The Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University is the top school of public health in Philadelphia and top 20 in the United States, according to US News & World Report. Drexel Dornsife faculty, students, and staff work to address inequalities in public health systems globally and locally through community-engaged practice, research, and partnership.

Drexel Dornsife is committed to our values of diversity, global engagement, and health as a human right. We welcome students from around the globe and recognize that our student body and the entire University benefit from the experiences and perspectives of students from all over the world.

Students from more than 100 countries have chosen Drexel University. Located in Philadelphia, America's sixth largest city and one of the nation's most historic and diverse, Drexel gives international students a vibrant introduction to American culture while honoring the contributions of all cultures.

On this page, you will find information about applying to the Dornsife School of Public Health and other resources that Drexel University offers to international students.

We encourage you to learn about our public health degree programs, connect with our current students, and explore the opportunities that a world-class education studying in public health in Philadelphia can provide. We hope to welcome you to one of our on-campus or online public health programs.

Required Exams, Applications and Documents

English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate Programs

Duolingo

The Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health is accepting the Duolingo English Test to meet the English Proficiency Requirement for graduate programs.

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, and in under an hour. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with our admissions team when you send your results to Dornsife. The Dornsife School of Public Health looks for a minimum score of 120 for the best chance of admission to our graduate programs.

TOEFL and IELTS Language Requirements

Dornsife requires international students whose native language is not English to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Your test scores may not be more than two years old.

If you take the TOEFL: You will need to request that the testing service send your scores to SOPHAS using the reporting code 5688.

If you take the IELTS: You will need to request that the testing service send your scores directly to Drexel University.

Competitive applicants should have a TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.0. This requirement can be waived if the applicant completed their degree at an accredited college or university in the United States. 

If you do not yet have an English proficiency score, you can find information on taking the test here: Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS

Applicants from certain countries are waived of the TOEFL requirement/IELTS requirement.

English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

International first-year applicants can visit Drexel's Undergraduate Admissions' International Instructions for information on English language proficiency and admission instructions for international students.

Exemptions to English Proficiency Exams

If you earned a degree from a U.S. institution consult with your admissions advisor to see if your English proficiency requirement may be waived.

See English proficiency country waiver list

I-20/DS-2019 Application

After an admitted international student confirms their intent to enroll at Drexel University, the university’s Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) team will reach out with detailed information via email on how to apply for their I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or a DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa).

Learn more about required I-20/DS-2019 application documents

Student Visas

Drexel University's ISSS outlines the steps necessary and provides links to the forms to complete the visa application process on their New International Students page.

Learn more about the Visa process

What Programs Qualify for a Visa?

International graduate students who plan on studying in the United States must be enrolled in a program with full time on-campus instruction to be eligible for Drexel F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship.

Official Transcripts

If the institution you attended does not provide an English translation with the official transcript, a certified verbatim English translation of the transcript and diploma must be obtained through a translating service. Many of our applicants use World Education Services to assist in English translation and verification. Please note: WES charges a fee for this service.

STEM Designated Programs

Drexel Dornsife’s STEM designated programs provide solid STEM training in core areas of public health.

Learn more about STEM eligible programs for F-1 students

Funding Options for U.S. Study

The Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health makes an effort to ensure that international students and applicants receive as much tuition assistance as possible through scholarships, grants and student loans including the International Research Fellowship for outstanding international applicants.

In addition, Drexel Central has compiled a few financial aid resources to help international students research funding options.

Learn more about Drexel's international student financing resources

Academic and On-Campus Resources for International Students

International Students and Scholars Services

Drexel's Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) offers a vast array of programs and services for international students, scholars, and faculty representing 117 countries. ISSS staff can advise international students on immigration, academic, cultural, financial, and personal concerns.

Drexel ISSS continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on current and incoming international students and scholar communities. The ISSS website has resources and information for current and incoming international students.

Visit the ISSS site to learn about their services/resources

International Graduate Student Association (IGSA)

The IGSA is a Drexel student organization that works to connect graduate international students with ISSS and the Drexel Graduate College. All international students are encouraged to get involved with IGSA and learn more about their events and services, including airport pickups in the fall.

Learn more about the International Graduate Student Association

Campus Activities and Campus Engagement

The Office of Campus Activities advances the mission of Drexel University and Student Life by providing students on Philadelphia's University City Campus and the Center City Campus with an enriched collegiate experience through meaningful opportunities to learn and develop leadership, interpersonal, programming, and organizational skills that connect with and contribute to the University community and beyond.

Campus Activities staff serve as student-focused advocates, navigators, advisors, educators, and administrators that work collaboratively with students to support their programs, goals, and areas of interest.

Learn more about the Office of Campus Activities

Student Resources

From information about academic programs, to advice on technology resources and how to stay healthy and fit, the Student Resources page is a one-stop shop about services.

International students from Drexel Dornsife's master's programs are available to share their experiences with prospective students. Learn more about how to chat with a current international student.

Visit the student resources page

Living in Philadelphia

The Drexel City Living webpage provides a full range of information about the city and what it's like to enjoy life as a Philadelphia resident.

Learn more about living in Philadelphia

Finding a Job in Public Health

Applying for a public health job in the United States can be a daunting process for an international student. Drexel Dornsife's Career Services team can provide job search tips for graduating international students. In addition, Drexel's Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) and Steinbright Career Development Center can provide guidance on how to interview with potential employers.

Read Steinbright's job seeking tips for international students

Do you still have questions? Review our frequently asked questions for international applicants or request more information about Dornsife's undergraduate and graduate programs in public health.