Find your educational journey around the world at the University of Pittsburgh! Check out lots of chances for students from other countries, like great programs and fun campus activities. Reach your best and do well in a friendly place that’s all about learning and different cultures. This post on, International Students Admission to University of Pittsburgh, will help you. Begin your exciting journey with Pittsburgh now!
An Overview of University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt, is a big public university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. It has 17 different schools for both undergraduates and graduates, all on its main campus in the city. About 28,000 students study there. The campus covers 132 acres and also has lots of old buildings, including the famous Cathedral of Learning. Pitt is also known for its research and is part of a group called the Association of American Universities.
Pitt started back in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy. As Pittsburgh grew, the school became a university in 1819. After some fires and moves, it settled in its current spot in Oakland in 1908. It was private until 1966 when it became part of the state’s higher education system.
The campus is close to the big hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and other attractions like parks and museums. Pitt also has four smaller campuses in Western Pennsylvania. In sports, Pitt teams, known as the Panthers, play in Division I of the NCAA and are also part of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
International Students Admission to University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh is happy to get applications from students around the world and want to help make the process easy for you. It’s a good idea to think ahead when you’re applying to college. Send in your application and all the needed documents early, especially if the school you’re interested in has specific deadlines.
See also: International Students Admission to University of Southern California
International Students Admission to University of Pittsburgh for First Year
UP is thrilled that you’re interested in applying to Pitt! This page will help you get everything ready for your application. If you have any questions, feel free to email them at pitt.admissions@pitt.edu or reach out to your territory manager directly.
Pitt uses rolling admissions, which means they start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, starting in late August when the application opens on August 1. Applying early can also be really helpful. Once your application checklist is complete, you can also expect to hear back from the Admissions Committee within 6-8 weeks.
Here are the latest dates they need your application and all required materials:
- April 1 for the fall term (starting in August)
- October 1 for the spring term (starting in January)
While some application platforms might let you apply after these dates, remember that the deadlines for international applicants are always up-to-date on the official Pitt Admissions website.
Test-Optional Policy Update:
The University of Pittsburgh is expanding our test-optional policy through Fall 2025.
Application Process
The following ae the process and requirements of Applying to the University of Pittsburgh
Online Application
You have two options for applying online:
- Apply through the Common Application.
- Apply directly through the Pitt Portal by clicking ‘Get Started on Your Application’
Short Question Answer
We need you to answer a short question. If you haven’t yet, you can send your answer online or by email to pitt.admissions@pitt.edu. Make sure to include your full name, date of birth, and also student ID (if you have one) in your email.
Academic Records
Please provide one of the following:
- Original or certified, official records from your secondary school covering grades 9-11 (like transcripts, certificates, exam results, etc.). If they’re not in English, include translated versions too. It’s best to email a PDF copy of your transcripts to pitt.admissions@pitt.edu within 3 business days after applying. Remember to include your full name, birth date, and Pitt student ID (if you know it) in the email. You don’t need to mail hard copies, it’ll just slow things down.
- Use the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) instead of sending transcripts. But know that we’ll double-check your SRAR against your official transcript if you join Pitt. So, be accurate when filling out the SRAR. Any mistakes might lead to your admission being revoked.
Extra Info:
- If your school system is different from the U.S. (which has four high school years, grades 9-12), send transcripts from your last four years of schooling. For instance, if your high school covers only grades 10-12, include your middle school transcript for grade 9.
- If you’ve already graduated from high school, submit official transcripts for grades 9-12 along with proof of graduation. The SRAR isn’t accepted for graduates.
- We might ask for a transcript evaluation later on. You’ll get an email if we need one.
- If you have a GED, email us at pitt.admissions@pitt.edu to discuss your options, as it might not always be accepted.
SAT or ACT Results (Test-Optional through Fall 2025)
We accept both SAT and ACT scores, but they’re optional through Fall 2025. If you choose to submit scores, we’ll consider your highest ACT composite score or your highest SAT superscore. You don’t need to send us the SAT Essay or ACT Writing scores. Make sure your official results are sent directly to the University of Pittsburgh from the testing agency. Our SAT code is 2927, and our ACT code is 3734.
International students usually need to take an English language proficiency exam like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. However, there are exceptions and guidelines you should check. We may waive this requirement in some cases. If you’re taking the TOEFL, use our institutional code 2927. For IELTS and Duolingo, you can send your results directly from their portals by searching for “University of Pittsburgh.”
See also: International Students Admission to University of Kansas
Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo Results
International students usually have to provide an English language proficiency exam, like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. However, there are some cases where this requirement might not apply. It’s essential to check our guidelines and exceptions.
If you’re taking the TOEFL, use our institutional code 2927. For IELTS and Duolingo, you can send your scores directly from their portals by searching for “University of Pittsburgh.”
University Credits
First-year students who have earned university credits should also provide:
- Official records from their post-secondary institution. If these records are in a language other than English, include literal translations.
- Official evaluation of those credits (see step 3).
- Official course catalog and/or course syllabi for all courses completed at a college or university outside of the U.S., or detailed course descriptions for the courses, modules, and subjects completed and planned. If these documents are not in English, also provide an English translation.
- Submit all these documents to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Note: The University of Pittsburgh does not accept or recognize transfer credit evaluations from other institutions or private credential evaluation services.
Supplemental Materials (Optional)
We don’t need extra materials like resumes or letters of recommendation. Instead, we prefer to learn about students through their own words in the Personal Statement or Common App Personal Essay.
$55 USD—Application Fee
We can’t accept checks from banks located outside of the country unless they also have a branch in the U.S.
International Students Admission to University of Pittsburgh for Transfer Students
In addition to the requirements for First Year applicants, Transfer Students need to submit;
Academic Records
You’ll need to provide several documents for your application:
- Original or certified, official secondary school records along with proof of high school graduation.
- Official transcripts from any colleges or universities you’ve attended.
- Official transcript evaluation for all college or university-level coursework completed outside of the U.S.
Make sure to also check out the Transfer Credit/GPA Guidelines for each school/college. Thus, this will give you an idea of what’s recommended or required. Meeting these guidelines doesn’t guarantee admission, and not meeting them doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be admitted.
See also: International Students Admission to Oregon State University
Official Course Catalog or Syllabi
Please provide course catalogs, syllabi, or course descriptions for all courses you completed at a college or university outside of the U.S. These should include a brief introduction to the topics covered in each post-secondary course you’ve taken.
If your college or university doesn’t issue official course descriptions, you can create them yourself. Each description should include the course title, course number, and also a brief overview of the course content.
Financial Aid for International Students Admission to University of Pittsburgh
Understanding the different types of financial aid is key to making informed decisions about your college funding. Here’s an overview of each type:
- Grants: These don’t need to be repaid and are usually based on financial need. They can come from the federal government, state governments, or institutions. The amount you receive depends on factors like family income and enrollment status. Applying early and ensuring all documentation is in order is important to maximize grant opportunities.
- Scholarships: Unlike grants, scholarships are often awarded based on merit, such as academic achievement or talent. Some also consider financial need. They’re offered by various organizations and can significantly reduce college costs. However, scholarships may have specific criteria like maintaining a certain GPA or participating in community service.
- Loans: Loans must be repaid with interest. There are federal loans and private loans. Federal loans usually have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. It’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions before borrowing, as interest can add up over time.
- Federal Work-Study: This program allows students to work part-time jobs on or near campus to earn money for college expenses. It emphasizes community service and work related to the student’s field of study. Unlike other types of financial aid, federal work-study provides students with work experience while studying.
See also: International Students Admission to Stony Brook University
Conclusion
As you start your journey to college, know that the University of Pittsburgh is here to greet you. We have a lively community of students and thinkers waiting for you. Our focus on doing well in school and having a diverse, welcoming atmosphere means every international student can do their best here. Whether you’re doing important research, helping out in your community, or enjoying our cultural events, your time at Pitt will change you for the better. Come and join us, and be part of a worldwide group of leaders making a difference.
See also: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-pittsburgh-3379