Immigration
Prospective and current international students can learn about visa requirements, pre-advising, financials, health insurance, academic advising, employment, and volunteer opportunities.
Visa Requirements
International Student and Scholar Advising works with thousands of students each year including graduate, undergraduate, law students, medical students, intensive English students, summer session students, and some short-term residency students. Browse through the information below from the International Students and Scholars webpage for important information about the visa requirements to attend Penn State as an exchange student.
Financials
For Incoming Students
Estimated Expenses for 2024 / 2025 Academic Year
| Exchange | Fall Only | Spring Only | Fall + Spring | Spring + Fall (12 months living estimates) |
| Tuition (covered) | ($20,650) | ($20,650) | ($41,300) | ($41,300) |
| Living Expenses | $7,300 | $7,300 | $14,600 | $19,400 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $950 | $950 | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Health Insurance | $1,350 | $2,150 | $3,400 | $3,400 |
| TOTAL Financial Guarantee for DS-2019: |
$9,600 |
$10,400 |
$19,900 |
$24,700 |
Proof of Funds
To be issued a DS-2019 you must provide financial documentation for how your educational expenses will be supported for the duration of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Status.
A Financial Guarantee is typically 2 parts: Proof of funds + a Certification of Financial Support from your guarantor.
- Refer to Financial Guarantee Requirements for a list of acceptable documents.
- Here are links to the preferred Certification of Financial Support letter:
Paying your Bursar Semester Bill
There are several options available to pay your semester bill. The Bursar’s Office is responsible for university charges and billing information. For more information on these, go to Payment of Semester Bill.
Insurance
Mandatory Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in F-1 and J-1 status and their accompanying dependents. The U.S. Department of State requires all J-1 exchange visitors (students, scholars, interns, etc.) and their dependents maintain health insurance. Willful violation of this mandate requires termination of the J-1 status.
FULFILLING THE HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Health insurance charges will be on the student bill in LionPATH for all international students. Students have the first week to apply for an insurance waiver if they have insurance meeting all of the waiver standards; otherwise, they will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
The financial guarantee required for the I-20 or DS-2019 includes the estimated amount for health insurance.
Contact:
Student Health Insurance
228 Bank of America Career Service Center (BOA)
University Park, PA 16802
Email: UHS-insurance@psu.edu
Tel.: 1-814-865-4847
Advising
Office Location and Advising Hours for International Students
410 Boucke Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6348 (option 1 for an adviser)
Fax: 814-865-6194
Email: issa-adviser@psu.edu
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed 12-1 for lunch)
Advising Hours
Schedule a Starfish Appointment
Monday & Tuesday - 1:30 - 5:00 pm
Thursday & Friday - 8:30 am - noon
There are no advising hours on Wednesdays.
Advising by appointment only
Work Eligibility
Please see the Employment section of the International Students and Scholars website for important information about working while attending Penn State.
