International Student Resources
The University of Pittsburgh has a long tradition of welcoming students and scholars from all over the world. Pitt and Katz are committed to helping international students successfully transition to studying at Pitt and living in Pittsburgh.
Office of International Services (OIS)
Pitt’s Office of International Services uses an online system that enables international students to submit requests electronically. All services requests, with the exception of travel signatures, can be submitted online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OIS will begin processing I-20 forms on March 31. Please refer to the OIS website for more information on this process. Be sure to check your Pitt e-mail for communications from OIS.
Health Insurance Requirement for International Students
All full-time international students at the University of Pittsburgh will be required to maintain health insurance at all times by obtaining coverage through one of the University’s student health plans or demonstrating comparable coverage through another provider. This policy complements existing federal regulations for many international students who are already required by federal law to maintain health insurance at all times.
Verification of Documents
Representatives from the Office of International Services will check-in students during full-time student orientation. More information on this process will be communicated through the schedule, but the following documents MUST accompany you to orientation:
- Original I-20 or DS-2019, stamped at the port-on-entry or issued for transferring to Pitt.
Arriving in Pittsburgh
We recommend that you arrive in Pittsburgh on or about August 1. Orientation is the start of your academic program and your attendance is expected. Classes will begin right after orientation, leaving you with very little free time for moving in to your apartment and getting settled.
Global Pittsburgh
Global Pittsburgh has various trips and activities for International students and/or spouse and family members.
Helpful Links
Connect on WeChat
Admitted applicants can connect with Chinese students and alumni on WeChat to get answers to questions you may have and for help preparing for study and life at Katz and Pittsburgh. We’ll share helpful resources with you to improve yourself. Here, you can talk about any topic you’re interested in and make new friends.
– Katz Chinese Alumni Association
Scan the QR code to connect on WeChat
Search and add WeChat ID (katzcareermgmt) to join the Katz admitted students WeChat group!
International Language Assessment
Language assessments for international students take place during orientation.
International students who score less than 100 on the TOEFL and less than 7 on the IELTS, or less than 120 on Duolingo will be required to take a brief language proficiency exam.
English Language Resources
On-Campus Courses
- English Language Institute: Professional and Academic English Class Program. Classes are held on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus and meet four days a week for 20 hours each week. If interested, contact elipitt@pitt.edu.
Off-Campus Courses
- PRISM (Pittsburgh Regional International Student Ministries): Summer English class for intermediate to advanced levels. Improve your listening and speaking skills. *Please note that this is a religious ministry.
- Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council: English speaking classes and tutoring.
- There are also the private language schools such as Berlitz, Inlingua, Kaplan and Echo International, but these tend to be expensive.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I chose Katz because of the world-class faculty and students: the professors here are well-versed in their fields, passionate about teaching, and want to see their students succeed academically and professionally; the students are dedicated to excellence and form an excellent professional network.
I chose Katz for the course offerings. I knew I could build on my strengths through the strong core curriculum with specific classes that would help me learn invaluable tactics and strategies for my career. The international community at Katz is eye-opening. Learning from individuals who come from all over the world is a valuable experience in and of itself.
