Frequently Asked Questions

• How to Apply - see our College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate Admission page for all graduate programs.
• International Students - Additional requirements and information about tests, visa, orientation, and services.

See our program specific page for:

• Application instructions
• Prerequisite requirements
• Test and GPA requirements

Applicants who require an F-1 student visa must demonstrate that they (and/or other sponsors in their home country) can fund their educational and living expenses in the United States. To verify this requirement, applicants must complete a Certification of Finances section of the online application to the program. See the International Graduate Students page for more details.

In general, applicants must complete the Certification of Finances requirement before their application will be considered for review.

As an international student, you will enter the United States for studies by applying for an F1 or J1 student visa. Most international students study in the program on an F1 visa. Once you receive your I-20, you should apply for a student visa right away. Note that some students must try several times before successfully obtaining a visa.

If you are already in the United States on a different visa (e.g. H1B), you may choose to remain on your current visa or change to an F1 visa.

No, receiving a scholarship from USF does not influence the ability to obtain a visa. We encourage you to apply for a visa as soon as you receive your I-20. Students may need to try several times before successfully obtaining a visa, so we encourage students to try multiple times if necessary.

Yes, international students are eligible and automatically considered for all MSCS scholarships. See Financing Your Education for details.

The majority of international students are able to work on-campus. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for details.

Please contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with any visa or immigration-related questions.

Yes, a deposit of $700 is required to reserve your space in the program. You can pay this deposit through myUSF. The amount will be deposited into your student account, and applied towards your tuition and fees.

We have limited space in our program. If you fail to pay the deposit on-time, your spot in the program will be offered to someone on the waiting list.

Registration will be done online. You must pay for courses or sign up for a payment plan by the payment deadline.

You will register for courses for the first time during orientation. Payment will be due immediately after registration.

Yes, all full-time graduate students and international students are required to have health insurance and will be automatically enrolled in USF's health insurance plan. You can opt out of this health insurance plan if you have equivalent coverage. Visit Health Promotion Services for details.

Yes. All computer science graduate students must attend a one-day MSCS program orientation before classes begin. Details will be provided in your admission packet.

After receiving your admission packet, you should place your deposit, apply for a student visa (if applicable), order official transcripts to be sent to our Office of Graduate Studies, and start exploring housing options. International students should also see the Pre-Arrival page for additional steps.