International Students: Frequently Asked Questions Answers to Common Questions About International Study at Point Park

A: The ISSE Staff will help guide you through your I-20 and visa process so that you can study at Point Park University.

A: Point Park will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) upon receipt of the following:

A: The I-20 must be presented along with your passport to the Consular Section of a U.S. Embassy or Consul to obtain a visa (F-1) necessary to study in the United States.

A: Full-time student visa holders (F-1 students) are not permitted to work off-campus except for optional or curricular practical training purposes. However, they can work on campus under certain circumstances. More information on this topic can be found at the Office of International Student Services.

A: View 2023-2024 tuition, food and housing costs. For the issuance of the I-20 you must provide proof of funds totaling more than $50,000 USD depending on your program of study to ensure that you will have adequate monies to meet your living needs. As a freshman international student you are required to live on campus, in order to become familiar with your surroundings and enjoy Point Park to the fullest.

A: International students are eligible for non-interest payment plans through Point Park University that will help to make your tuition payments more affordable. You can find plan options and prices at Student Accounts.

A: Students studying in our undergraduate programs can be awarded a combination of academic merit scholarships of up to $20,000 per academic year. Students studying in our graduate programs are eligible for scholarships up to $1,500 per academic year. For further information, please view our scholarships page.

A: International students are eligible for assistantships. However, since assistantships are highly competitive and not guaranteed, international students should only depend on external sources like family income to fund their education, and not an assistantship.

A: A graduate assistantship is an on-campus, part-time position awarded to graduate students studying in an on-ground program. Graduate assistantships pay full tuition for three courses per semester and provide an hourly stipend of $10/hour . In exchange, graduate assistants must work 20 hours per week and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Assistantships may be renewed for a second year when both the student and supervisor are satisfied with the arrangements. Please visit Human Resources to find out if any positions are available.

A: Once on campus, there will be a special orientation for international students to help you to acclimate to the U.S. and to student life at Point Park University.

A: Yes, the international student orientation session is mandatory for all new international students. During this event, you will receive important information about Point Park, immigration regulations and other aspects of living in Pittsburgh. The international student orientation is for freshmen, transfer and graduate students and is held during the week before classes start in the Fall and the Spring semesters. You will receive information specific to the program months before the term starts.

A: The Fall terms start in late August with the Spring terms starting in early January for new incoming students. We accept applications up to 60 days prior to the start of the semester since enrollment is determined with F1 visa timelines for the upcoming term.

A: The spring and fall semesters are approximately 15 weeks, while the summer term has one 12-week period that can be divided according to classes into two six-week sessions. However because of limited course availability, summer session is not an option for new incoming international students.

A: Our Conservatory of Performing Arts is one of the top programs of its kind in the United States, offering degree programs in theatre, dance and cinema and digital arts. The conservatory combines hands-on experience and rigorous training with internationally recognized master teachers, directors, producers, writers and choreographers that will help transform your dreams into reality. Students come from across the United States and around the world. Substantial scholarships/talent awards are available.

Learn more about conservatory programs:

A: Guided by the University's Department of Public Safety, Point Park provides a safe, secure living and learning environment. From residence halls with controlled access, to security desks in every building, to more than 600 surveillance cameras monitored 24/7, our professional, round-the-clock security provides a safe campus home in which to relax, work, learn, and live.

A: Point Park University will guarantee you residential living on campus for four years, or for however long you need it. You'll be able to choose from a variety of safe, comfortable living options on our unique urban campus - from single, double and triple rooms to more expansive suites and apartments. Living on campus offers great convenience and a full college experience. Housing is an option for all ages on Point Park University's campus. You'll find affordable options for living both on campus and off.

A: Gathering for meals is a big part of campus life. Point Park offers a variety of on-campus dining locations and meal plans as well as delicious food - from grab-and-go, made-to-order, breakfast or late-night, to your favorite Starbucks drinks.

When you're ready to venture off campus, Downtown Pittsburgh offers a huge variety of restaurants, including many ethnic establishments within walking distance.

Point Park is sensitive to the dietary needs of our international students. If you have dietary restrictions, speak with our ISSE office, and we will do all we can to make your transition to dining at Point Park as smooth as possible.

A: Your health and well-being are priorities at Point Park. Whether you need assistance with a health issue, could use someone to talk to, or are looking for guidance with your studies or career plans, we offer professional health services and student support on campus - all easily accessible.

A: Some of our international students compete on intercollegiate athletic teams at Point Park and receive generous scholarships to play. Point Park Athletics fields 18 varsity sports teams as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the River States Conference (RSC).

A: As you navigate toward your chosen career, you'll receive plenty of guidance. Our Career Development Center will help you develop the professional skills you'll need to achieve your goals. You'll work closely with our counselors to plan your career path, create a professional resume or CV, sharpen your interview skills, participate in networking opportunities and more.

A: With the vast opportunities that Pittsburgh has to offer, you'll be able to gain invaluable industry experience through professional internships. These hands-on internships will enable you to experience your field, broaden your skills, and significantly enhance your resume or CV. 

Read about how some international students at Point Park are getting career-ready.

A: In the United States, Pittsburgh ranks seventh for Fortune 500 company headquarters. It is home to more than 100 billion-dollar global corporations. It is one of the nation's most vibrant cultural center and it is at the forefront of fields ranging from technology to health care to communications.