International Student FAQ

For students who do not hold U.S. citizenship, need-based financial aid is limited. Decisions regarding need-based financial aid for non-U.S. citizens will not be made until late March. For this reason, if student's final decision to enroll at the University of Richmond will be contingent upon receipt of financial aid, students should not apply early decision.

The University of Richmond waives the TOEFL test requirement when a student has obtained a score over 600 in the critical reading or writing.

We will accept all standardized testing that is completed no later than December. We will accept your TOEFL from December for your application and the Richmond Scholars application. 

The University of Richmond does not require the SAT II, nor do we consider it as part of your application. The only use for the SAT II subject tests at the University of Richmond would be exemption from our communication skills requirements—a score of 660 or higher on the writing test will exempt you from our writing requirement, and a score of 630 or higher on one of the foreign language tests will exempt you from our foreign language requirement.

As a liberal arts college, Richmond considers any of the AP choices acceptable. Take the class you like the best.

We only require one letter of recommendation, and we ask that it be sent from your high school guidance counselor. Even if they don't know you very well personally, guidance counselors know what we’re looking for in terms of you as an applicant within the broader scope of your high school environment. We will gladly accept one or two additional recommendations (students often get them from teachers, mentors, coaches, employers, etc). We ask that you submit no more than three recommendations in total.

The notification process for internationals is the same as it is for domestic students. Upon downloading or keying of the application, an e-mail is sent acknowledging the receipt of the application, as well as giving some general information. For students living outside the United States, a subsequent e-mail is sent telling them how to check the status of their application online. (This is sent via U.S. mail for those living in the United States.)

If you cannot meet the required finances but intend to apply for any financial aid/scholarships, you still need to submit the International Financial Certification Form and indicate the amount available toward your cost of attendance.