We are here to support you! Please check back often. Answers will be updated as the situation evolves.
During this challenging time, we know you have questions about how the coronavirus (COVID-19) could impact your impending enrollment, especially if you are traveling to us. If you are planning to apply to a Graduate School of Education program, we want you to know that we are busy preparing and planning an impactful academic experience for you, and eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Please use our individual appointment scheduler to make a phone or Zoom appointment with a member of our admissions team. Individual appointments and meetings will still be held virtually. However, the Office of Graduate Admission will offer small group information sessions and tours. We will revisit our plans for in-person conversations, recruiting activities and events in the future.
For any questions not addressed in this FAQ, call us at 716-645-2110 or send us an email:
UB students will be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend classes in person in the fall as part of an effort to boost vaccination rates on SUNY campuses. You can find additional information about the fall semester on UB's COVID-19 Planning and Response website.
Updates about UB’s planning will be posted at https://www.buffalo.edu/coronavirus/latest-update.html.
We understand that it may be difficult to make plans for your arrival in Buffalo. As we receive information from various authorities, including the U.S. and New York State governments and the University at Buffalo, we will share it with you in a timely and transparent manner through multiple communications channels: via this FAQ page, email and social media. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to connect with us on our social media channels.
At present, we have made no changes to the university academic calendar. The university is anticipating regular enrollment moving forward. If any changes occur that impact your specific program, we will contact you directly via email regarding enrollment options. In addition, we will share information via our FAQ and our social channels.
Yes! You can apply on our website. The 2023 application will become available in September. Click here to apply.
Check the apply now page for your program to see if deadlines have changed. Many GSE programs have rolling application deadlines; this is also noted on the program page.
If you are unsure about an application deadline, please email gse-apply@buffalo.edu.
Yes, we recommend you pay your tuition deposit to secure your seat in the incoming class as soon as possible. Should you defer to the next enrollment term, your tuition deposit will be deferred to that term. Please check your admissions letter on your applicant status page to see your confirmation and deposit deadline. If you have questions about your tuition deposit, please email gse-admission@buffalo.edu.
Yes! We are hosting several virtual events including our Open House, Admission and Financial Aid webinars, and program webinars. Find more information here.
All GSE programs have removed GRE/MAT standardized testing requirements for the 2023 admission cycle. International students can take virtual tests for English language proficiency.
We understand there may be disruptions in services at other institutions related to COVID-19. We will evaluate each situation and be as flexible and accommodating as possible
UB’s intention is to resume regular in-person instruction moving forward. University-wide planning will follow the best public health practices to ensure the health and safety of our university community. If any changes occur that impact your specific program, we will contact you directly via email regarding enrollment options. In addition, we will share information via our FAQs and social channels.
Some of our programs have both spring and fall start dates, some have a summer start date, while some of our programs are fall start only. Speak with your admissions team to find out if you are eligible for a deferral and what the next applicable term would be for your enrollment. As a normal policy, we allow any admitted student to defer admission for one year.
No, you would not have to go through the application process again. We can defer your application to the next applicable admissions term. Please note that deferrals are for academic admission only; if you have been offered a scholarship or fellowship, please speak directly with your academic advisor or the faculty director of your program regarding funding.
UB is anticipating regular enrollment for fall 2022. These are extraordinary times with unforeseen circumstances, and we know a lot can change between now and August. If the situation changes and disruptions to enrollment occur, UB will announce enrollment options. All students have the option of deferring for up to one academic year, but at this time, we are operating under the assumption that students will be able to arrive on campus to start their studies for the fall 2022 semester.
UB is now issuing electronic I-20s in accordance with SEVP Guidance (https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/bcm2003-03.pdf). An original I-20 should not be required for visa interviews, at the Port of Entry or for most purposes once students arrive in the U.S. We highly recommend that students print the I-20 when they receive it by email, since not all agencies will allow students to show an electronic I-20 on their phone or computer. Please see UB's International Student Services website for further information.
At this time, and for the foreseeable future, paper copies of I-20s will not be mailed or shipped to students. Email will be the sole delivery method of the electronic I-20s.
There is no specific deadline for submitting immigration documents. However, we encourage you to complete these steps as soon as possible so when shipping and visa appointments resume, you have the appropriate materials to move forward.
Yes, you can complete the DS-160 and pay the SEVIS fee now.
The I-901 SEVIS fee remains valid regardless of the I-20 start date. If your admission is deferred, UB can also defer the I-20 to a future term. Visit fmjfee.com for more information on the I-901 SEVIS fee.
We understand the challenge you may have securing appropriate financial documentation due to COVID-19 closures. You should continue, to the best of your ability, to work to get your bank documents and other I-20 documents as soon as possible. We suggest that you try contacting your bank by phone or email to find out if you can obtain documentation electronically. We can begin processing your I-20 once we receive all of your required documentation.
All visa issuance questions should be directed to your local U.S. consulate office. Visa appointment and issuance are regulated by the U.S. government. Information about visa appointment wait times, news and alerts can be found at the U.S. Department of State website. You can also contact your local U.S. consulate office for specific information about the impact of COVID-19 on visa issuance in your area.
Note, if you are considering using a private visa documentation processing firm, be aware that their specific calendars are separate from those of the U.S. Department of State or consulate offices. Private visa processing firms may have different availability and dates.
If your arrival in Buffalo is delayed by any COVID-19 related issue, we will continue to inform you of your enrollment options and ask that you work with your admissions team to understand the impacts for your specific program. You can also refer to FAQs on course format, enrollment options and deferral process.
If you are a student who is currently studying at another school in the United States and looking to “transfer” your SEVIS/I-20 record for 2022, please note that you must complete your degree at that institution prior to your record being “released” to UB. You can now complete an online form in your UB application status portal to begin the process for UB’s International Admissions staff to work with your current institution to transfer your SEVIS Record to UB and begin the I-20 process. Once again, please note this only applies to students who are currently studying in the United States, and see the SEVIS Transfer Form option in their application status portal.
