International Students
Photo of the Old Main building

Welcome to Penn State

Penn State is proud that over 5,000 international students are part of its student body. The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is here to assist you not only with immigration regulations and academic requirements, but also with social and cultural activities that will help you become acclimated to life at Penn State and in the United States.

Prospective Students

Most international students come to Penn State on F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, they need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from Penn State. Pre-Arrival Advising, within The Directorate of International Student Advising (DISA), issues the "initial entry" I-20 or DS-2019 documents for most students. However, they also provide information and services to international students who will study at Penn State in other visa / immigration categories. Pre-Arrival Advising is the source for questions and/or guidance for all new or prospective international students as they navigate the pre-arrival steps required to enroll at Penn State.

If you are considering Penn State for your academic career, explore the options in the left hand column to locate information regarding how to apply to Penn State, financial guarantee requirements, obtaining an I-20/DS-2019 and much more.

Prospective International Students can contact Pre-Arrival Advising at:
Telephone: (814) 865-6348 Email:

Current Students

For those students who are currently enrolled or who will enroll soon, you will find the information on rules and regulations governing international students as well as services and important links in the left-hand column. The information included on these pages will help you in maintaining valid student status as it pertains to your legal stay within the United States. In addition, there is information on employment, travel, applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license, applying for a social security number and other important resources.

The Directorate of International Student Advising (DISA) within UOGP provides expert advising on these matters. International student advisers are available during walk-in hours or by appointment to you on matters about immigration and visa concerns, employment, academic issues, financial issues, health and health insurance, and other concerns. They may refer you to other resources.

Walk-in hours in 410 Boucke, University Park, PA, are:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday and Friday -- 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Telephone: 8:30 - 4:30 (814) 865-6348 Email:

A number of programs and events are provided by the UOGP Directorate of Global Relations and Promotion (DGRP) to ensure that, in addition to your academic success, you enjoy the social and cultural aspects of your time at Penn State.

For all the latest information on international programs and events check our Web site often: www.global.psu.edu. DGRP also produces a weekly newsletter, The Global Lion, with articles about international issues or activities and information about the many international programs and events happening on campus or in town. To subscribe, send a request to: .