Non-Degree Study

Penn State will not issue an I-20 or DS-2019 to a casual non-degree student.  Approval for study as a full time non-degree student in F-1 or J-1 status is rare. If approved, an I-20 or DS-2019 would be issued for one semester, except in extenuating circumstances.

Sometimes Penn State academic departments will invite students from overseas institutions to study at Penn State as non-degree students. An academic department must indicate the reason it is supporting the request.

F-2 dependents may study part time without violating their status.

Further Information

  • Individuals in B-1 or B-2 status are prohibited from studying in the United States. If you currently hold B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant status and would like to enroll in classes, you may apply for a change of status to F-1.
  • Non-degree students who are issued a Penn State I-20 or DS-2019 must be enrolled full time and maintain health insurance.
  • If an I-20 or DS-2019 is not requested from our office, the financial guarantee documentation is not required.
  • You may be asked to provide documentation of your current immigration status if currently in the United States.

Undergraduate Non-Degree Enrollment

Please submit the following to ISSA-Adviser@psu.edu:

  1. A letter from the Penn State academic department that states:
    • Reason the department is making the request
    • Plan of how the department will provide guidance and guarantee courses for full-time enrollment
  2. A letter from the non-degree applicant that states:
    • Purpose of non-degree study
    • Understanding that full-time registration is required
    • Understanding that health insurance coverage is mandatory
    • Understanding that non-degree study is limited to one semester
    • Understanding that non-degree study does not guarantee degree admission
  3. Evidence of English language proficiency
  4. Financial guarantee for the duration of non-degree study (typically one semester only)
  5. Completed Penn State non-degree application (Refer to University Registrar enrollment form).
  6. Evidence of current immigration status if you are in the U.S.

Graduate Non-Degree Enrollment

Please submit the following to ISSA-Adviser@psu.edu:

  1. A letter from the Penn State academic department stating
    • Reason the department is making the request
    • Plan of how the department will provide guidance and guarantee courses for full-time enrollment
  2. A letter from the prospective non-degree student indicating
    • Purpose of the non-degree study
    • Understanding that full-time registration is required
    • Understanding that health insurance coverage is mandatory
    • Understanding that non-degree study is limited to one semester
    • Understanding that non-degree study does not guarantee degree admission
  3. Evidence of English proficiency
  4. Financial guarantee for the duration of non-degree study (typically one semester only)
  5. Evidence of current immigration status if you are in the U.S.

If an I-20 or DS-2019 can be processed, you will be asked to apply to The Graduate School for non-degree enrollment. Please follow these directions. Please forward any questions regarding the on-line application to gswww@psu.edu.