Union College welcomes students from around the world. Representing 55 countries, they bring unique perspectives and culture to our campus. Our commitment to our international students is unwavering. We are an inclusive and accepting community where all students are valued regardless of their racial and religious background, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin or world views.
"I chose Union because of its strong emphasis on hands-on research, incredible study abroad opportunities and close-knit campus community. As a Union student, I have been able to travel to places like Peru and Hawaii for field work, and San Antonio for a conference to present my summer research. Clubs like SOSA and Bhangra Union have allowed me to celebrate my culture and roots despite the distance from home. Union's supportive International Advising Office and vibrant international student community have ensured that I always feel welcome and supported here."
Applying to Union College is simple and accessible: there is no application fee, we are test optional, and you may apply online using the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
At Union, we look for curious, motivated students who are excited to merge diverse interests, engage deeply with faculty and peers, and make an impact on our campus community.
Application requirements for first-year international students (any applicant who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) can be found below.
Are you an international transfer applicant? If you are currently enrolled at another college or university and looking to join our community, please visit our Transfer page.
TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test (DET) is required for all international applicants whose first language is not English. The following scores are most competitive for admission:
Official Secondary School Transcripts/Exam Scores
Teacher and Counselor Recommendation Letters
All international applicants are required to submit the Certification of Finances.
Union's commitment to enrolling a diverse, global student body includes generous merit scholarships and grant aid for international students. We work closely with each applicant to provide a strong aid package based on academic achievements and the financial information each family provides. Admission to Union is need-aware, meaning that a family's ability to contribute toward the cost of education is one factor considered in the admission process. Preference for admission, scholarships and need-based financial aid is given to international students who apply in one of our binding Early Decision rounds, so international students who know Union is their first choice are strongly encouraged to apply Early Decision.
Union practices a “no-harm” test-optional admissions policy: SAT/ACT submission is optional for all students. Review our test policy.
All Early Decision applicants must submit the Early Decision Agreement. If admitted, Early Decision candidates are committed to attend Union. Once they enroll at the College, they must withdraw all applications to other colleges and universities.
For deadlines and additional information about the application process, visit the First-Year Apply page.
Major: Biochemistry | Minor: Psychology
"As a recruited athlete, I was talking to coaches from colleges across the United States, and Union stood out because it is a small school with a strong and inclusive community. Without the connections I’ve made through athletics, academics and Greek life, I would likely not have been introduced to several opportunities that shaped my Union experience."
Activities & Roles: NIH-Funded Summer Research at The Mayo Clinic, Women’s Varsity Tennis Team, Pre-Health Society, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority (Vice President), The Garnet Society Student Alumni Association, Health and Us (Fundraising Chair), Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society
After Union: Med student at King's College London
Majors: Economics and Computer Science
"Union is a place where ‘immersive learning’ takes on a whole new meaning. I had three study abroad experiences, which opened my eyes to the world and left me with a newfound perspective. And thanks to Union’s flexible curriculum, I was able to achieve my goals without making sacrifices and while staying on track."
Activities & Roles: The Garnet Society Student Alumni Association, Student Investment Fund, Admissions Ambassador, Fly Fishing, Ski and Tennis Clubs, Japan Club (Founding Member), Language Center Tutor, Sorum (Minerva House) Representative, Klemm Fellow
After Union: Fixed Income Portfolio Management Analyst at BlackRock
Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Biochemistry
"The reason I chose Union was its strong engineering program within a broad interdisciplinary curriculum. The best things about my experience at Union were the individualized attention I have received from faculty across departments and the opportunity to be involved with so many research projects, from biomechanics to chemistry to astronomy."
Activities & Roles: Admissions Tour Guide, Class of 2025 (Vice President), Astronomy Research, Biomechanics and Chemistry Summer Research, Supplemental Instruction Leader for Cell Biology
After Union: Chemistry Ph.D. student at Cornell
Union College is delighted to partner with the Davis United World College Scholars Program to offer UWC graduates an opportunity to further their education. International students that have completed their final years of high school at one of the 17 United World Colleges will be eligible for need-based scholarships to attend Union College as undergraduate students.
Union College and the Grew Bancroft Foundation in Tokyo have formed a partnership to provide scholarships to Japanese students studying at Union. Each year one Japanese student will be awarded a full tuition scholarship covering the four years at Union. This student will be selected through the recommendation of the Grew Bancroft Foundation and the review of the admissions committee at Union. Additional students will be award partial scholarships.
Grant Hall (Admissions)
807 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12308
Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.