International Students

You can be a Pitt SHRS student wherever you are!

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SHRS is an international leader in rehabilitation and disabilities education committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment. We offer in-person, hybrid and online programming to meet students where they are or for their varying lifestyles.  

We value the experiences and perspectives international students bring to our programs and are proud to include students and alumni from over 60 countries in the Pitt SHRS community. 

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What do I need to know?

Academic Credential Evaluations

Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.

  • A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
  • Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
  • Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.

Verification of English Language Proficiency

The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency. Verification is required unless the following apply:    

  • The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English. 
  • The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. 
  • The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English. 

Minimum Scores by Program

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 115 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 80

  • Athletic Training (MS)
  • Health Informatics (MS)
    • Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
    • Health Information Cybersecurity (Certificate)
    • Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
    • Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
  • Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
  • Physical Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS)
  • Sports Science (MS)

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
    • Duolingo sub-score of 140-145 conversation and 130-135 comprehension are required.
    • IELTS sub-score of 8.0 speaking and 7.0 listening are required.
    • TOEFL sub-score of 26 for speaking and 24 for listening are required.
  • Communication Science and Disorders (Post-Baccalaureate)
  • Communication Science (PhD)
  • Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)
  • Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
  • Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
  • Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
  • Speech Language Pathology (MA/MS)

Hybrid and Online Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100

  • Hybrid
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    • Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT)
  • Online
    • Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD)
    • Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
    • Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
    • Health Informatics (MS)
    • Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
    • Health Information Cyber Security (Certificate)
    • Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
    • Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)

How to Submit Scores

  • Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.

Hybrid Programming Considerations

  • Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT): International students are required to come to the University of Pittsburgh once during the program. Preparation for travel in living arrangements, documentation and the additional costs should be considered when applying for this program.
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Hybrid option: International students may be required to move to the Pittsburgh area for the didactic portion of the program due to Visa restrictions. Clinical education experiences may be completed outside of the Pittsburgh area but must be completed within the United States. The DPT Hybrid program prepares students for licensure and practice within the United States. International students interested in either DPT program format should confirm that the degree will meet the requirements for licensure in the state or country in which they seek licensure.
  • Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program (MS): Given the nature of the online format for the didactic year of the Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid program, all applicants and matriculants need to identify as U.S. citizens, have documentation of permanent residency or have dual citizenship status. While an F-1 Academic Student Visa is permissible for in-person courses, this Visa only deems such students eligible for one online course per term, hence excluding participation in this hybrid format. International students are encouraged to pursue the University of Pittsburgh’s on-campus Physician Assistant Studies program, as an Academic Student Visa can be honored with residential training.

Deadlines

Deadlines are set by each program or, in some cases set earlier to meet the University of Pittsburgh Office of International Services’ term specific immigration deadlines.

Application for Undergraduate Programs
Fall 2026

The deadline for the upper-division programs is March 1, 2026. 

Application for Graduate Programs
Fall 2026

The deadline for graduate programs is May 1, 2026. Exceptions vary by program.

Information for Admitted Students

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required.

If official transcripts were provided with your academic credential evaluation, and your degree was conferred, additional transcripts will not be required. If your undergraduate degree was in progress when you applied to SHRS, an official transcript and/or diploma showing completion of your undergraduate degree must be submitted before enrolling in classes.

Once you have confirmed your admission to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) at the University of Pittsburgh, SHRS will notify the Office of International Services (OIS) of your future attendance. OIS will then email you to complete the information required to either create or verify your immigration documents. This email will also include information about the timeline for receiving a new immigration document and international student orientation.

Admitted students who may need supplemental English language support should talk with their advisors.

For additional information please click here.

Off-Campus Housing Information

University services will help you find housing and roommates, resources to safely live off-campus and the support you’ll need to be a responsible neighbor. From renter’s guides to apartment listings to useful tips, the Office of Off-Campus Student Services is a wealth of information.

Learn More