International Students

At Tufts, globalism is not just a theme discussed in classrooms; it is a way of life. Students from international backgrounds make up 12% of our undergraduate population and represent more than 80 nations. Want to hear from some international students at Tufts who have made this decision before you? Check out our blogs here!

International Center 

The staff at the International Center, located at 20 Sawyer Avenue, will assist you throughout your college career. They are responsible for advising international students and scholars, coordinating international activities on campus, and handling all student immigration procedures. If you have questions, you may contact the International Center by email at internationalcenter@tufts.edu or by telephone at (617) 627-3458. All official communication will be sent to your Tufts email once it is activated.

Procedures for Obtaining a Student Visa

1. Before you can be issued an immigration document by the International Center, you must confirm your intent to accept the offer of admission by paying your tuition deposit and submitting the Enrollment Decision Form on your portal which you can access here.
2. To ensure you submit the proper documentation, please visit the International Center website here.
3. Once the enrollment deposit and correct documentation are received, the appropriate immigration document (a Form I-20 for an F-1 student visa) can be processed. Click here for more instructions. The International Center typically begins the visa document processing in March. You must have activated your Tufts email in order to begin submitting your paperwork. Beginning in March and April, the International Center will send you an invitation to their International Center Portal so that you can access the system and request a visa certificate. 
4. Once you receive the Form I-20 from the International Center you will be given directions regarding how to apply for a student visa. 

You will need your passport, your immigration documents, and your financial documents when you enter the U.S.

Transferring Your I-20 to Tufts

If you are currently attending high school or college in the United States you may be able to transfer your SEVIS record (see section "Special Instructions") to Tufts. You are still required to submit all required personal and financial documentation via the International Center Portal, along with the International Student Transfer-in Request. Once Tufts receives these documents, a visa certificate can be processed as early as your Transfer-in date. You may only re-enter the U.S. using the Tufts visa document.

Upon arrival to Tufts, your immigration documents must be reviewed by the International Center so that your transfer of schools can be completed. All SEVIS Transfer students currently in the U.S. with F-1 status must complete the Confirmation of Arrival process within their first fifteen days at Tufts.

2024-2025 Estimated Costs for International Students

As an international student in need of a visa, it is necessary to document to Tufts, and later to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the existence and availability of funds for your tuition and living expenses for at least one calendar year while at Tufts. These expenses, outlined below, cover a twelve month period. 

Please keep in mind that these are minimum estimates for living expenses and that, depending on your lifestyle, the actual costs may be higher. Transportation to and from the United States and optional Summer School tuition and books are not included in these estimates. These costs will increase annually. 

Click here for the Direct and Indirect Costs of Attendance

The International Center also provide an I-20 estimate of expenses, which can be viewed here. 

Because individuals on student visas must certify that funds are available to finance their education, it is not expected that students will need to work while at Tufts. However, part-time on-campus work is available for international students. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) strictly limits off campus work for international students and does not allow off campus work within the first academic year. You must check with the International Center before considering any kind of employment. 

Global Orientation 

We offer a pre-orientation program that is designed to introduce globally-minded students to the city of Boston and to each other. Global Orientation (GO) is open to all admitted students, whether domestic or international, and registration opens in May. Participants will form intercultural connections and lifelong friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, while celebrating the start of your four years at Tufts! For more information, visit the Pre-Orientation website and the GO website.