Admission Requirements for International Students
Bucknell has been welcoming international students since 1858, when Maung Shaw Loo became the first person from Burma (now known as Myanmar) to study in the United States.
We're proud to have pioneered a culture where students from all over the world feel welcome, safe and respected as they work alongside world-class faculty and study in leading-edge lab spaces.
Today, more than 200 international students from more than 50 countries are studying at Bucknell, pursuing world-changing discoveries with their own hands.
Application Deadlines
| Early Decision I | Nov. 1 |
|---|---|
| Early Decision II and Regular Decision | Jan. 10 |
How to Apply
Start with either the Common Application or Coalition Application (powered by Scoir).
Common App
Coalition App (powered by Scoir)
- Submit your personal essays electronically through the application website you choose.
- Pay the nonrefundable $50 application fee electronically when you apply — or request a fee waiver through the application website.
Supplemental Materials
Next, make arrangements to submit the following required materials:
- Official secondary school transcripts, certificates and academic results with certified English translations, if applicable.
- All academic documents must come directly from your school or testing agency. Grades for the three most recently completed years of secondary school, along with courses taken in the final year, must be submitted for an application to be reviewed. This may include academic results from both middle school and high school. If you have already graduated, please submit grades from the last four years of school.
- Mid-year Report and/or copy of your updated transcript, if applicable
- If you have already graduated or if your secondary school does not provide mid-year grades, you do not need to submit a Mid-year Report.
- Common App or Coalition App (powered by Scoir) secondary school report, with one school counselor recommendation in English.
- If you don't have a school counselor, we would prefer a recommendation from the principal or head of school.
- Common App or Coalition App (powered by Scoir) teacher evaluation form in English.
- Additional teacher recommendations may be submitted, but are not required.
- SAT or ACT Results
- This is optional for students applying for admission in fall 2025 and fall 2026.
- Early Decision Agreement form, including all required signatures
- This is required for Early Decision applicants only.
- Proof of English Proficiency
- This is required for students whose native language or secondary school language of instruction is not English.
- Bucknell accepts results from the TOEFL, IELTS, DET or PTE.
- Bank Statement
- Bucknell requires proof of financial support for the student visa process. If you are unable to provide a bank statement when you apply, you may submit the International Student Financial Certification Document instead.
- International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA)
- This is required only for students who wish to apply for financial aid. Bucknell will also accept the CSS Profile, but does not offer any CSS fee waivers.
- The ISAFA is free to submit and should be sent to Bucknell’s admissions office.
- Copy of biographical photo page of passport.
- You may submit a copy of your national identification card if you do not yet hold a passport.
When you’re an international student, you kind of have one foot in America but also one foot in your culture. At Bucknell, you feel taken care of. I never feel like I have to be on my own.
Lam Ngo ’22, civil engineering and economics double major
Additional Information About Applying
Finance & Financial Aid Requirements
All financial documents must be received for an application to be reviewed.
All finance and financial aid documents for non-U.S. citizens should be submitted to the Office of Admissions (not the Office of Financial Aid) by Nov. 15 for Early Decision I and Jan. 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. Please upload documents directly through your admission portal or email them to appdocs@bucknell.edu.
Bank Statement or Financial Certification Document
All international applicants must submit a certified bank statement (see a sample) or a Financial Certification Document. These documents are used as proof of financial support and to issue the student visa, if admitted.
International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA)
International students who apply for financial aid must submit the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA). Tax documents are not required at the time of application, but may be requested later. Students are also welcome to submit the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration, but please note that Bucknell is unable to provide CSS fee waivers.
Please understand that, due to limited funding, students who do not receive financial aid during their first year will not be offered aid in subsequent years.
You Are Welcome Here
Our International Student & Scholar Services office supports you throughout your time at Bucknell by offering:
- Programs and mentorship to help navigating the culture of our campus and the U.S.
- Immigration support and advice.
- Coordination of arrival needs.
- The Global Connections, Cultures & Community (GC3) Pre-Orientation program that introduces you to fellow students from around the world.
- The International Friendship Program, which connects you with a local host family.
- Social and cultural immersion activities offered on and off campus.
- Leadership development opportunities.