Explore frequently asked questions.
General Information 14
If I am interested in study abroad opportunities, who should I contact?
Current students who wish to participate in study abroad opportunities can find the necessary information here.
I have already applied, but now can’t attend until a later semester. What can I do?
A student’s application is valid for a total of three terms of entry, including the term marked initially on the application. To be considered for a term of entry within this time frame, you must submit a reactivation application. Students who do not reactivate their application during this allotted time are required to submit a new application, new application fee and any new transcripts (if applicable) to be considered for admission.
I have already submitted my transcript to another college. Can I ask them to forward a copy to you or can you take the transferred courses off of their transcript?
Unfortunately, we are unable to do so. You must provide official transcripts from all institutions and they must arrive in a sealed envelope directly from the home institution. The transcript(s) can either be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or brought in as long as it remains unopened and in the original package. Schools can mail transcripts directly to the address below.
Transcript Mailing Address (for bachelor-level students only):
Georgia State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 4009
Atlanta, GA 30302-4009
Where can I find information about transportation and parking?
Students can find information on transportation and parking by visiting Campus Services.
What are Georgia State’s dining facilities? Is there a meal plan?
Georgia State offers several PantherDining options, including Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, and Garden Pasta Creations, among others. Georgia State also offers an all-you-can-eat, buffet style meal plan for any student.
Academics 3
Does Georgia State offer an Honors College? How does a student apply? What are the benefits of participating in the Honors College?
Georgia State University’s Honors College offers high-achieving and highly motivated students the resources to excel academically and to prepare for successful professional careers. Honors students have access to individualized advisement, small classes and seminars, priority registration, special housing in the University Commons, research assistantships and additional Study Abroad opportunities. Qualified students will automatically be reviewed for acceptance to the Honors College as an incoming first-year once they have submitted all admission documents; no additional application needed. If you are a current Georgia State student, Transfer or Transition student, click here.
What academic support services and academic programs are available?
Students have access to a wide variety of academic support services outside the classroom, including a Writing Studio, Supplemental Instruction program and Academic Coaching, as well as academic programs like our Freshman Learning Communities. Please see our Student Success website for information about all of Georgia State’s academic support resources and unique academic programs
What majors are available?
Georgia State offers degrees in more than 250 fields of study. View a complete list of our degrees and majors.
Applying to Georgia State 27
How do I reactivate my application?
A student’s application is valid for a total of three terms of entry, including the term marked initially on the application and the following two terms of entry. Students who wish to be considered for a term of entry within this time frame must complete a reactivation application and any required credentials by the application deadline date for the desired term of entry.
Once the two additional terms of entry have passed, the application and application fee is no longer valid. Students who do not reactivate their application during this allotted time are required to submit a new application, new application fee and any new transcripts (if applicable) to be considered for admission.
I see that my file has a residency determination, but my application status still reads “Complete” or “Complete-Under Review”. Does that mean I will be accepted?
Generally, the Office of Admissions does not make an initial residency determination on an applicant’s admissions file until the applicant has met all admissions requirements and has been accepted to the university. However, we encourage you to regularly monitor your admissions status.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Residency in Question”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Residency in Question”, it means that, upon review of your application, questions have arisen regarding your residency status for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this determination has been made in error, please contact the Office of Admissions via phone at 404-413-2500, email at [email protected] or in person at Sparks Hall, Suite 200, 33 Gilmer Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 as soon as possible. Please note that, in some cases, it may be necessary for an applicant to file a petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or apply for a residency waiver form. For more information on the petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or to access any of the available waiver forms, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Non-Resident”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Non-Resident”, it means that that you have been classified a non-resident for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this classification has been made in error, or need more information on Georgia Tuition Classification, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Green Card Needed”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Green Card Needed”, it means that to be considered for Georgia residence classification for tuition-payment purposes and have the ability to register for classes, it is required that you submit a valid, legible copy of your permanent resident alien card to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible.
Tuition & Financial Aid 8
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Residency in Question”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Residency in Question”, it means that, upon review of your application, questions have arisen regarding your residency status for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this determination has been made in error, please contact the Office of Admissions via phone at 404-413-2500, email at [email protected] or in person at Sparks Hall, Suite 200, 33 Gilmer Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 as soon as possible. Please note that, in some cases, it may be necessary for an applicant to file a petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or apply for a residency waiver form. For more information on the petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or to access any of the available waiver forms, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Non-Resident”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Non-Resident”, it means that that you have been classified a non-resident for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this classification has been made in error, or need more information on Georgia Tuition Classification, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states that I am a resident. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Resident”, it means that you have been classified as a Georgia resident for tuition-payment purposes.
Are international students eligible for financial aid or scholarships?
Georgia State may offer the Campus Atlanta Scholarship (100% out-of-state tuition waiver and 50% out-of-state tuition waiver) on a merit basis to qualified incoming international students. International students with F or J visas are not eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). However, limited scholarship opportunities are available to accepted international students.
How do accepted students notify Georgia State of their intent to enroll? Is there a tuition deposit?
Upon their acceptance to Georgia State, students will see an Intent to Enroll form in their status check. It is the student’s responsibility to fill out the required information. Currently, there is no required tuition deposit at Georgia State University.
Steps for Accepted Students 10
Intent to Enroll
Congratulations on your acceptance to Georgia State University! We look forward to having you on campus. Let us know to expect you by completing the Intent to Enroll form, which you will find in your checklist after acceptance. You must view your acceptance letter in the “Status Update” before having access to complete the Intent to Enroll form.
Log in to Complete the Intent to Enroll
Once you have completed the Intent to Enroll, please complete the other next steps for accepted students.
Verification of Lawful Presence
Georgia State University admits all academically qualified undergraduate students, regardless of immigration status.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires all students applying to Georgia State University to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United States to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes.
This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policies:
Students may be verified through one of the following options below:
- Verification through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen (this does not apply to international students on a visa) who has completed and submitted a FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your lawful presence. If you cannot be confirmed as lawfully present, the Office of Financial Aid will follow up with you for additional documentation. - Submission of one of the following documents:
- A valid Georgia Driver’s License/State ID with REAL ID symbol. (Front and back required)*
- A valid U.S. Driver’s License/State ID with REAL ID symbol from the USG approved list. (Front and back required)*
- A copy of an original or certified U.S. birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or territory of the U.S. bearing an official seal. The copy must clearly show the raised or written seal to be acceptable.
- A valid U.S. Passport.
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
- U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
- A valid U.S. Permanent Resident card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551). We require the front and back of your Permanent Resident Card and it must not expire prior to the first day of class for the enrollment term.
- A current military I.D. (applicable to service members only, not eligible for dependents). The I.D. will be verified in person only, a photocopy is unacceptable. ID verifications can be completed at the Atlanta, Alpharetta and Dunwoody campus. You must email [email protected] to schedule an appointment for verification.
*Driver’s Licenses/ID’s marked “Limited Term”, “Temporary”, “Not for REAL ID Purposes” or paper/interim driver’s licenses/ID’s are excluded. The front and back of the driver’s license/ID is required.
Submit documents directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in-person or through the document upload section of your Admission Portal. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and/or hold removal.
- Verification through Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS)
If you have or are applying for an F or J visa, we will verify your lawful presence through SEVIS. As this is already part of the immigration process, there are no additional steps required to have your Citizenship Verification Hold removed. Simply comply with the requirements outlined by our Office of International Student and Scholar Services before you arrive at Georgia State University. - Verification through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)
All nonresident alien students on some sort of visa will need to submit immigration documents verifying their lawful status to the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Such documents may include an I-94 card, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) approval notice or receipt notice, or other documentation confirming the student is in lawful visa status.
This includes students who have been previously enrolled at Georgia State and are either returning (re-entry) to a degree program or applying for a new degree program. Transient students must also be verified.
USG Approved List of Out of State Driver’s license and ID cards:
State | DL/ID Requirements for Acceptance |
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Alabama | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Alaska | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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California | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Delaware | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Florida | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Georgia | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Idaho | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Iowa | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Kentucky | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Louisiana | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Maryland | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Missouri | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Montana | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Nevada | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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North Carolina | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Ohio | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Oklahoma | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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South Carolina | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Tennessee | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Texas | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Vermont | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Wisconsin | The unexpired card must meet all of the following:
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Once I am accepted, to whom should I speak to about academic advisement (i.e. what classes were transferred and/or what classes do I need in order to pursue my degree etc.)?
Academic advisors and their associated college(s) can be found here.
Who needs to take the placement tests at Georgia State? How do new students sign up for placement tests?
Accepted Georgia State students can click here to see if they will need to take the math, chemistry, and/or foreign language placement tests and how to register. Testing requirements vary by major, and students will want to try and complete placement tests before orientation and registration. Get more information on placement tests on the New Student Orientation webpage.
Where can I find information about transportation and parking?
Students can find information on transportation and parking by visiting Campus Services.
Residency 6
I see that my file has a residency determination, but my application status still reads “Complete” or “Complete-Under Review”. Does that mean I will be accepted?
Generally, the Office of Admissions does not make an initial residency determination on an applicant’s admissions file until the applicant has met all admissions requirements and has been accepted to the university. However, we encourage you to regularly monitor your admissions status.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Residency in Question”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Residency in Question”, it means that, upon review of your application, questions have arisen regarding your residency status for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this determination has been made in error, please contact the Office of Admissions via phone at 404-413-2500, email at [email protected] or in person at Sparks Hall, Suite 200, 33 Gilmer Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 as soon as possible. Please note that, in some cases, it may be necessary for an applicant to file a petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or apply for a residency waiver form. For more information on the petition for Georgia Tuition Classification or to access any of the available waiver forms, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Non-Resident”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Non-Resident”, it means that that you have been classified a non-resident for tuition-payment purposes. If you believe this classification has been made in error, or need more information on Georgia Tuition Classification, please visit sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states “Green Card Needed”. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Green Card Needed”, it means that to be considered for Georgia residence classification for tuition-payment purposes and have the ability to register for classes, it is required that you submit a valid, legible copy of your permanent resident alien card to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible.
I have a question about my residency status. It currently states that I am a resident. What does that mean?
If your residency status displays “Resident”, it means that you have been classified as a Georgia resident for tuition-payment purposes.
International Admissions 29
I would like to be considered for Conditional Admission. Do I need to take TOEFL or another English test?
You can learn more about Conditional Admission here. Only new F-1 visa students who are currently outside the U.S. can be considered for Conditional Admission. Students must submit all required admission documents and be academically admissible while lacking English proficiency. Students must submit IELTS, TOEFL or another approved English Language Proficiency test to show their current language skills. These test scores will also determine your placement level when you apply to the Intensive English Program. Students must submit a separate application to the Intensive English Program. Once they’ve completed the Intensive English Program, students can transition their I-20 for their F-1 visa to Georgia State’s Atlanta Campus or Perimeter College to begin a degree program.
Do you accept Duolingo?
Duolingo is no longer accepted and will not satisfy this requirement. The University System of Georgia decided to remove the Duolingo English test from our admission requirements after fall 2021. TOEFL, MET, Pearson and other English test providers are now offering online home-edition tests that are similar to Duolingo but widely accepted by U.S. institutions. Please review ELP requirements on our website here.
What are your English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements?
Georgia State requires proof of English-language proficiency from applicants who have attended school internationally. We want to ensure that all students are successful in an English-speaking academic environment. Information about ELP requirements can be found on our website here. We accept SAT Reading (minimum score 480), ACT English (minimum score 17), TOEFL iBT (minimum score 69), IELTS Academic (minimum score 6) and a variety of other examinations, including the 4-Skills Michigan English Test (save 20% by registering here) and the Pearson Test of English (Academic).
Duolingo is no longer accepted and will not satisfy this requirement. We do not accept letters of English proficiency from non-U.S.-accredited (MSA, NEASC, IB, etc.) schools.
What is an International Credential Evaluation?
Georgia State requires an International Credential Evaluation for all international students who have attended colleges, universities, postsecondary programs or technical/vocational programs outside the U.S. This gives us an analysis of what you have already accomplished at the university level and lets us know what course credit can be transferred to you as a potential Georgia State student. Please visit naces.org to find approved evaluation companies that can provide an evaluation of your transcript. Transfer students must submit a course-by-course evaluation. (We need to review the grade conversion and credit hours for every class.) Postbaccalaureate students can submit a document-by-document evaluation. We have received evaluations from WES, ECE, Josef Silny, SpanTran, etc. in the past. You can learn more on our website, here, under the Foreign Credential Evaluation section. The International Credential Evaluation must be based on official documents and should list all courses taken abroad as well as the U.S. equivalency of your academic credit. Please have the NACES evaluator include your verified transcripts in your evaluation. We do not require third-party evaluation for international high school/secondary school credentials. If you did not attend any international university or postsecondary institution, please contact [email protected] so that we can review and update your checklist.
If I attended a British international school or a school in the United Kingdom, what academic documents does my school need to submit?
Students who have attended schools using the UK Curriculum must submit their GCE/IGCSE results certificates for review. Please have your school email your results certificates for all IGCSE, O-Level, AS-Level, A-Level and BTEC examinations that you have taken to [email protected]. Students are not required to take specific A-Levels for admission to Georgia State, however, AS and A-Level results and BTEC Level 3 Diplomas may be processed as university transfer credit.
Dual Enrollment 6
I am a dual enrollment student at another college/university. Should I apply as a transfer student or incoming freshman? Will my credits transfer?
Current high school students must apply as an incoming Freshman. Once you begin the enrollment process, we will articulate your credits from the college transcript and move you to the appropriate college status (freshman, sophomore, or junior). If you attend a college/university after graduating high school, you will be required to apply as a Transfer student.
To find out what credits will be accepted in transfer toward a degree program at Georgia State, please visit our website to select your school and view what we are currently accepting. Any credits not listed on the Transfer Equivalency Chart will have to be evaluated after your application has been submitted.
Do I need to take the Math, Chemistry or Foreign Language Placement Exam?
Dual enrollment students must take the Math Placement if they plan to take Math 1111 (College Algebra) or higher. If you are not sure if you will be required to take the placement exam you can speak with your high school counselor about the classes you will take and speak with your academic adviser during Dual Enrollment Orientation for more information.
Are SAT/ACT scores absolutely required? Can I submit ACCUPLACER scores instead?
Students applying for dual enrollment on the Atlanta Campus must submit SAT, ACT or PSAT scores. (Ask your high school counselor to submit PSAT scores.) ACCUPLACER scores will not be considered. Students must meet all three requirements of the program, including the minimum test scores, GPA and Freshman Index. Students who fail to meet one or more of the minimum requirements will not be admissible for participation in the program.
Can I take online or distance dual enrollment courses through Georgia State University?
Dual enrollment students on the Atlanta Campus are permitted to take online courses when available. Visit Georgia State Online for more information.
If you would like to take classes online through one of our Perimeter campuses, apply as a Perimeter College Dual Enrollment student.
Can I live on campus as a dual enrollment student?
No. We do not allow high school students to live on campus through University Housing.
GSU 62 13
What if I get ill, or discover I’m overwhelmed by the classwork after a week or two? Or what if I just don’t like the class?
You can discuss this with the professor if you wish. However, please note that it might be to your advantage to withdraw from the class. If you do not intend to complete the class (regular attendance, completion of required work, etc.) you must withdraw or risk a failing grade.
What if the class I want is closed?
You can go to the professor and ask if it is possible to get an overflow. If he agrees, he can tell you the procedure for getting the overflow added to your student record. Overflows are not automatically granted, and it is not mandatory that professors do so. There are also fire safety regulations which limit the number of people in classrooms.
What academic counseling is available to me?
Freshman, or transfer students with fewer than 90 hours are advised by the Student Advisement Office; the Office of Academic Advisement in each of the academic colleges counsels applicants with 90 or more transferrable hours; all academic assistance at the graduate level comes from the graduate advisors in each graduate college. Postbaccalaureate applicants, as they are not degree seeking, do not receive academic advisement.
Once you are accepted as an undergraduate student, a “Next Step” letter will be sent which will include information on advisement.
How do I know what classes are available?
The Schedule of Classes is available in PAWS. You will need to log into PAWS, click the “Schedule of Classes” on the right of the screen in the Registration Information section. Select the semester you are looking for, the degree level of your course, and the subject for the classes you would like to browse (English, Math, Science, etc.). Once selected you will be able to view the remaining spots available, dates, and times for each course.
For a more detailed walk-thru of the registration process, view the Self Service Student Registration Demo.
If I just want to audit (sit in) a class do I still have to go through the application process and turn in all my transcripts?
Yes. Enrolled students who wish to audit a course must get approval from the Academic Department offering the course by submitting a Class Audit Request in PAWS. Georgia State University requires that students apply and be admitted before they can audit a class. After a student is admitted they must receive permission from the class instructor to audit the course. Please see the Registrar’s website for more information regarding the Class Audit Request.