International Admission

The University of Richmond values a global campus which brings students from all backgrounds. Students from over 80 countries come to Richmond to study. They are actively engaged in campus life and enrich classroom learning on a daily basis. 

The University welcomes applications from all students regardless of citizenship or residency. All applications are reviewed holistically and the unique accomplishments and attributes of each applicant are considered within the context of their educational environment. We look forward to guiding and supporting you through the U.S. application process.

How do I apply to Richmond? 

Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents apply under the same application plans as all other students and receive equal consideration during the admission process, with some additional specific requirements for non-U.S. citizens. While admission to the University is competitive, Richmond practices a comprehensive selection process considering every facet of an applicant’s high school experience, focusing on academic preparation and celebrating students who make the most of their opportunities. We assess your application within the context of your educational environment, and are prepared to evaluate translated (if applicable) transcripts demonstrating your progress in both national and internationally recognized curricula such as AP, IB, and A-levels.

You can view our most recent first-year class academic profile. The academic profile alone cannot fully represent the special talents and accomplishments of admitted students, their compelling essays, and the recommendations submitted on their behalf.

Expand All

How will I pay for Richmond? 

Our commitment to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted applicants ensures that talented students from all backgrounds have access to Richmond’s exceptional education. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to compete for university-funded merit scholarships. International students who wish to be considered for all types of financial assistance are advised to apply by the December 1 Richmond Scholars merit scholarship application deadline.

Richmond is committed to providing financial aid awards that meet every admitted student’s full demonstrated need - as demonstrated by the International Financial Certification and the College Board’s CSS Profile. The Office of Admission is need-aware when reviewing applications from students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. All non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. permanent residents must submit Richmond’s Certification of Financial Responsibility.

If you are applying for need-based aid, you’re encouraged to do so at the point of applying for admission. Please visit our Financial Aid website for more information. Please note that the earlier you apply, the stronger your chances are of receiving need-based financial aid. We encourage you to consider our early admission plans for top consideration.

Expand All

  • What is need aware admission?

    For non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. permanent residents, the University of Richmond is need-aware in admission, which means that we consider a student’s financial information when reviewing the application. Thus, Certification of Financial Responsibility is required for all non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. permanent residents.

  • If I apply Early Decision, can I receive financial aid?
    For non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. permanent residents, need-based financial aid is limited and the admission process for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision is need-aware. While the most competitive Early Decision applicants may be admitted and offered financial aid, other applicants may be deferred to Regular Decision to ensure that, if admitted, Richmond is able to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

  • Must I still complete the Certification if I need financial aid?

    Yes, all international applicants must submit the University of Richmond Certification of Financial Responsibility and indicate the amount of support available toward your 4-year cost of attendance.

  • I’m applying for need-based aid, can I receive a CSS Profile fee waiver?

    All applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their CSS Profile when they apply for admission. However, we understand that the CSS Profile fee may present a financial burden for some families. Students who wish to request a CSS Profile fee waiver should complete and save their CSS Profile and follow the steps below:

    1. Submit your application for admission to the University of Richmond. After you apply, you will receive login credentials to access our CSS Profile Fee Waiver Request Form in your Spider Portal.
    2. Complete the CSS Profile Fee Waiver Request Form if the CSS Profile fee is a financial hardship for your family.
    3. Await further communication. Following an initial review of your completed admission application, competitive applicants who have requested a CSS Profile fee waiver will be contacted directly with instructions for submitting the CSS Profile using a fee waiver.

    Please note that you may receive your fee waiver after the official CSS Profile deadline. If a waiver is granted, you will be given an updated deadline by which to submit your CSS Profile.

How will I be supported when I get to Richmond?

The Center for Global Engagement helps international students acclimate to both the university and city and can offer tips on immigration, travel, health insurance, and more. Transportation between the airport, the university, and the City of Richmond is easy to arrange. The University offers free shuttles around the campus and to local shopping areas, as well as free passes to use the city of Richmond’s bus service.

Expand All