International Students

Worcester State University is authorized to host both F-1 and J-1 international students, scholars, and professors. The Office serves the Worcester State University international community in a variety of ways, including pre-attendance visa advising, on-campus orientation and comprehensive support services throughout the duration of students’ academic programs at Worcester State University.

All international students must have a valid student visa to travel to the U.S. and are required to pursue a full course of study at all times. Under the policy of the US Department of Homeland Security, all international students must report to the Office of International Programs after their initial entry into the U.S. and at the start of each semester thereafter. Additional information on international applicants can be found on the Admissions page.

Education Abroad

Worcester State University strongly encourages students to participate in some form of study abroad experience during their time as an undergraduate. To participate, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and sophomore standing. To facilitate such opportunities, Worcester State University offers an array of domestic and international exchange opportunities. Worcester State University students can earn academic credit on both short and long-term programs throughout the year. All major courses must be approved with the assistance of academic departments in advance of travel for credits to transfer back to Worcester State University. LASC requirements must be approved by the LASC coordinator. The grades earned for study abroad will be posted as letter grades which will not factor into the student's GPA. Interested students are strongly advised to communicate their intention to study abroad early in their academic career.

International Exchange Opportunities

Worcester State University has entered into multiple exchange and university partnership agreements with institutions in a variety of locales including the U.K., China, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Courses are offered in English and students have the opportunity to learn the native language as well. Per the conditions of the exchange agreements, Worcester State University students pay Worcester State University tuition and fees to Worcester State University and accommodation fees to the host institution.

The National Student Exchange

The National Student Exchange (NSE) offers students the opportunity to participate in exchange opportunities with nearly 200 institutions in the U.S., Canada, and the U.S. territories enabling participating students to attend another NSE school at either the home or host school in-state tuition rate. Reciprocal tuition exchanges are available in 48 states including Alaska and Hawaii and in the three U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NSE offers students the opportunity to live and learn in a different academic and geographical setting for up to one academic year. The NSE requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and sophomore standing to participate. 

Short-Term Programs

Worcester State University offers a variety of short-term, one to four weeks, programs each academic year. Popular destinations include: the U.K., Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic. These programs are offered over January Break, Spring Break, and during the summer semesters. These faculty-led credit-bearing overseas learning experiences are focused and affordable and are designed to provide greater accessibility to students and to cover a breadth of academic interests and geographical destinations. All students are eligible for participation provided they meet the minimum program requirements.