International Admissions

As one of the United States’ most global universities, the University at Buffalo is home to more than 5,000 students from 110 countries. We value international students as members of our community and will provide outstanding support services for you.

Our Resources Will Help You Succeed at UB

  • One of the best and most thorough international student orientation programs offered by any U.S. university
  • A mentoring program for new international students
  • World-class learning and research opportunities
  • Many opportunities to be involved in campus life, including international and local clubs and activities

In addition to being an affordable, friendly and fun city, Buffalo welcomes and respects international students.

Apply Online

Apply online through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) online application form.

Deadline

Due date for completed and received PhD program applications for fall admission is January 15.

Please take into account that it takes approximately four weeks from the date that a SOPHAS application is completed for the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior to receive the application.

Applications are considered for fall semester admission only; there are no spring semester admissions.

Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred.
  • English proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following: 
    • Minimum TOEFL scores of 550 for the rPDT paper-based test, 79 for the Internet-based test, or 8.5 for the TOEFL Essentials test; IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.   
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) with a minimum of 120
    • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 65 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
    • Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 60 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
    • When requesting your scores, use these reporting codes: Institution 2925; Department 50.

Four-step Application Process

  • Complete the SOPHAS online application form.
    • Your application will require you to submit the following:
      • Your English language proficiency scores
      • Transcripts 
      • Three references 
    • When completing the SOPHAS application, please be sure to address the following in your personal statement: 
      • Why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in Community Health and Health Behavior 
      • Your career plans following the doctoral program
      • Your primary research interests
      • The program faculty who you have identified as possible mentoring matches based on your research interests. Learn more about CHHB faculty research interests on their profile pages.
      • Pay the $50 University at Buffalo application fee.
        The link to pay this fee will be sent to you via email at the email address you used to complete your application. This fee is separate from the SOPHAS application fee!
      • Submit your supplemental application materials, including:

Questions about the application process?

Contact our Program Director by email.

The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and activities. The entire notice of non-discrimination can be viewed at buffalo.edu/equity