International Students
Diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives.
The student body at the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is comprised of students from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives. Our international students are from countries worldwide and each student brings their unique lived experiences with them. We ensure that international students have an enriching experience where they can build community with domestic students and other international students. We strive to ensure all international students feel supported and ready to start their career as social change makers after graduation.
Policies
The following policies apply to on-campus international students only.
VISA – Immigration
Required check-in and arrival information is available through the University of Pennsylvania’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
International students must arrive on campus before the first day of classes. Please note that in addition to Penn ISSS orientations, SP2 Convocation and academic program (PhD, DSW, MSSP, MSW, or NPL) orientation events are mandatory.
Online NPL and DSW international students are not eligible for visa sponsorship through the University.
SP2 Admissions Requirements for International Students
International Students
SP2 welcomes applications from international students. Applicants should review the admission requirements for the program to which they are applying.
International applicants are encouraged to contact the University of Pennsylvania’s International Student & Scholar Services for advice and information on matters concerning immigration, adjusting to a new culture, and life in Philadelphia.
Transcript Evaluations
Please be advised that transcripts reflecting more than two semesters of study at institutions based outside of the United States must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a third-party evaluation service such as as WES or Educational Perspectives, or another NACES-accredited member. This applies even if the studies were conducted in English and even if the transcript is printed in English. Applicants with these international transcripts should upload their university-issued transcripts into the online application and order their official, third-party evaluations sent to the School of Social Policy & Practice. Please note that these international transcripts cannot be considered official until they have been evaluated and that evaluations are due to the Admissions Office by the application deadline.
English Language Exams
For international students whose first language is not English, we require official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores taken in the last two years. Minimum scores are:
- TOEFL: 100 on the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL
- IELTS: Overall Band Score of 7.5
- Duolingo English Test: Overall Score of 135
TOEFL scores should be sent to Institutional Code D698.
To submit IELTS scores, request an official copy of your standardized test scores to be sent directly to our office using the IELTS E-Delivery Account Name: University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice. Confirm that you have selected the correct department by verifying that the associated address is for the account is 3701 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216.
Duolingo English Test scores should be sent to the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice. No application ID is needed.
Financial Aid
The School of Social Policy & Practice does offer limited, merit-based awards for master’s level students. Learn more about financial aid at SP2.
Visa Sponsorship Restrictions
International students must be enrolled full-time in order to qualify for visa sponsorship.
Please note that due to visa restrictions related to distance education, we are unable to accept applications from international students who may require visa sponsorship from the University. Visa sponsorship cannot be provided for the Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership program.
CPT & OPT
Internships/Practicum/Employment CPT
ISSS can authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if it can be clearly documented that the proposed employment is:
- Directly related to the major; and
- The training employment is required of all degree candidates in the program and is necessary for the awarding of the degree (MSSP Internship and NPL Practicum fulfills this requirement), OR
- The training employment will result in the awarding of academic credit.
Note: Before applying for CPT, you must be registered for the applicable CPT course.
CPT is required for paid and unpaid positions, but CPT is not required for on-campus work-study positions.
CPT requests take three to five business days for ISSS to process and take an additional one to three business days for SP2 to process. International students taking classes on-campus and working remotely abroad are still required to submit a CPT letter for their paid or unpaid work in another country.
MSW Students
MSW students are not eligible for CPT. Practicum does not require a CPT request.
MSSP Students
MSSP 6330: Policy Internship and MSSP 6350: Policy Internship in Data Analytics fulfill the academic requirement for CPT.
NPL Students
NPLD 7010: Leadership Practicum fulfills the academic requirement for CPT. A CPT letter template will be provided to practicum students, but it is students’ responsibility to collaborate with their practicum mentor to update the dates, project work, and organizational information in the template.
International students in the online NPL program are not required to submit a CPT letter.
OPT
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is intended to provide hands-on practical work experience in the U.S., after degree completion complementary to the academic program.
Students in all SP2 on-campus programs are eligible for one year of OPT.
The MSSP+DA program is a STEM-designated program; MSSP+DA students are eligible for three years of OPT.
DSW and NPL online students are not eligible for OPT
Status and Course Registration
International on-campus students must maintain full-time status.
- SP2 degree programs require 4-5 course units per term fall/spring.
- Full-time status for SP2 students is three or more course units per term.
- Part-time status for SP2 students is less than three course units per term.
- Part-time status requires a Reduced Course Load (RCL).
- International students are eligible for RCL in their final term of study.
On-campus, Hybrid, and Online Courses
International students in the MSW, MSSP, and on-campus NPL programs must enroll in on-campus or hybrid courses. International students are limited to one fully online course (not course unit) per term (fall/spring/summer). Example: two in-person course units + one hybrid course unit + one online course unit.
International students cannot take two 0.5 online course units in any term (this requirement does not apply to students in the Online NPL program).
- On-campus course offerings are in-person courses meeting on Penn’s campus.
- Hybrid course offerings meet online and in-person on Penn’s campus on two to four dates.
Online course offerings are fully online with no in-person meeting requirement.
New Student Orientation
Resources provided during SP2’s new student orientation are intended to help you prepare for your academic journey and to make the transition as smooth as possible.
SP2 Master’s Student Handbook
Review student policies for academic and professional performance and grievances.
Academic Advising
All students are encouraged to engage with their designated academic advisor and faculty/school advisor. Academic advisor assignments are also noted in Path@Penn.
Academic & Writing Support
From helping to organize research papers to providing extra support for students with disabilities, SP2’s trained peer tutors and knowledgeable staff are here to help students excel.
SP2 Student Organizations
Learn more about opportunities to engage with SP2’s student government, clubs, and other extracurricular organizations and activities.
SP2 Graduation and University Commencement
SP2’s Graduation Ceremony is Saturday, May 17th at 6:30PM at The Palestra located at 223 S. 33rd Street. The Graduation Reception will take place before the ceremony at the Inn at Penn Hotel- 2nd floor from 2:00PM – 5:30PM. Lunch will be served. Graduates will leave the hotel at 4:00PM to take class pictures. Guests can stay at the hotel until 6:00PM. The ceremony starts promptly at 6:30PM.
The University’s 269th Commencement is Monday, May 19, 2024, in Franklin Field at 10:15AM.
ISSS Integration
Penn’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to celebrating and including the diverse international community through programming and initiatives.
Weingarten Tutoring and Learning Resources Center
The Weingarten Center provides professional instruction in academic reading, writing, study strategies, and more, as well as comprehensive services for students who self-identify with disabilities.
Student Employment at Penn
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is not required for on-campus positions at Penn.
Career Services for International Students
Penn Career Services can help you in your job search both in America or overseas. They work closely with International Student & Scholar Services and Penn Global in serving international students.
Cultural Centers
Penn offers a number of off-campus cultural centers to encourage cross-cultural activism, reflection, and dialogue.
Campus Student Groups
SP2 students are encouraged to get involved in graduate life outside of SP2 to broaden their experience and connect with graduate students in other schools.
Student Counseling
The staff of Student Counseling includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals who offer a wide range of services, including individual and group counseling and therapy, crisis intervention, structured workshops, psychological testing, medication reviews, and consultation.
Student Health Services
Penn’s team of providers and support staff provides a range of medical services to students, from primary care and sports medicine to acupuncture and gynecological care.
Insurance and Immunization Requirements
Learn about requirements, access online forms, review policies, or view frequently asked questions related to insurance and immunization requirements.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
The Pottruck Health and Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art recreation facility serving the Penn community, including weight and cardio equipment, an Olympic-sized pool, co-ed sauna, basketball courts, the climbing wall, golf simulator, Pilates studios, and more.
Prevention and Education
The public health arm of Penn’s Student Health Service works to improve health and well-being through policy, health promotion and epidemiology. The Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) acts as a liaison between the students at Penn and our office, helping to ensure our community’s needs are met.
Confidential Counseling Resources
The University has several confidential resource offices. These confidential resources are not required to provide information disclosed to them about incidents of sexual misconduct to the Office of the AVP and Title IX Officer.
Student Disability Services
The Office of Student Disabilities Services (SDS) provides students with disabilities comprehensive, professional services and programs to ensure equal academic opportunities and participation in University-sponsored programs.
Contact Us
Jennifer J. Clinkscales, DSW, LCSW
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
215 746 5895
Caster Building Room 110