International Student Information

To apply for admission, please complete an RIT online application form. First, create your myRIT Portal account and wait for your assigned RIT Username and Password to be sent to your e-mail account. Next, login to begin your application form online. Alternatively, you can apply using the Common Application.

You may submit your application materials on an intermittent basis. When all documents are received (aside from the Declaration of Financial Support form and supplementing financial documents), we will begin the review of your application, and if you are accepted, we will start working with you on gaining your student VISA to study in the United States. Applicants who do not provide financial documents initially may be conditionally admitted and full admission will follow after receipt and review of financial documents. The amount of scholarship support will not be known until we receive your full application materials.

RIT/NTID recommends that you send the Declaration of Financial Support Form and supplementing financial documents last as we need your most current financial-related records.

Application Fee

There is an application fee of $65 USD. Contact NTID’s International Admissions Counselor, Heather Emerson Jeremy (hejnca@rit.edu), with any ability to pay issues due to financial hardship.

Application Essay

The personal essay helps us to become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses, grades, test scores and other quantitative information. An essay is usually up to 650 words, or half a page long, and should be written without assistance from others so we can see your true English language skills. Your essay topic should answer one of the following questions:

1. If you have an exceptional talent or skill you are particularly proud of, please share it with us. Examples may include talents in athletics, dance, entrepreneurship, music, theatre or visual arts. How have you developed or demonstrated this talent or skill over time? Most importantly, what makes this talent or skill meaningful to you?
2. RIT is a kaleidoscope of curious minds, each embraced for their uniqueness, yet united in our chase to achieve something, perfect something, or realize something. We look for the passionate, the creative and the focused. What is it you hope to achieve, perfect, or realize as a student at RIT?
3. Across the globe, we are connected as one community—sharing the same problems and opportunities. Some of these include education, the environment, health care and inclusiveness. When you think about the future, how do you plan to contribute to guiding our society? What impact do you want to have on the world?
4. Why have you chosen to apply to RIT? This essay should include why RIT appeals to you, the reasons why you’ve chosen the program/major you wish to pursue, and how you expect this program/major to prepare you for life after college. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying.

Official High School and/or College Transcript

If you are a first-year applicant, you must submit official transcript/s (in English) from all previous secondary or high school/s you have attended. If you are a transfer student and have less than 30 college credits, you must submit transcript/s from all high schools. Transfer students with any college credit taken or earned must submit transcript/s from colleges you have attended, even if you did not complete your studies at a school. The transcript/s should be sent directly to RIT/NTID by an authorized school representative, whenever possible.

Test Scores

The submission of ACT or SAT scores are no longer required by RIT/NTID. You may still take the ACT or SAT and have official scores submitted to RIT/NTID. “Official” means that the scores must be sent to us directly from the ACT or College Board (SAT) or the applicant’s high school guidance office. Not every country offer the ACT or SAT in close proximity to your place of residence.

The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required for students from countries whose language of academic instruction is not in English. These countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS (see first FAQ). Official scores must be sent directly to us by the TOEFL or IELTS.

Refer to the chart below to find out the ACT, SAT, TOEFL and IELTS midpoint score range for admission to RIT/NTID:

*There is no need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Scores from these sections will not be considered in the review of application materials because the listening/speaking components of the TOEFL and IELTS sections are non-relevant for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The RIT/NTID code for sending the official scores from the ACT is 2870. The RIT/NTID code for sending the official scores from the College Board for SAT is 2760. For the TOEFL and IELTS, you will have to contact the test centers directly to order a score report to be sent to us.

The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with taking the test(s).

Letter of Recommendation

One recommendation letter is required, but more are welcome. The individual writing the letter may submit the recommendation by email to NTID’s International Admissions Counselor, Heather Emerson Jeremy (hejnca@rit.edu). The recommendation letter must be sent to us directly by the person writing the letter, not the applicant. Most recommendation letters are written by teachers, school counselors or an individual who knows your academic background. No family members may write the letter of recommendation.

Audiological Record

An audiogram is required for deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants to confirm substantial hearing loss for study at RIT/NTID. Submit an audiogram from your audiologist. The audiogram must show hearing loss in both ears and be “unaided” (tested without amplification).

In lieu of an audiogram, we accept the Disability Government Identity Card.

Declaration of Financial Support Form

The total cost for study at RIT/NTID for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $62,650 USD for undergraduate study and approximately $70,000 USD for graduate study. See Tuition and Fees for deaf and hard-of-hearing international students for a schedule of costs. There also are additional costs beyond what is charged by RIT for tuition, room, board and student fees such as transportation, winter clothing, books and supplies and the SEVIS fee. Specifics may be discussed between you and your admissions counselor.

Please complete all sections on the Declaration of Financial Support form and provide supplementing documents (i.e. bank statement to report available funds), regardless of amount, and mail original copies to RIT/NTID. Tell us “zero” if you do not have any money (cash or savings) instead of leaving the form blank.

All forms and documents must be dated no greater than six (6) months preceding the date of your completed application. We recommend that you send the Declaration of Financial Support Form and supplementing financial documents last as we need your most current financial-related records. Conditional admission may be offered upon receipt of all academic-related application materials to use the admission letter as you pursue additional scholarships.

Passport

RIT/NTID requires a copy of the passport photo page translated into English.

Applying For a Student Visa

RIT/NTID will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 Forms necessary for you to apply for a student VISA after you have been accepted and after you demonstrate sufficient funds to cover costs of attendance, of which may or may not include scholarships offered by RIT/NTID.

Orientation and Arriving on Campus

RIT/NTID will share orientation information, a checklist to prepare you for your campus arrival, and the RIT calendar once you have been admitted to RIT. In the meantime, review these important websites for additional information and resources:

• Residence Hall Checklist
• Housing Operations
• Summer Vestibule Orientation Program
• On Campus Meal Plans

Graduate applicants must demonstrate English Language proficiency and requirements vary by program.

Admissions Deadlines and Requirements  

Apply for Graduate Study  

Declaration of Financial Support Form

The total cost for study at RIT/NTID for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $70,000 USD for graduate study. See Tuition and Fees for deaf and hard-of-hearing international students for a schedule of costs. There also are additional costs beyond what is charged by RIT for tuition, room, board and student fees such as transportation, winter clothing, books and supplies and the SEVIS fee.

Please complete all sections on the Declaration of Financial Support form and provide supplementing documents (i.e. bank statement to report available funds), regardless of amount, and mail original copies to RIT/NTID. Tell us “zero” if you do not have any money (cash or savings) instead of leaving the form blank.

All forms and documents must be dated no greater than six (6) months preceding the date of your completed application. We recommend that you send the Declaration of Financial Support Form and supplementing financial documents last as we need your most current financial-related records. Conditional admission may be offered upon receipt of all academic-related application materials to use the admission letter as you pursue additional scholarships.

Passport

RIT/NTID requires a copy of the passport photo page.

Applying For a Student Visa

RIT/NTID will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 Forms necessary for you to apply for a student VISA after you have been accepted and after you demonstrate sufficient funds to cover costs of attendance, of which may or may not include scholarships offered by RIT/NTID.

The total cost for study at RIT/NTID for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is adjusted on an annual basis. Visit the cost of attendance page and select Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing NTID-Supported Students and see NTID international undergraduate or graduate cost. There also are additional costs beyond what is charged by RIT for tuition, room, board and student fees such as transportation, winter clothing, books and supplies and the SEVIS fee. Specifics may be discussed between you and your admissions counselor.

You are considered for tuition-reduction scholarships based on financial need. RIT/NTID Admissions will share with you eligibility requirements and application requirements for the scholarships as some scholarship require additional application steps. Scholarships are restricted based on donor requirements; however, most are based on financial need and academic performance. Contact NTID International Admissions Counselor, Rick Postl, to find out more about scholarship opportunities. The following scholarships can be available for international students at RIT/NTID:

• Sasakawa-DeCaro Scholarship: This scholarship will provide financial assistance to qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing international students from eligible developing countries. Depending on the degree the student is accepted into, the scholarship is available for up to three years (six semesters) for an associate degree; five years (10 semesters) for a bachelor's degree; and two years (four semesters) for students enrolled in NTID's Master of Science program in Secondary Education (MSSE). All recipients are required to maintain full-time status as well as retain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater each year. Upon graduation, recipients are expected to return to their home countries to contribute to the betterment of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact the NTID Office of Admissions for an application form and additional information.
• Desai India Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from India that show exceptional academic potential, and is awarded based on academic merit. All newly admitted incoming freshman and transfer applicants from India will automatically be considered for this scholarship by NTID Office of Admissions. No separate forms are necessary.

RIT/NTID scholarships are awarded to accepted students AFTER receipt of all financial documents.

Financial support for your education can also be requested from organizations in your country such as the Ministry of Education, scholarship foundations, corporate sponsors or your Embassy. Please use this sample letter to request financial help from within your country. You must send the NTID Admissions Office copies of any letters you send, and any responses you receive, in order to be considered for a reduced tuition rate to RIT/NTID.

If you are studying full-time, you may apply to work part-time on campus through RIT Student Employment. RIT has more than 9,000 campus jobs available each year, and you can work 10 – 20 hours per week.

The tuition rate for international students reflects the 100% tuition surcharge as required by amendments to the Education of the Deaf Act. You will need to submit all of the necessary required financial documentation to be considered for any surcharge reductions during the financial review process. International students from developing countries, with and without financial need, may receive up to a 50% international tuition surcharge credit on their student bill. RIT/NTID will adhere to the developing/non-developing classification list, as of October 1 of each year to determine the applicable developing/non-developing country tuition surcharge throughout the admission cycle for the upcoming academic year.

Developing Countries List