Visiting and Non-Degree Students

• Undergraduate/graduate students who attend another university and wish to take courses at SUNY Cortland during the regular academic year are considered visiting students.
• Visiting students remain enrolled at their home institution and are considered non-degree students at SUNY Cortland.
• Visiting students may take up to one academic year (two semesters) of courses at SUNY Cortland.
• Students that complete one academic year may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which will allow them to work up to 1 year in their field of study.

• You must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA at your home institution for consideration.
• You must not be on academic probation, academic warning  or academic suspension at your home institution.
• You must not be on disciplinary probation or suspension at your home institution.

• Complete and submit the International Student Program Application.
  • On the bottom of the page you will have to click on Apply (for 1 semester or academic year)
  • It will bring you to a log in screen, please ask your students to click on the International Student Registration button

• Submit copies of your academic transcripts from your home university.
• Copy of the passport photo page.
• TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency scores
• Course Preference Form
• Financial FSA-4 form and a copy of the bank statement.

Fall semester (August-December) - May 15

Spring semester (January-May) - November 1

Summer Session - SUNY Cortland does not process visiting student applications for the summer session as the summer session is open to the general public, providing certain basic requirements and course prerequisites are met.

Housing: 

On-campus housing is available to visiting undergraduate and graduate students.

- Residence Hall (ex. Fitzgerald Hall)
- West Campus Apartments
- Leadership House (available to students that are studying for 2 semesters)

SUNY Cortland reserves the right to change application due dates without notice.

• You will be notified of the enrollment decision by email.
• International Programs Office will process your documents that you will need in order to apply for a student visa.
• International Programs Office will arrange a free airport (Syracuse or Ithaca) or bus station pick up on a specific arrival date.
• You may register for courses, on a space available basis.
• You must document that you have met any and all course prerequisites.
• Upon course registration, you will receive an invoice from the Office of Student Accounts with a payment due date.  Failure to abide by this date will result in course de-registration and late fees.
• If you are receiving financial aid (including loans) from your home institution or government, please make sure you notify the international Programs Office.

• Visiting students may enroll in courses for a maximum of two semesters. After two semesters they must apply for transfer admission.
• Visiting students must attain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA or they will be ineligible to register for further courses at SUNY Cortland.

Study Abroad Programs and Internships

• Students who are matriculated at another institution and wish to participate in the SUNY Cortland Study Abroad program are considered visiting students.
• Study Abroad applications can be found at: SUNY Cortland Abroad Programs
• For internship opportunities, contact SUNY Cortland's International Programs Office.