International Application Requirements

The University at Buffalo is one of the United States' most international universities and offers a welcoming environment for students from over 100 countries.

the Peace Bridge between the U.S. and Canada lit up at night.

International Student Prerequisites and Eligibility

Degree Prerequisites

In addition to the other application prerequisites for their degree program, international students must have:

  • The equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree to apply to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
  • The equivalent of a U.S. Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to apply to the PhD or DSW program.

In order to determine equivalency, we appreciate when students are able to provide a transcript evaluation (we recommend WES) showing degree equivalency as well as a course-by-course evaluation. 

Advanced Standing Eligibility

In addition to meeting all other advanced standing prerequisites:

Canadian students can qualify for advanced standing provided they attended a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.

Students educated outside the U.S or Canada would need to have their degree reviewed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and determined to be equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in order to be advanced standing eligible.

Students who do not meet the advanced standing prerequisites must apply to the Traditional MSW program instead. 

Application Requirements

In addition to your MSW degree, PhD degree, or DSW degree program application, as an international student you will need to provide the following materials:

Learn more: