchange student from Scotland, University of Glasgow
To learn more about this program, please contact your UAlbany Education Abroad Program Coordinator.
You education abroad program will last a semester, academic year, or calendar year. Review the University’s Academic Calendar. The Fall semester runs from late August to December and the Spring semester runs from late January through mid-May.
As an international student, you are required to participate in two mandatory orientations. The Pre-Arrival orientation is conducted online, before you arrive. The On-Site orientation is held upon your arrival to campus. Both orientations are conducted by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. Orientation schedules are available on the ISSS website.
Program Dates
Term | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Program Start | Program End |
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Spring 2024 | October 1, 2023 | October 15, 2023 | Forthcoming | Forthcoming |
Additional Details
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Internship Opportunity | Academic Training for J-1 visa holders is available |