FAQs for International Students

About Mercy University

Where is Mercy University located?
Mercy University has three campuses in the New York City area. Our main campus is located in Dobbs Ferry, along the Hudson River. Our Manhattan Campus (New York City Campus) is in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan and boasts all new infrastructure with student housing opened in Fall 2020. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, and Bronx, our diverse student body sustains a vibrant on-campus culture.

Can I arrange to have a tour of the campus?
You can schedule a tour of the Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, or Manhattan campuses. Take a look at our Visiting Campus Page to schedule. You can also take a virtual tour from anywhere.

 

Applying to Mercy

Am I an international student?
At Mercy University, an international student is an individual who will hold a non-immigrant F1 visa while enrolled at the
University.

The following are not considered international students:

  • U.S. citizens living abroad
  • Students from U.S. territories
  • U.S. Permanent Residents (green-card holders)
  • Documented refugees or asylees.

Please note that certain visas restrict college attendance. F1 is the only visa type specifically designated for full-time study.

How do I apply and what documents do I need to apply?
International students must submit the following to be considered for admission:

  • Online Application
  • Official academic transcripts (for all programs of study, foreign and domestic)
  • Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation (for foreign transcripts from all levels of education completed outside the U.S. Mercy University also waives the FACE requirement depending upon academic program, please contact Mercy's International Team for details regarding the FACE waiver at global@mercy.edu.
  • TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores, or accepted proof of English language proficiency
  • Additional documents as specified by the program website
  • Please send all official sealed original documents to the following address:

Mercy University
Student Services Support Center
828 S. Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
USA

If admitted, additional documents are required for the issuance of the I-20.

An explanation of the required admission documents for international students can be found on our International Admissions page.

Do you consider a 3-year Bachelor's degree graduate as eligible for admission to Mercy University's graduate programs?
Mercy University considers three-year Bachelor degree holders to be eligible for graduate-level study. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants from participating European Bologna Process countries and students from India who have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Division I from an institution ranked ‘A’ or higher by NAAC. If you have a three-year Bachelor's degree and have questions regarding your eligibility for graduate-level study, please contact International Admissions.

Please note that certain graduate programs such as Public Accounting, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy and the graduate Education programs have specific pre-requisite and degree requirements that may affect your eligibility. Pre-requisite work as an undergraduate student may be required. Please check your program's website or contact International Admissions if you have any questions.

Do I need a Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation (FACE)?
Yes. If you completed any part of your education outside the U.S. an evaluation is required. If you are enrolling as a transfer or graduate student but you completed any part of your education outside the U.S., a Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is required.

A Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is a document that equates foreign qualifications to American degrees using the American grading scale and credit system. A FACE will provide a U.S. equivalency of the courses you have taken, your grade point average (GPA) and your American degree equivalency. A credential evaluation ensures that your application will be reviewed fairly and under the same academic guidelines as your American peers.

For information on how to order a credential evaluation please visit our International Admissions page.

Mercy University also waives the FACE requirement depending upon academic program, please contact Mercy's International Team for details regarding the FACE waiver at global@mercy.edu.

If I have an IB Diploma or Transcript, do I need a credential evaluation?
No. Mercy University can evaluate an IB Diploma or Transcript without a credential evaluation.

What is Mercy’s English Language Proficiency Requirement? International applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS), DUOlingo English Test (DET), EIKEN, or GTEC.

Required Minimum TOEFL, IELTS, DUOlingo, EIKEN, and GTEC Scores for Admission:

  Undergraduate Graduate
TOEFL 71 80
IELTS 6.0 6.5
PTE 48 53
Duolingo English Test (DET) 100 105
EIKEN Pre-1 Not Accepted
GTEC 1140  Not Accepted

What is Mercy’s ETS code?
2409

I am a transfer student. Will I receive credit for coursework previously taken at the university level?
Mercy University accepts a maximum of 75 credits from two-year colleges and 90 credits from four-year colleges and universities. Our Transfer Team will facilitate your transition to Mercy University, showing you exactly how your transfer credits apply to your intended major and a PACT Mentor will assist in mapping a semester by semester plan through graduation.

Obtaining an I-20 and Student Visa

Do I need a visa to study at Mercy University?
Yes. You will need to submit documentation to apply for an I-20. After you are admitted to Mercy University, the International Student Services Office will contact you to begin the I-20 application process.. If you would like to learn more about our I-20 Eligibility Forms, I-20 application process, financial requirements and obtaining an F-1 student visa, please visit our International Student Services Office website.

What is a SEVIS Form I-20 and why do I need one?
A SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20 is a United States government form issued by Mercy University for the purpose of certifying to the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 student status. The SEVIS l-20 form certifies that (1) you have been admitted to Mercy University, (2) that you are or expected to be a ‘bona fide’ student, (3) that you will pursue a full course of study, and (4) that you have enough funds to study and live in the U.S. You need this SEVIS l-20 form in order to obtain an F-1 student visa at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country, and to maintain your student status while in the United States.

Items needed for Form I-20:

  • I-20 eligibility form
  • Copy of passport
  • Affidavit of support (notarization not required)
  • Proof of funding (recent bank statements)
  • Proof of income (recent tax statement, pay stubs, or letter from employer of your sponsor)

All required I-20 documents should be submitted to the International Student Services Office via email at global@mercy.edu. Please note that an I-20 will not be issued until all requirements are met.

What is a visa?
A visa is an attachment to a passport page in your passport that permits you to apply at a U.S. port of entry for admission to the country for a specific purpose, for a certain period of time.  Since you intend on coming to the U.S. to study as a full-time student, you will be applying for an F-1 international student visa.*

*Citizens of Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and British subjects resident in certain islands are not required to obtain an F-1 visa. For more information, please visit https://travel.state.gov.

If you are a citizen of one of the above locations where you are not required to get an F-1 visa, please follow steps 1 and 2 only, which are listed below.  Once you get your I-20 and pay your SEVIS fee, you can enter the U.S. with your I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt.

Life on Mercy Campus

When can I arrive on campus?
You may arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20. Pre-arrival and orientation information will be shared with you by the International Student Services office. Housing move-in days will also be communicated in advance.

Where will I live?
At Mercy University living on campus is a safe, convenient, and affordable option. Mercy University offers different housing accommodation options that allow students to choose between living right in Midtown, Manhattan (New York City) and our scenic Dobbs Ferry location.

Dobbs Ferry is home to Mercy University's main campus. Students can enjoy a traditional college experience which includes the opportunity to live in Residence Halls, eat in our Dining Hall and use our athletic facilities. The campus recently underwent construction on new buildings so that all residents have access to more gathering and study areas, a student common that includes a Starbucks Cafe and convenience store, as well as a 5,000 square foot fitness center. With views of the Hudson River, restaurant and shopping options on Main Street, and a Metro North train station with service to New York City at the base of the campus, our Dobbs Ferry location provides students a safe and charming campus experience in close proximity to New York City.

Our Manhattan (New York City) campus is located in the heart of midtown on 34th street, just across from Herald Square and across from Macy's flagship store. There is always something to do and our students love having access to the world's most amazing city. Our Manhattan campus is also home to our MBA program's Strategic Consulting Institute.

For more information about student housing, please visit our Residential Life pages.

When can I register for classes?
Mercy University offers a personalized learning experience that includes the
University’s Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program. Your PACT advisor will assist you in registering for classes as soon as you are accepted to Mercy.

Will I have an academic advisor?
The International Student Service office will be your main contact at Mercy University for all immigration and compliance needs.  You will also have a PACT counselor to assist with academic advising, transitioning to
University, and to ensure you are making progress towards your degree.

Additionally, ISS organizes events such as the United Nations Tour every semester, Broadway shows, cruise around New York city, and much more.

Can I study as a non-degree student?
International students are not eligible to enroll in non-degree programs at Mercy. F-1 students must study full time in pursuit of a degree.