International Admissions

International students and scholars may bring their immediate family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) to the United States on dependent visas (F-2 or J-2). However, please review the specific visa regulations and requirements and any applicable restrictions or limitations before bringing your family to the United States.

Please note: Gallaudet does not provide housing to the students and scholars’ immediate families or cover their living costs. 

International students and scholars at Gallaudet University generally pay higher tuition rates than domestic students because international students are charged non-resident tuition fees. However, those from developing countries pay less tuition than those from non-developing countries. See here for information about Gallaudet’s tuition and fees.

Gallaudet University typically does not offer scholarships to international students and
scholars, with the exception of some limited opportunities for institutional scholarships.
Therefore, they are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities from
government agencies, organizations, foundations, and other sources to help fund their
education at Gallaudet. See here for more information about scholarships that international
students and scholars may be eligible for.

While Gallaudet University typically does not offer financial aid to international students and scholars, there are limited opportunities for need-based financial aid. These opportunities are competitive and vary depending on available funding. International students and scholars should explore alternative funding options and resources to cover their educational expenses. See here for more information about financial aid that international students may be eligible for.

International students and scholars are responsible for securing funding to cover their education costs at Gallaudet University, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses. The following are some external funding opportunities that are available to them:

• Self-funding: Use personal savings, family support, or other resources to cover educational expenses.
• Private scholarships: Explore scholarships offered by private organizations, foundations, corporations, and non-profit institutions. These scholarships could be merit-based, need based, or award-based depending on specific criteria such as academic achievement, leadership skills, or field of study.
• Government-sponsored programs: Many governments offer scholarships, grants, or financial assistance programs to support their citizens’ higher education abroad. International students and scholars can inquire with their home country’s government, embassy, or relevant ministries about available funding opportunities and eligibility criteria.
• Sponsorships: International students and scholars can seek sponsorships or financial support from employers, organizations, community groups, or individuals to fund their education. Sponsorships are provided as a scholarship, grant, stipend, or tuition reimbursement.

International students and scholars are generally eligible to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks (i.e., summer, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks). Employment opportunities are limited, and students and scholars must obtain proper authorization from the University’s International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) Office before starting employment.

Gallaudet has program offerings in its English Language Institute and undergraduate and graduate schools. See here for links to application forms and information about admissions at Gallaudet.

Applicants must submit application forms and supporting documents in English.

Along with the application form, submit academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, a statement of purpose or personal statement, and any other documents specified by the University’s admissions offices.

As stated above, applicants must submit application forms and supporting documents in English.

There are many certified translation or evaluation services available around the world. Gallaudet recommends that international students and scholars begin by exploring World Education Services for its transcript evaluation service.

See here for other acceptable transcript evaluation services.

Please note: Applicant must pay a fee to get their education credentials evaluated. Fees vary among transcript evaluation services.

The Certification of Finance is a document that international students and scholars must submit to demonstrate their ability to cover their total education costs at Gallaudet University.
Educational costs include tuition, fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses. Once the Certification of Finance is approved, the University’s ISSS Office will issue the Form I-20 or DS-2019 required for the student visa application process.

Once international students and scholars have received their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from ISSS, they must apply for a student visa and schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. It is essential to schedule an interview as soon as possible because the waiting time can be several weeks. Instructions to schedule an appointment can be found on the U.S. embassy website. 

The visa application fee (Form DS-160) for an F-1 or J-1 student visa at U.S. embassies is $185.00. Please note that applying for a student visa and paying the visa application fee does not guarantee a student visa. For more information on who needs to pay the fee – and to see if paying online is an option – go to SEVIS Fee. 

The following documents must be taken to the international student or scholar’s nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or Point of Entry to apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa: 

• Passport 
• Acceptance Letter 
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 
• Financial Support Documentation 
• SEVIS I-901 Payment Confirmation Receipt 

More information about student visas can be found here.

Due to Gallaudet University’s unique nature, every campus community member is encouraged to reach their potential in being bilingual in the visual modalities of American Sign Language (ASL) and written English. The University strives to accomplish this goal by creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters visual bilingual communication. See here for more information about Gallaudet’s English and American Sign Language proficiency requirements.

Admissions counselors can answer questions and guide the application process. Please reach out to: 

• English Language Institute
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions

Please note: Immigration-related questions should be addressed to ISSS. International special student or international visiting scholar applicants should contact International Support to answer questions and guide the application process.

Yes! Gallaudet University’s English Language Institute (ELI) is a non-degree, college-preparatory program that teaches English and ASL, among other preparatory courses that help prepare students for enrollment at Gallaudet University. See here for more information about the ELI.

Besides the ELI, Gallaudet University encourages admitted students to participate in its four week immersion program, the JumpStart program, before enrolling in the University as a new student. See here for more information about the JumpStart program. In addition, students have numerous opportunities to learn or receive tutoring in English and ASL.

Gallaudet University offers 60+ non-degree and degree-seeking programs in its ELI and
undergraduate and graduate schools. See here for more information about Gallaudet
University’s program offerings.

Gallaudet University has many student support services, including orientations, academic
advising, counseling services, English language and ASL support, and cultural adjustment
assistance. ISSS is also available to provide guidance and support throughout a student or
scholar’s academic journey.

Yes! International students and scholars are strongly encouraged to participate in
extracurricular activities. The University offers a vibrant campus community with numerous
opportunities for involvement, including cultural clubs, academic and student organizations,
sports teams, and volunteer initiatives. See here for more information about how international
students and scholars can thrive at Gallaudet University!

International prospects can explore the University, attend virtual information sessions or webinars, connect with current international students or alumni, and contact the admissions offices or ISSS. Additionally, visiting the campus or participating in campus tours and events can provide valuable insights into life at Gallaudet
University.