Office of Admissions
Student Services Building (SVC) 1036
(813) 974-3350
admissions@usf.edu
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/
The Office of Admissions assists prospective students with learning about opportunities available to them at the University of South Florida. The Office is responsible for processing applications for admission for undergraduate students (first time in college -FTIC-, transfer, and former students returning -FSR-, including international students). Admission to the University of South Florida requires evidence of ability to successfully complete academic work, the capacity to think creatively, and strong motivation. The minimum admission requirements are designed to help identify applicants whose academic background indicates the potential for success at USF; however, achieving minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
The admission of new students at all levels is on a selective basis within curricular, space, and fiscal limitations. The selection process may include such factors as grades, test scores, date of application completion, the pattern of courses completed, educational objectives, past conduct, and portfolios. Preference for admission in any term will be given to those applicants whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success.
The university encourages applications for admission from all qualified applicants and does not discriminate based on race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information and gender identity and expression, or as otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, in the admission process. Students are offered admission to USF in accordance with the mission and goals of the university and within enrollment limitations established by the Department of Education, State University System of Florida, and the Florida Legislature.
Admissions Application
The Office of Admissions accepts either application below. A $30 (in U.S. currency) nonrefundable application fee is required. Only one application needs to be submitted from either:
When to Apply
Applications for admission are accepted as early as nine months before the requested entry term. Applications for admission and the non-refundable application fee should be submitted by the preferred deadline date for the requested entry term or by the application deadline for the requested degree program (see specific Programs (A-Z) in this catalog), whichever is earlier.
FRESHMAN (FTIC) SUMMER/FALL SEMESTER START
- August 1 – Application opens
- November 1 – Priority admissions deadline
- January 15 – Application completion deadline for students to qualify for admissions scholarships
- March 1 – Final application deadline
- May 1 – Admissions deposit deadline
FRESHMAN (FTIC) SPRING SEMESTER START
- March 1 – Application opens
- October 1 – Final admissions deadline (or prior on a space available basis)
- November 1 – Admissions deposit deadline (or prior on a space available basis)
TRANSFER SUMMER SEMESTER START
- August 1 – Application opens
- March 1 – Final application deadline
- March 15 – Final Completion deadline
TRANSFER FALL SEMESTER START
- August 1 – Application opens
- May 1 – Final application deadline
- May 15 – Final Completion deadline
TRANSFER SPRING SEMESTER START
- March 1 – Application opens
- October 1 – Final application deadline
- October 15 – Final Completion deadline
FORMER STUDENT RETURNING (FSR) SEMESTER START
Please complete application no later than 20 business days prior to the first day of your desired term of entry
Who Should Apply
The University of South Florida offers a variety of programs to meet the diverse needs of the student body. You can apply if you are any one of the following:
- A High School Senior or First Time in College (FTIC) seeking a Bachelor’s degree.
- An Undergraduate student with some college credits seeking a Bachelor’s degree.
- A non-U.S. citizen seeking an Undergraduate degree.
- Seeking courses and programs for training, professional advancement, certification or personal growth.
An application for admission must be submitted by all students who have not been admitted to and enrolled in a USF degree program within the last three terms. Former or continuing USF degree-seeking students must file another application for admission when applying for a second-degree program, another level of study or readmission (see Readmission). Any previously enrolled student will be required to pay the $30 application fee. Documents submitted requesting a waiver of the $30 application fee are considered by the Dean of Admissions based upon the determination that the payment of this fee creates a documented severe financial hardship and serves as a deterrent from submitting the application.
Changing Requested Term of Entry
Applicants may update their application for admission for up to one year from the originally requested term of admission. All requests for changes of entry term must specify any academic work attempted that was not reflected on the original application and must be received by the appropriate published application deadline for the new term of entry or degree program specified, whichever is earlier. Additionally, any issues related to criminal or academic misconduct that was not reflected on the initial application must be reported in writing to the Office of Admissions. A new application and fee must be submitted when applicants wish to be considered for admission for a term that begins more than twelve months after the originally requested entry term.
An applicant who requests a new entry term must meet the admissions requirements in effect for the new term requested. Entry for some programs is limited to specified terms.
General Admission Policies
Transcripts and Other Admission Documents
All official transcripts, test scores, and any other required credentials must be received directly from the issuing agencies. It is the applicant’s responsibility to initiate the request for credentials to the issuing agencies and to assure their receipt by the Office of Admissions. (See “Minimum Requirements for Admission” for information concerning required documentation). Official transcripts from all previous institutions are required.
All credentials and documents submitted become the property of USF. The originals or copies of the originals will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution, agency, or person.
Provisional Admission
An applicant admitted on a provisional basis must submit the requested missing credentials, such as official final transcripts or test scores, which confirm eligibility for admission before a second registration will be permitted.
Conditional Offers of Admission
Some applicants may be offered admission to the University of South Florida with the condition that they enroll in an alternate term, campus and/or program that differs from that requested on the application for admission, or that they meet the conditions outlined in the acceptance offer. For example, a freshman applicant may be offered admission to the summer or spring term due to enrollment limits and/or admission criteria. Continued enrollment is contingent on meeting all conditions of admission.
Admission Denials
Any applicant - freshman or transfer - who does not meet minimum admission requirements and is denied admission may submit an appeal to the Faculty Committee on Student Admissions for reconsideration of the admissions decision.
Undergraduate applicants - freshman or transfer - who are denied admission as a degree-seeking student may not enroll as a non-degree seeking student. Please see information on Non-Degree Seeking Student.
Receipt of final official credentials that fail to substantiate eligibility will result in rescinding of admission and denial of continued enrollment in subsequent terms.
An application for admission or a residency declaration submitted by or on behalf of a student that contains false, fraudulent, or incomplete statements may result in denial of admission, further registration and/or degrees awarded.
The university may refuse admission to a student whose record shows previous misconduct not in the best interest of citizens of the university community.
See Florida Board of Governors (BOG) 6.001 General Admissions
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6.001Regulation-Approved2019_10_30.pdf
USF Regulation 3.018 https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018
Required Proof of Immunity
All students must have proof of immunity as follows:
- MEASLES: Proof of Immunity.
- RUBELLA: Proof of Immunity.
- HEPATITIS B: Proof of Immunity or signed waiver declining the vaccine.
- MENINGITIS: Proof of Immunity or signed waiver declining the vaccine.
All students must complete and sign the USF Medical History & Immunization History Form or provide supporting documentation and electronic signature on their Student Self-Service account. For instructions see https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/immunizations/index.aspx
For students that applied to USF using an international address, a Tuberculosis screening is also required. For details, see https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy33-003.
For detailed information regarding USF’s Immunization Policy and Requirements, see https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy33-002.
Required Orientation
Office of Orientation
John & Grace Allen Building (ALN) 102
(813) 974-3060
myorientation@usf.edu
http://www.usf.edu/orientation/
St. Petersburg campus Orientation Office
Bayboro (BAY) 117B
727-873-4753
https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/student-services/orientation/index.aspx
Sarasota – Manatee campus Orientation Office
8350 North Tamiami Trail (SMC B130)
941-359-4342
Sar-Orientation@usf.edu
https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/admissions/orientation/index.aspx
Orientation is required for all newly admitted students. All newly admitted students must complete Orientation for the campus to which they are admitted prior to beginning classes. If a change in major requires a change in campus, students must also change their orientation location to their new home campus.
The Orientation experience is designed to meet the requirements of a student’s home campus located in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee. Orientation provides an introduction to the campus community and facilitates a seamless transition into the academic and social environments unique to the identified home campus and the University of South Florida at large.
Primary facilitation of Orientation resides with the designated office(s) at each USF campus location. See USF Policy 10-035 Mandatory Orientation for New Undergraduate Students.
Residency for Tuition Purposes
Florida BOG 7.005 Residency for Tuition Purposes
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/7_005ResidencyforTuitionPurposesSept2015-2.pdf
Residency refers to whether you are an in-state Florida resident or an out-of-state resident, and this classification determines your rate of tuition. Most importantly, living in or attending school in Florida will not, in itself, establish legal residence for tuition purposes.
When you apply to the university, your initial residency classification is determined by the Office of Admissions. Failure to provide sufficient documentation in the residency section of the admissions application will result in a non-Florida or out-of-state residency classification for tuition purposes.
Once you have completed your first term at USF, you can request a reclassification of your residency status from the Office of the Registrar (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/residency/). Please also refer to that site for important deadlines.
Specialized Admissions Programs
Undergraduates seeking entrance to specialized admissions degree programs must meet special program requirements in addition to requirements for admission to the university. The admission criteria and procedures for specialized admissions programs at USF furnish equal access to A.A. degree holders from Florida public colleges, transfers from other SUS institutions and USF students of equivalent status. Transfer applicants with 60 or more transferable semester hours who are seeking admission to specialized admissions programs must meet the grade point average requirement and pre-requisites specified by the program to be eligible for admission to USF. Transfer applicants with 30 to 59 transferable semester hours who are seeking admission to certain specialized admissions programs such as Nursing may be required to meet a higher transfer grade point average requirement that would allow eventual admission to those particular degree programs.
USF, with approval of the Board of Governors and the Articulation Coordinating Committee, has established the following undergraduate programs as specialized admissions:
 Biomedical Engineering- Dance
- Graphic Design
- All College of Education Teacher Certification programs
- All College of Nursing programs
The admissions requirements for these degree programs may be found with other program information in appropriate sections of this catalog.
Foreign Language Entrance Requirement (FLENT)
USF Regulation 3.007
(https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3007)
FL BOG Regulation 6.002
(https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6.002FTICAdmissionsTechnicalchange2018_08_17.pdf)
FL BOG Regulation 6.004
(https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6.004-Transfer-Student-Admission_FINAL.pdf)
All applicants admitted to the State University System (SUS) are expected to have demonstrated competency of foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher. A limited number of students not meeting the high school foreign language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must fulfill the foreign language requirement prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. Satisfaction of the foreign-language admissions requirement by having two (2) sequential units of the same foreign language in high school, or eight (8) credit hours of the same foreign language in college, or documented equivalent proficiency. Satisfaction of the foreign-language admissions requirement by having two (2) sequential units of the same foreign language in high school, or eight (8) credit hours of the same foreign language in college, or documented equivalent proficiency.
Opportunities for Accelerated Progress toward Undergraduate Degrees
USF provides several options by which students may accelerate their progress toward completing the baccalaureate degree. These options recognize knowledge which has been acquired prior to or during attendance at USF and provide the opportunity to earn university credit. Options that may be utilized to accelerate progress include the following:
Credits may be earned through a combination of the above options. Students should contact their college advisors for further information concerning the application of this credit toward their degree requirements.
Internal processes (such as auditions, portfolio reviews, and placement tests) utilized in the various departments for the sole purpose of determining a student’s most appropriate area, level, or section placement in a program of study are not to be construed as examining mechanisms for the granting of credit.
Minimum Requirements for First Time in College (FTIC) Admission
Any freshman applicant who meets minimum admission requirements as stated in Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.002 is encouraged to submit an application. Each state university reserves the right under Florida BOG regulation to establish admission criteria that exceeds Florida BOG minimums.
To be considered for admission, freshman (FTIC – First Time in College) applicants must submit:
- USF Application for Admission
- Non-refundable $30 application fee
- Official high school transcript
- Official GED scores if applicable
- SAT or ACT scores
Although USF has minimum freshman admission requirements, meeting these minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Applicants selected for admission usually exceed the eligibility requirements; however, USF also considers applicants who do not fully meet minimum requirements but who have important attributes, special talents or unique circumstances that may contribute to a representative and diverse student body. These freshman applicants are considered for admission based on other appropriate evidence of ability to do successful academic work at USF.
The university sets admission requirements found on the Undergraduate Admissions web homepage. Please refer to https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/index.aspx for the current admission requirements. Admission to the university is selective; therefore, meeting requirements does not guarantee admission.
If you are admitted to USF, you will receive a notification via email and/or postal mail. You may check your email often for any updates to your USF application.
The institution reserves the right to validate any applicant’s admission materials including transcripts and test scores (via a testing agency) such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL, PTE-A or IELTS used in the admission process if, in the judgment of university officials, there is reason to warrant this validation. See https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018
Florida College System
High school graduates planning to start their college education at a Florida College System institution should confer with the guidance counselor and ask that their academic program be planned with the assistance of the USF Undergraduate Catalog that is available at https://catalog.usf.edu. This catalog, prepared by the USF Office of Undergraduate Studies, explicitly describes the undergraduate program requirements and Florida’s common prerequisites that should be followed to ensure maximum ease of transfer into the student’s upper-level programs on a par with their native USF counterparts.
Admissions Deposit
Freshmen admitted to the University of South Florida are required to submit a $200 non-refundable admission deposit by May 1 for either Summer or Fall, or by December 1 for Spring admission.
The admission deposit will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward their first-semester tuition. The admission deposit will be waived for admitted freshmen who demonstrate significant financial need on a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submitted by USF’s priority deadline.
Admitted freshmen are encouraged to pay the deposit online via Student Self-Service (USF’s Online Access Student Information System). Online payment is the university’s preferred payment method. Checks and money orders submitted to the Cashier’s Office (SVC 1039) are also acceptable forms of payment.
Early University Programs (Earning USF Credit While Attending Public High School, Private High School, or Home School)
USF Regulation 3.018 https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018
Highly capable, mature high school students enrolled in a strong college-preparatory curriculum may apply during their Junior year for early admission dual enrollement. To be considered for early admission, students must meet this criteria:
Have minimum scores on one of the following tests:
- SAT: 1300, with at least 580 in Evidence-based Reading and Writing.
- ACT: 29, with at least 29 in English.
Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.8 as calculated by USF.
Early admissions students complete their high school senior year by attending USF fulltime as regularly enrolled, degree-seeking students. Students in the early admission program must take courses that are creditable toward the high school diploma and the associate or baccalaureate degree. For more information about Early Admission qualifications, policies, and application procedures, see https://www.usf.edu/dual.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment in USF classes is open to academically qualified students currently enrolled in public/private high schools and home schools who are recommended by their guidance counselor or principal and meet the university’s criteria:
- Have proof of one of the following sets of test scores:
- SAT: 560 Evidence-based Reading and Writing and 530 Math
- ACT: 21 Reading, 21 English, and 21 Math
- PERT: 123 Math, 106 Reading and 103 Writing
- Have a 3.5 weighted grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Dual enrollment students are non-degree-seeking students at USF and may only take courses which are creditable toward their high school diploma. Per F.S. 1007.271. USF offers dual enrollment courses on its three campuses and online for courses not accessible from institutions of the Florida College System. By special agreement with specific school districts, USF offers some courses on high school campuses. For more information about Dual Enrollment qualifications, policies, and application procedures, see https://www.usf.edu/dual.
Credit by Examination
https://catalog.usf.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2735
The University of South Florida awards credit-by-examination based on the minimum guidelines as established by the Articulation Coordinating Committee (ACC) available on https://www.floridashines.org/, pursuant to Florida Statute 1007.27 (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-1099/1007/Sections/1007.27.html), and approved by the State Board of Education and Board of Governors.
Students may receive up to 45 semester hours of credit towards the baccalaureate degree upon successful completion of any of the examinations listed below. For more information, see USF Policy 10-017 (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-017). Performance levels necessary to achieve credit have been established and are listed under each exam. Credit earned through one examination program may not be duplicated by another examination or course.
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Advanced International Certificate of Education Program (AICE)
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
- Excelsior (EXCEL)
- General Certificate of Secondary Education
- German Abitur
- Global Assessment Certificate
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
The University of South Florida evaluates all credits earned and grades received for admitted undergraduate students in college-level courses at other accredited institutions. Credits earned at international institutions or during study abroad are also evaluated for transfer. Please contact the Office of Admissions (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/) or International Studies for admission requirements (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/admission-information/undergraduate/).
USF Testing Services accommodates USF and non-USF customers. For more information, see https://www.usf.edu/testing-services/.
Additional information on exam credits is published by the Florida Department of Education at http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5421/urlt/0078391-acc-cbe.pdf.
 Second Bachelor’s Degree Applicants
A second bachelor’s degree applicant is any degree-seeking undergraduate applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree at USF or another institution and wishes to earn an additional bachelor’s degree.
A student who has already graduated from an accredited four-year institution (including USF) must earn a minimum of an additional 30 semester hours of USF undergraduate courses to apply toward their second baccalaureate degree. Students must also meet the University’s regular graduation requirements, as well as, the requirements of the college awarding the degree and the residency requirements.
For more information on requirements, please see the information on the Office of Admission’s website at https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/requirements-deadlines.aspx.
Readmission (Former Student Returning)
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018 (see item 8).
A former student returning (FSR) is any degree-seeking undergraduate student who has not earned their bachelor’s degree, who has not been enrolled at USF in any of the last three terms, and who wishes to re-enroll in the university*. In order to be considered for readmission, a former student should file a new application for admission with the Office of Admissions (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/) at least 20 business days prior to the start of classes for the term of requested re-entry. A new $30 application fee is required.
Undergraduate students returning to seek a baccalaureate degree must:
- Be in good academic standing and eligible to return to USF as well as the last institution attended as a degree-seeking student. For all college-level academic courses attempted at any institution since last enrolling in USF , the applicant’s transfer GPA must meet or exceed the GPA required of new transfer students at the time of readmission.
- Former students who have attended one or more institutions since their last enrollment must request official transcripts of all work attempted at the other institution(s) be sent to the appropriate Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Acceptability of transfer credits toward completion of degree programs will be determined by the college of the student’s major.
- The Academic Regulations Committees (ARC) have the Power to Approve (PTA) petitions for undergraduate or non-degree seeking students that fail to maintain a 2.0 GPA and are Academically Dismissed (AD) from USF. (Refer to the Academic Probation and Dismissal Policies in the Undergraduate Catalog.) Academic Regulations Committees also may approve the readmission of students who qualify for Academic Renewal to have portions of their academic record not counted in the determination of the GPA for graduation purposes. (Refer to the Academic Renewal Policy in the Undergraduate Catalog.)
*Transient students and non-degree-seeking students are not considered former students returning.
Change of Campus
New FTIC and Transfer Admits and Former Student Returning
Any newly admitted student or former student returning who wishes to change campus BEFORE the beginning of their admit term must do so via their Academic Advisor in the major at new campus. Please note that these requests may NOT be granted due to defined enrollment constraints by campus or college.
Continuing Student
Previous restrictions on movement between campuses have been officially REMOVED from USF Regulation 3.007. There are no current policies or regulations that restrict or govern when or why an undergraduate student can change campuses between Sarasota-Manatee, St. Petersburg, or Tampa. In the absence of prescription, change of campus for continuing students will be processed like the change of major, in that, decision-making is decentralized within the academic colleges.
Change of Campus in Undergraduate Student Record
As of July 1st 2020, it is no longer necessary to receive approval from the Office of Undergraduate Studies to process a change of campus (i.e., the change of institution form is discontinued). Due to ongoing SACSCOC reaffirmation, students are REQUIRED to change campuses if they choose to change to a major/program that is not affiliated with their current campus. Please remember students do NOT need to change campuses to register for courses on a different USF campus; they are NOT prohibited from registering for courses on any campus based on their declared campus.
Process Guidelines
- Change of campus requests should ONLY be processed for future terms and not the student’s current active term (this is the same as major changes).
- Students changing campus BUT program/major remains unchanged: Advisors are permitted to change campus IF the student’s program/major is offered on that campus.
- Students changing program/major AND campus: The student’s selected major MUST be offered on that campus to change majors and campus. If it is a multi-campus program/major, then it is within the College’s discretion to determine which campus is the campus of record.
Notes:
- Student Fees: Consolidation governance allows continuing students to grandfather in the localized fees they paid PRIOR to consolidation. If a continuing student decides to change campuses (either in conjunction with a major change or independently), they will experience a change to fee amounts charged. More information can be found on the Student Accounting Services website (https://www.usf.edu/business-finance/controller/student-services/index.aspx).
- Scholarships: If a student has a campus-specific scholarship, it may be impacted by a change of campus (whether connected to a major change OR made independently), including but not limited to adjusted award amounts or loss of eligibility.
- International Students: Students are issued an I-20 based on their home campus and are only eligible for on campus employment at the campus listed on their I-20. Students should take at least ½ the courses at the campus listed on their I-20. In the event an international student changes campus, ISS has an alert that is triggered by the change in Banner and they will be issued a new I-20. No action needed by the Colleges or Undergraduate Studies.
- Housing: Changing campus does not automatically move housing assignments. If a student’s change in campus prompts a desire to change their on-campus housing assignment, the student should contact the Housing & Residential Education office of their current campus to inquire about the process and options available (housing@usf.edu for Tampa campus or housing@usfsp.edu for St. Petersburg campus).
Transfer Applicants
Lower-Level Transfer Applicants (12 to 59 transferable semester credits)
USF Regulation 3.018
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018 (see item 4d)
To be considered for admission, transfer applicants with fewer than 60 transferable semester credits must submit a USF Admissions Application. Also, the applicant must submit a $30 non-refundable application fee, an official transcript from each previous college attended, an official high school transcript, official GED scores if applicable, official SAT or ACT scores, and a IELTS or TOEFL score if applicable.
Lower-level transfer applicants who will enter USF with 12-59 transferable semester credits must minimally meet the following requirements to be considered for admission in good standing; however, satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Some programs may have additional requirements including GPAs andcourse pre-requisites. For programs with selective criteria, see https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/requirements-deadlines/index.aspx.
- Transfer applicants with less than 30 semester hours of transferable college credit (lower level) must meet all Freshman Admission requirements (see Sec. (4)(b)5.).
- Applicants with 30 or more and 59 or less transferrable semester hours must have successfully completed (C or higher) at least one English Composition course and one college level mathematics course that consists of three (3) semester credit hours. High school transcripts are required to demonstrate completion of the foreign language admission requirement.
- Lower level transfer students who do not meet the foreign language requirements must satisfy the foreign language requirement prior to admission to the upper division and may not exceed 5 percent of the number of freshmen enrolled in the prior academic year.
- Please refer to the International Applicants section for additional requirements for international applicants.
Upper-Level Transfer Applicants (60 or more transferable semester credits)
USF Regulation 3.018
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018 (see item 4e)
To be considered for admission, transfer applicants with 60 or more transferable semester credits must submit a USF application for admission, a non-refundable application fee, an official transcript from each previous college attended, and a TOEFL or IELTS score if applicable. Final transcripts with any degree awarded, or a minimum of 60 semester hours of transferable credit earned prior to initial enrollment at USF, must be submitted to determine final admissions eligibility.
Any transfer student with 60 or more semester hours who designates a desire for admission to a specialized admissions undergraduate program must meet the overall admission GPA criteria of that program in order to be admitted to the university. Some programs may have additional requirements including GPAs and course pre-requisites. For programs with selective criteria, see https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/requirements-deadlines/index.aspx.
For further information regarding Upper-Level Transfer admissions requirements, visit https://usfweb2.usf.edu/admissions/
- Admission as a junior to the upper division of USF will be granted-within curricular, space and fiscal limitations to an Associate of Arts degree graduate of a state- approved Florida public college or university or a transfer applicant from an SUS institution who has received the AA degree/certificate. The admission of AA degree transfers from Florida public colleges and universities is governed by the Florida Articulation Agreement (BOG Resolution adopting Rule 6A-10.024) Articulation Between and Among Universities, Community Colleges, and School Districts).
- Undergraduate transfer students who have not earned the AA degree/certificate from a public community/junior college or state university in Florida or who have attended another college after receipt of the AA degree/certificate from a public community/junior college or state university in Florida must have an overall 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in all college level courses attempted and acceptable to transfer.
- Associate of Arts degree holders who are not exempt from the foreign language requirement and all other upper level transfer students admitted without meeting the foreign language admission requirement (see Sec. (4)(d)2.) must satisfy the foreign language requirement prior to graduation.
Articulation Agreement
6A-10.024 Articulation Between and Among Universities, Community Colleges, and School Districts
http://ugs.usf.edu/articulation-agreements/
It is the intent of the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education to facilitate articulation and seamless integration of the education system by agreeing to the provisions of this rule. The authority to adopt and amend this rule aligns with the Constitutional power given the Board of Governors for the state university system and the statutory authority given the State Board of Education for the district school boards, the community college system, and the Department of Education.
State universities and community colleges shall publish with precision and clarity in their official catalogs the admission, course, and prerequisite requirements of the institution, each unit of the institution, each program, and each specialization.
The agreement defines and establishes the Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public state or community college as the basis for all articulation rights. Among these guarantees, the following are central to the transfer process:
- A.A. graduates will be granted admission to a university within the SUS, but not necessarily to the university or program of choice.
- A.A. graduates will have the same opportunity to enroll in a university specialized admissions program or a program with selective admission requirements, as the native university student (i.e., students who entered the university as an FTIC).
- Upon transferring to a state university, A.A. graduates will be awarded at least 60 credit hours towards the baccalaureate degree, exclusive of occupational courses and basic required physical education courses.
- Credits that are part of the A.A. degree earned through articulated acceleration mechanisms, such as dual enrollment, International Baccalaureate, early admission, Advanced Placement, Advanced International Certificate of Education Program, and Credit by Exam, will be transferable to the state university.
- As participants in the Statewide Course Numbering System, receiving institutions must accept all courses taken at the transfer institution if the courses at each institution have the same prefix and the same last three digits of the course number.
- The university catalog in effect the year the A.A. degree student first enrolled at a Florida College System institution will remain in effect for the student’s entire program, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment as defined in that catalog.
- Once a student has completed the general education core and this fact is noted on the transcript, regardless of whether or not an A.A. degree is awarded, no other state university or community college to which the student may transfer can require additional courses to the general education core.
- A separate agreement establishes the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree for articulation into specialized programs.
- Included in these transfer guarantees is the right of appeal. Students may appeal to the university and to the Statewide Articulation Coordinating Committee. Students who have questions or want more information about the articulation agreement should contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies at (813) 974-4051 or ugs-dean@usf.edu.
Fuse
Student Services Building (SVC) 2002
(813) 974-4051
transfer-advising@usf.edu
https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/transfer-student-success/fuse/what-is-fuse/index.aspx
Fuse is transfer program between the University of South Florida and eight Florida state colleges. This partnership provides a seamless academic pathway for students to complete an associate degree with guaranteed admission to USF.
Students admitted to the Fuse Transfer Program must follow an academic graduation pathway (https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/transfer-student-success/fuse/graduation-paths/index.aspx), which provides a seamless transition from one of our eight FCS partner schools to USF. Adherence to the graduation pathway allows for timely completion of both the Associate of Arts (AA) and bachelor’s degrees. Students admitted to the program have guaranteed admission to their selected major, offered in the Fuse Transfer Program, provided they meet all requirements of the program upon completion of their AA.
Students seeking admission into limited or restrictive access majors will have to meet additional requirements such as prerequisites, GPA, and/or test scores.
- Community Scholars: The Community Scholars initiative is an alternative admission opportunity for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students who apply to the University of South Florida. Created by the Regional Chancellor at the St. Petersburg campus, the Community Scholars program grants select FTICs who are not immediately admissible for the Summer or Fall the opportunity to attend institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission during Fall where they must successfully complete at least 12 transferrable credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA. During the Fall, they will have access to St. Petersburg campus academic advisors who will provide course recommendations. Upon successful completion of these academic requirements in the Fall, participants in the program transfer to the St. Petersburg campus the following Spring semester with a one-time transfer award. For questions about Community Scholars, please contact the Office of Admissions at 727-873-4142.
- Pinellas Access to Higher Education: PATHe is a collaborative partnership between the St. Petersburg campus and St. Petersburg College (SPC) that aims to provide equitable, flexible, and attainable pathways to higher education for Pinellas County, FL students. Pinellas County first-time-in-college (FTIC) applicants who are not immediately admissible to USF and selected St. Petersburg as their home campus may be eligible for PATHe. With the joint support of PATHe counselors, students afforded this opportunity will receive academic advisement to help them earn an Associate in Arts degree from SPC before they transition to the St. Petersburg campus to complete their baccalaureate degree. For questions about PATHe, please contact the Compass Student Experience Office at 727-873-4003.
Transfer Credit
The receipt and evaluation of transfer credit is the responsibility of the Office of Admissions (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/). The Office of Admissions will evaluate the acceptability of total credits transferable to the university. The college of the student’s major will assign equivalent courses in determining which courses are applicable toward a specific degree at the university. In some instances, exact course equivalents will also be determined by other colleges that offer the same or similar courses as part of their programs of study. Transfer students should be prepared with personal copies of their transcripts of all past course work to discuss advisement and placement with the appropriate academic advisor and should contact the college of their major soon after registration so that an official evaluation may be completed. Transfer students from non-Florida institutions should also be prepared to submit course syllabi to assist USF faculty in the official evaluation. For more information, see USF Regulation 3.018.
Credit for Online Coursework
USF Policy 10-071 Award of Credit for Online Coursework
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-071
BOG Regulation 6.020
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6_020_CollegeCredit-1.pdf
Undergraduate students who are admitted to the University of South Florida and who have completed online college-level courses prior to initial enrollment in undergraduate education may request that the university evaluate that work to determine if credit might be awarded. Award of credit for that work must meet the following conditions:
- USF faculty have determined the online course content and learning outcomes to be comparable to a course offered at the institution;
- Online courses meet the quality and accreditation standards intended for a transfer course; and
- The subject area faculty, have determined that the online course is relevant to the student’s intended program of study.
Students wishing to have such online coursework evaluated for the purpose of receiving credit should inform Office of Undergraduate Studies, or the Chief Academic Officer at their branch campus, upon being admitted but prior to enrolling in classes at the university. If credit for the online coursework was awarded by another institution of higher education the student must submit an official transcript reflecting the award of credit and the transferability of that work will be determined with the same processes and criteria for other transferred courses, including coursework recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).
For more information regarding the process to have coursework evaluated and/or further information on the policy, please visit the USF Policy 10-071 (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-071).
 Credit for Military Training
BOG Regulation 6.013 https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-6.013-Military-Veterans-and-Active-Duty.pdf
USF Regulation 6.0025
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation60025
College credit will be granted to students with military training or coursework that is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) subject to institution transfer practices and limitations on amount and level of transfer credit. Military training or coursework will be subject to the same treatment as any other transfer credit evaluated, with utilization of the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services for determining equivalency and alignment of military coursework with appropriate university courses. If the coursework fulfills a general education or major course or degree requirement, the credit will be granted for meeting that requirement towards graduation. Appropriate course credit may include free elective course credit toward the degree.
Credit that was previously evaluated and awarded by another college-degree granting institution and that is appropriate to the transfer student’s major will be accepted, subject to institution transfer limitations. Credit awarded for military education and training will be noted on the transcript and documentation of the credit equivalency evaluation will be maintained. Credit awarded for military education and training will not count in the excess hours fee per BOG Regulation 7.003 (https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/Amended-Regulation-7.003.pdf). Priority course registration will be provided for each veteran of the United States Armed Forces who is receiving the GI Bill.
International Student Admission Requirements
International Applicants (Non-resident Aliens)
USF Regulation 3.018
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018 (item 7)
- International undergraduate applicants who are not permanent U.S. residents (BOG Regulation 6.009) must submit applications for admission, application fees and all required supporting documents by the published deadlines. Applicants living outside of the United States are encouraged to submit required documentation no later than three (3) months prior to the date of desired entry to USF or the deadline for the degree program, whichever is earlier.
- Supporting documentation includes the “Financial Support Requirements” form to show proof of availability of financial resources sufficient to cover all educational, maintenance, personal and travel expenses while attending USF without financial assistance from USF; all transcripts identifying subjects and grades from the first year of secondary work to the time of application or graduation when applying as an entering freshman or a transfer with less than 60 hours of transferable postsecondary credit; appropriate diploma(s), certificate(s), degree(s), mark-sheet(s) and/or examination(s) passed, from the home country, as evidence of United States equivalent qualifications and academic preparation for the degree program requested; and “Transfer Clearance Form” signed by the International Student Advisor, if currently enrolled in a U.S. Institution. Each International applicant must submit a signed health history form, including proof of immunizations as required by USF Policy 33-002, and proof of adequate health insurance coverage as required by USF Regulation 6.0162.
- All transcripts must be in English. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have the transcript(s) translated before submitting them as part of their admission credentials. All transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English literal translation; foreign postsecondary transcripts must be evaluated by one of the credential evaluation services identified and published by the appropriate international admissions office. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
- Applicants whose native language is not English, from non-English speaking countries, or who have not earned a degree in the United States must provide, taken within 2 years of the desired term of entry, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a minimum PTE-A score of 53, a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79 (internet-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 550 (written test), a minimum IELA score of 176 (with minimum subscores of 169), a minimum Duolingo score of 110, a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5, or a minimum FCE score of 176 (with minimum subscores of 169). Official Scores must be submitted to USF directly from the testing agency. See https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3018 for more information.
- The English Proficiency requirements may be waived for an undergraduate applicant, if the applicant has: completed successfully the equivalent of English Comp I; has submitted SAT or ACT test scores sufficient to validate English reading and writing proficiency as determined by the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida; or successfully completed one year of study at a US institution of higher education
- Applicants who earn a baccalaureate or equivalent degree at a foreign institution where English is the language of instruction (for the institution and not just the major) may meet this requirement. However, other related factors (including test scores) will also be considered.
Some post-secondary international credentials may be evaluated by the Office for International Admissions (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/), while others may require an official course-by-course evaluation completed by an independent credential evaluation service, with associated costs to be paid by the student.
Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students on F and J Visas
BOG 6.009 (6) https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6_009-Admiss-of-Intern-Students-1.pdf
USF Regulation 6.0162 https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation60162
International students must demonstrate that they have adequate health insurance coverage prior to enrollment. International students in J visa classes must also demonstrate that their accompanying spouse and dependents have adequate health insurance coverage prior to enrollment. Adequate health insurance for international students in F and J visa classes must include:
- Coverage period for full academic year, including annual breaks
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness per policy year.
- Basic medical benefits to include hospital and physician office visits.
- Mental health care to include hospital and clinician office visits.
- Female students must have maternity benefits covered as any other temporary medical condition.
- Prescription drug benefits.
- Medical Evacuation $50,000.
- Repatriation of mortal remains $25,000.
- Insurance carrier must have an “A” rating.
- Medical claims must be paid in U.S. dollars payable on a U.S. financial institution.
To comply with this regulation, USF Student Health Services Compliance Office must receive adequate documentation a minimum of two weeks prior to enrollment. USF Student Health Services sponsors a medical insurance for international students that meets and exceeds the federal, state, and university requirements. Policy information, current costs, and enrollment process are available at https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/insurance/inscompliance.aspx.
The USF Student Health Services Compliance Office administers state and USF mandates for the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.
For questions, contact 813-974-5407 or insurance@shs.usf.edu.
Admissions to the Honors College
Judy Genshaft Honors College
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALN 241
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-3087
contactus@honors.usf.edu
https://www.usf.edu/honors/
Located on all three USF campuses, the Judy Genshaft Honors College offers educational experiences grounded in the Liberal Arts tradition, centered on creative interdisciplinary inquiry and the cultivation of practical wisdom, and intended for students regardless of major. The primary goals of the College are to develop superior critical thinking skills through intensive interdisciplinary seminars and undergraduate research, foster a nuanced global perspective on contemporary issues through an internationalized curriculum and study abroad experiences, and encourage a rich understanding of social concerns through structured community engagement.
First-Time-in-College (FTIC) students can join the Judy Genshaft Honors College by direct admission or admission by application. Students who reach our academic criteria through test scores and GPA will be directly admitted into the College.
Students can also be accepted through our application, which includes an essay and list of extracurricular activities. We employ a holistic review process and take into consideration more than test scores.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Non-degree seeking student enrollment is offered on a space-available basis and has been established for those individuals who, while not interested in earning a degree, would like to enroll in all levels of university courses. Non-degree-seeking students are subject to the same academic policies as undergraduate degree-seeking students and must adhere to deadline dates published on the Office of the Registrar’s Important Dates and Deadlines webpage (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/index.aspx.) For more information on non-degree seeking student status, please see USF Policy 30-055 or visit https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/non-degree-admission/transient_students.aspx.
Non-Degree Seeking Students Academic Standing
A student who is not seeking a degree while at USF, but enrolls in classes is classified as a non-degree student. Although not seeking a degree, such a student is subject to the same Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and Reinstatement policies as a degree-seeking student by level of courses in which the student enrolled.
Transient Students
USF Policy 10.001
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-001
An undergraduate transient student is one who is currently attending a Florida Public College or State University and wishes to take courses at another Florida Public College or State University for one semester. Transient students from other Florida Public Colleges or State Universities can find more information on enrolling at USF at https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/non-degree-admission/transient_students.aspx. USF students wishing to enroll at another Florida Public College or State University can find more information in USF Policy 10-001.
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