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 250 international students from more than 50 countries are studying at Bucknell, pursuing world-changing discoveries with their own hands.

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Application Deadlines

Early Decision INov. 15
Early Decision II and Regular DecisionJan. 15

How to Apply

Start with either the Common App or Coalition App (powered by Scoir).

Common App

commonapp.org

Coalition App (powered by Scoir)

coalitionforcollegeaccess.org

  • 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.

Next, gather these required materials:

  • Official secondary school transcript in certified English translations, if applicable.
    • Please note: Grades for the three most recently completed years of secondary school 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.
    • Please note: 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.
  • Early Decision Agreement form, including all required signatures (for early decision applicants only).
  • 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.
Lam Ngo ’22 stands by a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Lewisburg in the fall

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

Briefcase

Student visa information

Important Dates

  • Early Decision I application due (CSS Profile)

  • Early Decision I application due (FAFSA)

  • Early Decision II application due (CSS Profile and FAFSA)

  • Regular Decision application due (CSS Profile and FAFSA)

  • Early Decision I deposit due

  • TBD

    Early Decision II deposit due - early March

  • Regular Decision deposit due

View all dates

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.
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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.

Financial Certification Document

If you are not applying for financial aid, you must submit the International Student Financial Certification Document along with certified original statements from a bank or financial institution that you will be using to support your education abroad.

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.

Bank Statement

All international applicants must submit a certified bank statement (see a sample) along with either the Financial Certification Document or the ISAFA. The bank statement is used as proof of financial support and is used 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.

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.

Note: Bucknell does not require or accept the CSS Profile from international students.

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Contact Details

Office of Admissions

Hours

Monday – Friday: 08:30 a.m. - 04:30 p.m.
Saturday: Varies
Sunday: Closed