Summer Session and Hybrid Language Programs

The Rutgers Office of Summer Sessions offers opportunities for non-degree seeking international students, and you may take classes for credit through this office. If you are a new degree-seeking student and are interested in taking summer classes, please review how to request a summer start date or take classes before transferring in to Rutgers. Depending on your situation, you will come to Rutgers either on an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. Rutgers also offers hybrid language programs, which will give you—if you wish—more intensive language training as well as an academic component. A hybrid language program hosts international students in Rutgers English Language Institute (RELI) or ESL classes as well as in academic classes, depending on your needs and your English proficiency.

Summer and Hybrid Language Programs are required to meet the full time study requirement. If you would like your unit or department to be approved to host a short-term non-degree program like those mentioned below, please visit our Rutgers Departments – Sponsoring Students page.

Some Summer Programs for International Undergraduates:

Global Experiential Learning (GEL)
Hosted by Rutgers Makerspace at the Division of Continuing Studies (DOCS), this English-language interdisciplinary summer study opportunity  challenges students from around the world to examine global challenges and topics in biomedical sensors, human-centered design, agriculture, sustainability, and civil solutions. These tracks will help students to discover solutions that will impact public health, food source sustainability, energy consumption, and transportation infrastructure. This is part of a series of short-term programs for international students sponsored by Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services.

Summer Session for International Students
Earn one credit per week at Rutgers from a catalog of over 2,200 courses. Opportunity presented by the Rutgers Office of Summer and Winter Programs.


Some Summer Programs for International High School Students:

Summer Scholars
International high school students can register for classes and visiting students during the summer months. Students must meet the full time requirements (one credit per week during the summer). All minor students must arrange their own off-campus housing before confirming their acceptance for this program.

Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics
The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is a summer program for mathematically talented high school students. It provides a mathematically rich environment to high school students interested in mathematics, and is designed to encourage them to consider careers in the mathematical sciences.

Top University Preparation (TUP) Program
In partnership with the Top Universities Preparatory (TUP) Academy, the Rutgers TUP Program is a one-year hybrid (credit and noncredit) program designed to prepare high-achieving international high school school seniors for admission to and successful study at top U.S. colleges and universities. The curriculum is tailored to students’ English language and mathematical skills; students will be placed in credit-bearing English courses depending upon their Rutgers placement scores. The remaining courses will include pre-calculus, public speaking, and a choice of electives.

Eligibility 

  • Be registered for a minimum of one credit per week during the summer

  • Must be a part of an approved summer or hybrid language program

  • Have a valid passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)

  • Evidence of English proficiency 

  • Show sufficient proof of living expenses

  • Obtain at least a minimum level of health insurance coverage for you (and your family, if accompanying you) and show proof of adequate coverage

  • Payment of any student fees 

  • Evidence of current immigration status if currently in the United States

 

Application Information

Step 1: Apply to a summer or hybrid language program +

Apply and be accepted to the appropriate sponsoring unit/department offering the summer session or hybrid language program.

Step 2: Rutgers processes application +

Complete the forms given to you by the sponsoring unit. You will receive notification that application is accepted by Rutgers; the university will process your information.

Step 3: Receive Certificate of Eligibility +

I-20 (F-1 visas) or DS-2019 (J-1 visas) Certificate of Eligibility and supporting documents are mailed to you. These are necessary for your visa application.

Step 4: Pay the SEVIS fee +

Once you’ve received your I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee to the US Department of Homeland Security. In order to pay, complete the Form I-901 along with the payment via mail or the Internet (dependents in F-2 or J-2 status are not required to pay the fee). The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three business days prior to a visa interview or the filing of the change of status application in the US. Learn more about the SEVIS fee. Make sure you keep a printout of the receipt confirming the I-901 fee payment.

Step 5: Apply for and receive an F-1 or J-1 student visa +

Use the I-20 or DS-2019 issued by Rutgers to apply for your visa. Review these tips on applying for a student visa, then apply for a student visa from the United States consulate in your country of citizenship or country of permanent residence.

All non-immigrant visa applicants must complete Forms DS-160 (online non-immigrant visa application). You can access this  form at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms.html

Applicants will also need to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. consulate in the their home country in English and must pay a visa application fee.

Step 6: Map Your Arrival +

Once you have received your F-1 or J-1 visa, you can travel to the US with your valid passport and your I-20 or DS-2019. You should enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. To help plan your arrival, view our online module on Mapping your Arrival to the US.

Step 7: Create your RGLOBAL account, login, and complete your data +

Create an RGLOBAL account and complete your data information. After you arrive to the United States, you will need to complete an online check-in using RGLOBAL. This is a legal requirement of your F-1 or J-1 status. This process can be started before arrival but must be completed once you arrive in the United States.