Change of Academic Level
As an international student at Penn State, you are required to maintain status while changing to another academic degree level. An example of a change of degree level may be from bachelor’s degree to master’s degree or master’s degree to doctoral degree. This also includes reductions of academic level, such as doctoral degree to master's degree.
Your I-20 or DS-2019 must state accurate information, including a new academic degree level. If you change your academic degree level while at Penn State, you will need to follow the steps below to receive a new I-20 or DS-2019:
- Accept an offer of admission at the new program degree level
- Complete the Change of Level form in iStart and submit new financial documentation.
This checklist must be completed, and a new I-20/DS-2019 must be issued no later than the end of your grace period.
Note: Enrollment in your new program must begin at the next available session start date but no more than 5 months from the end of the last program.
