International Student Admissions

Who Is Considered an International Applicant?

You are considered an international applicant if you have been educated outside of the U.S., are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and are applying to study at Yeshiva University on an F-1 student visa.

Application Deadlines

International students may apply for either the fall or spring semester. We encourage you to apply early to allow time for visa processing.

Click here to view dates

Required Application Materials

To apply as an international student, please submit the following:

Online Application

Complete the YU Undergraduate Application and indicate “Freshman - International” or “Transfer - International.”

$65 Non-refundable Application Fee

Payment is processed securely in your applicant portal.

Essay Prompts

For Spring 2027 admissions and beyond, applicants should select 1 of the following essay prompts:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Personal Statement

How do you see Yeshiva University supporting your academic goals while helping you grow personally and within your values? (250 words or less)

Resume or Extracurricular Activity List

Highlight your involvement in school, internships, work experience, and community activities.

Official High School Transcript

If your transcript is not in English or Hebrew, it must be accompanied by a certified translation and evaluation from a NACES approved agency. Transcripts and translations should be sent directly to YU from the issuing institution.

English Language Proficiency

Required if your primary language of instruction has not been English. YU accepts:

TOEFL: Minimum score of 82
IELTS: Minimum score of 7
Duolingo: Minimum score of 115

Official scores must be sent to YU directly from the testing service.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Please identify two people (preferably one from a clergyman) who can help the Admissions Committee better understand why you would make a great fit for Yeshiva University.

Requests for Letters of Recommendation can be done through the application portal.

Interview

To schedule an interview, please email Rabbi Ari Solomont, solomont@yu.edu. Yeshiva University takes a holistic approach in reviewing an applicant’s candidacy. The interview allows the Admissions officer to meet all applicants and get to know them outside of their application.

Optional: SAT or ACT Scores

YU requires standardized test scores ONLY for applicants to our Honors program. All other students are invited to submit their scores, however, they are not required. If you choose to submit them, scores must be sent directly from the testing service.

SAT Code: 2990
ACT Code: 2992

We do not require the writing section for either test.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Yeshiva University offers merit-based scholarships to international students. While U.S. federal and state financial aid is not available to non-citizens, students may also be considered for institutional need-based aid. An international aid application will be included in your portal after you apply.

For details, visit our Scholarships and Student Aid page.