Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey, is welcoming to international students, offering a variety of degree programs, support services, and pathways to help students adjust and succeed. Below is a step-by-step guide to what you need to know, what to prepare, and what to expect.
1. Understanding Rowan’s International Policies
- Rowan defines “international students” as those entering or staying in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas (e.g. F-1, J-1). Rowan University Admissions+1
- All international applicants must follow Rowan’s International Admissions Policies, including paying application & enrollment fees, meeting academic and language requirements, and maintaining lawful visa status. Rowan Sites+1
2. Admissions: What You Need to Apply
Freshman / First-Year & Transfer Applicants
- A completed application via Rowan’s International Admissions portal. Freshmen and transfers are both accepted. Rowan University Admissions+1
- Pay the application fee: USD $45 for international undergrads (freshman/transfer). Rowan University Admissions+2Rowan University Admissions+2
- Submit your academic transcripts. If not in English, provide certified English translations. Rowan conducts foreign credential evaluations. Rowan University Admissions+2Rowan Sites+2
English Language Requirements
- You must show proficiency in academic English via accepted test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge equivalents. Rowan Sites+2Rowan University Admissions+2
- If your scores are too low, Rowan offers Conditional Admission via its English Language Program (ELP), a non-credit program to help improve your English before starting degree coursework. Rowan University Admissions+1
3. Application Deadlines & Enrollment Deposit
- Rowan has different deadlines depending on whether you need a visa or not; for example, for Fall 2025, application (visa needed) deadline is June 2, document submission deadline June 9. Rowan Sites+1
- After acceptance, an Enrollment Deposit is required before they issue your I-20 document (needed for the visa). For undergrads this is USD $100. Rowan University Admissions+2Rowan University Admissions+2
4. Visa, I-20, & Legal Immigration Steps
- Once you accept Rowan’s admission and pay the enrollment deposit, Rowan issues your I-20 (if you are on an F-1 visa). This is essential for your visa application. Rowan University Admissions
- Be aware: you are permitted to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date listed on the I-20. Early entry and exit must follow USPS guidelines. Rowan Sites
5. Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students
- Rowan offers merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. You are automatically considered if admitted on a valid non-immigrant visa. No extra applications are needed. Rowan University Admissions
- Scholarship amounts vary (USD $1,000 ‒ $19,000/year depending on merit). To get priority consideration, apply by March 1. Rowan University Admissions
6. Pre-Arrival & Orientation
- Once you confirm your enrollment, pay the deposit, Rowan gives you access to your Rowan NetID and email — this usually happens ~48 hours after deposit. Rowan Sites
- You’ll get instructions for setting up your student account, housing, arrival, orientation, etc. The Pre-Arrival Information guide helps with hotel stays (if arrival is earlier than dorm move-in), bill payments, and immigration check-in. Rowan Sites
7. Academics & Student Life Support
- The International Center is your go-to place for guidance on visa/immigration, cultural adjustment, study abroad, and other international student services. Rowan Sites+1
- Rowan Libraries provide Library Resources specifically for international students — online access, research guides, writing & study skill resources. Rowan University LibGuides
- For well-being, Rowan offers counseling, mental health support, and special programs/groups for international students to reduce cultural or language barriers. Rowan University LibGuides
8. Housing, Cost of Living & Practical Considerations
- International students often live on campus in residence halls. Check policies in housing & dining.
- Be prepared for living expenses, including room & board, meals, textbooks, etc. Budget accordingly. The scholarship you receive partly helps; the rest you’ll need to fund.
- Make sure you understand payment methods: wire transfers, U.S. bank accounts, deadlines for bill payment.
9. After Arriving: What to Do Once You’re on Campus
- Attend new international student orientation, which helps you understand academics, campus resources, registration, and cultural acclimation.
- Activate your student email & NetID. Use your Rowan email for official communications.
- Explore clubs, organizations, recreation to make friends and integrate into campus. Rowan has 200+ student clubs. Participation helps with homesickness and building support networks. Rowan Blog
- Understand visa-related rules: maintaining full-time enrollment, rules for working (on-campus, Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT) where applicable for your visa status). The International Center can guide you.
10. Tips & Challenges for International Students at Rowan
Tips to Thrive:
- Apply early, especially to meet document, visa, and I-20 deadlines.
- Use official resources like the International Center, Academic Advising, and English Language Program if needed.
- Get involved socially: join clubs, sports, cultural groups.
- Stay aware of visa/immigration status and responsibilities.
- Budget well, look for scholarships (internal + external) to reduce cost.
Potential Challenges:
- Language barrier: even if you meet minimum test requirements, adapting to academic English can be challenging.
- Cultural adjustment: housing, food, weather, social norms may differ.
- Financial burden: though scholarships help, you’ll need to cover visas, travel costs, health insurance, housing if off-campus, etc.
- Administrative tasks: getting I-20, confirming enrollment, moving in, orientation — can be overwhelming if started late.
11. Contact Information & Support
| Office | Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Office of International Admissions | Application, policy, document submission | international@rowan.edu Rowan University Admissions+1 |
| International Center | Immigration advising, student & scholar services, orientation, culture adjustment | rowanic@rowan.edu Rowan Sites+1 |
| Graduate & International Student Services | For graduate programs, visa, global student info | globalstudent@rowan.edu Rowan University |
Conclusion
Rowan University offers a structured, supportive path for international students: from admission, language help, financial aid, to resources for thriving on campus. If you start early, follow the requirements closely, use the support systems available, and stay engaged, you’re likely to have a positive and successful experience at Rowan.