International Students

The Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The requirement for the TOEFL iBT may be waived only for applicants who have studied in residence for at least three years at a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction and who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, from that institution prior to matriculation at Yale. For further information regarding the test and/or to arrange to take the test, visit www.ets.org/toefl. The TOEFL must be taken no later than December preceding the application due date. IELTS is not accepted as a substitution for the TOEFL iBT examination.

The Yale School of Architecture institution code number for the GRE and TOEFL iBT is 3985. Please note that this is different from other Yale University code numbers. Unless 3985 is used on the test form, applicants’ scores will not reach the school.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for applications to the M.Arch. I, M.Arch II, and MED programs. Applicants are welcome to submit scores if they feel it would support their application. If an applicant chooses not to take the GRE or submit scores, it will not affect the strength of their application and the school will review all other application materials comprehensively. For information regarding the GRE test, test dates and locations, and/or to arrange to take the test, visit https:// www.ets.org/gre. Although the test may be taken at any time, it should be taken no later than December preceding the application due date to be considered.

Any transcripts, letters of reference, or other application material written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

In order to receive your visa documentation, international students must provide proof that income from all sources will be sufficient to cover expenses for the academic year. As such, all students accepting admission to the School for the 2025-2026 academic year are required to submit a Financial Certification Form for International Students. This form will be available on our website starting April 2025 with acceptance of the admission offer. It must be completed and signed by the parents (and spouse, if applicable) of an international applicant, and must include all bank and tax information.

To allow adequate time to receive your I-20 and complete your visa application, please ensure the form are documents are submitted by May 1st, 2025. Once received, the Registrar’s Office will review your documents and forward them to the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) for processing.

See Admissions for further admission requirements.

All course work at the school is conducted in English. Enrolled students who have difficulties with the English language, whether written or spoken, will be required to take extra courses in its use before they are promoted within their program. Students requiring such courses are responsible for any added tuition cost(s). Financial aid for such English language courses is not available.

See the chapter Financial Assistance for the Master’s Programs for information regarding financial aid.

Employment Opportunities at Yale

The School of Architecture offers international students employment opportunities in a wide variety of positions within the School. The University also has employment opportunities for international students through its Student Employment Office.

Employment Opportunities Outside of Yale During Enrollment and After Graduation

During full-time enrollment, international M.Arch. students at the School who hold F-1 visa status and who have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year may apply for the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program, which provides the opportunity to be employed in the United States outside of the University. During an academic year, CPT is limited to part-time (no more than twenty hours per week). During summer breaks, CPT is available only for full-time employment.

International M.Arch. students at the School who hold F-1 visa status may apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which provides the opportunity to be employed in the United States after graduation for a period of twelve months plus a twenty-four month STEM extension, for a total of thirty-six months, provided such employment begins within sixty days of graduation.

International M.E.D. students at the School who hold F-1 visa status and who have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year may apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which provides the opportunity to work in the United States outside of Yale for up to twelve months. For further details on the CPT and OPT programs, visit the Immigration section of the OISS website.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) coordinates services and support for more than 6,300 international students, faculty, staff, and their dependents at Yale. OISS assists international students and scholars with issues related to employment, immigration, personal and cultural adjustment, and serves as a source of general information about living at Yale and in New Haven. As Yale University’s representative for immigration concerns, OISS helps students and scholars obtain and maintain legal nonimmigrant status in the United States.

OISS programs, like daily English conversation groups, the Understanding America series, DEIB workshops, bus trips, and social events, provide an opportunity to meet members of Yale’s international community and become acquainted with the many resources of Yale University and New Haven. Spouses and partners of Yale students and scholars will want to get involved with the International Spouses and Partners at Yale (ISPY) community, which organizes a variety of programs and events.

The OISS website provides useful information to students and scholars prior to and upon arrival in New Haven, as well as throughout their stay at Yale. International students, scholars, and their families and partners can connect with OISS and the Yale international community virtually through Yale Connect, Facebook, and Instagram.

OISS is a welcoming venue for students and scholars who want to check their email, grab a cup of coffee, and meet up with a friend or colleague. The International Center is OISS’s home on Yale campus and is located at 421 Temple Street. The International Center provides meeting space for student groups and a venue for events organized by both student groups and university departments. For more information about our hours, directions, and how to reserve space at OISS, please visit https://oiss.yale.edu/ about/hours-directions-parking.