International Students
The U.S. Government Department of Homeland Security has directed a return to pre-pandemic regulations, which require international students to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits of on-campus courses in the fall and spring semesters (a total of 9 credits minimum per semester). We have limited on-campus course offerings each semester, and this may jeopardize your visa status. Therefore, international students applying for enrollment to the MI on-campus/hybrid program are only eligible for the Design Your Own Pathway option. It is also important to note that, at this time, most on-campus course offerings will be from the concentrations that focus on technology (Human-Computer Interaction; Data Science; and Technology, Information, and Management). International applicants can apply to the MI fully online program and complete any seven concentration options. If you would like to discuss further, please reach out to the Graduate Admissions team: gradadmissions@comminfo.rutgers.edu, 848-932-7550.
For more information about these Rutgers policy changes, please review the full course of study requirements on the Rutgers Global website.
Application Deadlines
We have limited on-campus course offerings each semester, and this may impact your visa status. International students applying for enrollment to the Master of Information on-campus/hybrid program are only eligible for the Design Your Own Pathway concentration.
Complete your application by the deadlines in order to be considered for admission.
International applicants can also apply to the MI fully online program. If you would like to discuss further, please reach out to the Graduate Admissions team: gradadmissions@comminfo.rutgers.edu, 848-932-7550.
September Program Start: May 15
January Program Start: November 1
May Program Start: March 15
Four Requirements For All International Students
In addition to the standard admissions requirements of all graduate and professional students, international students are required to meet:
If you have received an offer of admission without financial support, you must submit a Certification of Funds along with financial documentation before you can receive an official certificate of admission and eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).
You must also show proof you can finance your first year of education and living expenses and provide a plan and sources for funding future years.
All international applicants must submit official documentation of English language proficiency. Accepted tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test, and scores must have been earned within the past two years.
For additional details regarding English proficiency examination requirements and I-20 financial documentation, please refer to the Additional Requirements for International Students.
*Submit results using Rutgers Institutional Code 2790; Rutgers does not use ETS department codes.
**IELTS results are delivered to receiving organizations by postal mail or electronic download.
Some students may qualify for a waiver. TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo are not required for students who:
Students will not receive a waiver until the Rutgers Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions receives the applicant’s official transcript or certificate and can confirm that a degree was earned.
International students must complete the requirements to legally study and reside in the United States. The International Student and Scholar Services office offers assistance and details on this process.
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