International study at Ohio State

The Ohio State University

Ohio State is a great choice for international students!

A diverse, international community

The Ohio State University is committed to becoming a preeminent global university. As one of America's best public universities, we strive to build a foundation that will integrate international dimensions with every facet of the institution, to pursue international partnerships and to collaborate on the solution of local and global issues based on Ohio State's expertise. Ohio State is home to more than 6,000 international students who are a vibrant part of the campus community.

A conveniently located urban campus

Ohio State is located in Columbus, the capital of Ohio and the 14th largest city in the United States, with a population of more than two million. Columbus offers a wide variety of restaurants and shopping, cultural events, places of worship, historic neighborhoods, and major sports and entertainment venues. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, a 15-minute drive from campus, puts you within a few hours of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Programs that support you

Office of International Affairs (OIA)

When international students first arrive at Ohio State, the Office of International Affairs is one of their initial points of contact. OIA provides students with a warm welcome to the campus community and supports their transition to a new life on campus and in Columbus.

Scholarship and financial aid

While international students cannot receive U.S. federal financial aid, they are eligible to be considered for university associateships and fellowships. Also, the Office of International Affairs provides a few Graduate/Professional Student Grants and Scholarships.

English language support

  • American Language Program is Ohio State’s pre-admission intensive English program for language and academic preparation. A separate application is required for this program. Admission to or enrollment in the American Language Program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program at Ohio State.
  • ESL Composition is Ohio State's post-admission writing program for graduate and undergraduate students. Graduate students often write their MA or PhD exams and theses soon after completing the ESL Composition sequence.
  • Spoken English Program is a post-admission program that screens prospective international teaching assistants and provides course work for those who require it. In addition, SEP offers courses, pronunciation tutoring and a Conversation Partner Program, where students are matched with native English speakers.
  • The Writing Center offers free help with writing at any stage of the processis — from dissertation to resume.

EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a global network of more than 450 advising centers supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. EducationUSA centers actively promote United States higher education around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities.

Centers are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have first-hand experience having studied in the United States themselves and/or having received State Department-approved training about United States higher education and the advising process.