Global Scholars

The RIT Global Scholars program is a unique opportunity for students from RIT's international campuses to study for up to two terms at the Rochester campus. The program provides students with the opportunity to diversify their cultural perspective, expand their academic horizons, and build their professional network.

Overview

Through the RIT Global Scholars program, students can take classes taught by world-renowned professors, participate in research projects, and potentially intern with leading companies. They can also get involved in student organizations and activities, and make lifelong friends from all over the world.
 

Rochester Skyline at night

If you are a student at one of RIT’s global campuses and you are interested in challenging yourself and expanding your horizons, the RIT Global Scholars program is a great option for you. Contact your home campus advisor today to learn more and apply!

Learn more about Rochester, N.Y.

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Life on Campus

RIT’s students have unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning, utilizing some of the most sophisticated classroom, laboratory, and studio equipment available anywhere.

Students sitting and talking in a courtyard

At RIT, we understand how technology enhances creativity and innovation. Our campus has the latest equipment, software, studios, laboratories, and conveniences—the tools you need to explore and excel. We help you utilize the latest technology and understand its impact on the world.

RIT is much more than its high-quality academic facilities; it offers many welcoming spaces on campus. You’ll find vibrant locations for social and intellectual activity just about everywhere you look. The physical beauty of the campus comes from an interplay of natural and park-like settings with modern buildings, architectural features, and artwork prominently on display. Comfortable spaces throughout campus offer places to relax or work on projects and team assignments.

RIT offers a host of housing options, a robust dining program, plus a variety of services to support you physically and mentally.

Learn more about life on campus

Eligibility Requirements

Academic
Program

Campus

Minimum GPA
to Apply

Earliest you
can apply

Latest you
can apply

Course Request
Form

Other Requirements/
Protocols

Applied Arts & Sciences

Kosovo

3.0

Second semester of your second year

      

Computing & Information Technology 

Dubai 

Kosovo

2.5

Third semester

  

Yes

  

Master of Science in Computing Security

Dubai

>3.25

Students must have completed 9 credits

The semester that the student will be completing 18 credits

  

A maximum of 2 students will be admitted per semester

Computing Security

Dubai

3.2

The semester that the student will be completing 30 credits

The semester that the student will be completing 90 credits

    

Electrical Engineering 

Dubai

3

Third semester

BS degree should submit at the end of the 4th year, at the latest, to start EEEE-497.

    

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Dubai

3

The semester they are completing 9 credits

No later than completion of 18 credits (which is 1st yr)

    

Master of Engineering in Engineering Management

Dubai

3

The semester they are completing 9 credits

The semester they are  before graduating

  

Students must attend main campus for 1 semester before enrolling in final semester with Engineering Capstone, if planning to complete degree on main campus

Finance

Dubai

3

Third semester

  

Yes

  

Web and Mobile

Croatia

2.5

Third Semester

  

Yes

  

Engineering Exploration (MicroE 2+2)

Dubai

3

Third semester

Third semester

  

Must reveal Pass/Fail grades on SIS

Mechanical Engineering

Dubai

>3.2

They must have completed or be in the process of completing the following courses: MECE 203 Strength of Materials MECE 210 Fluid Mechanics

If they apply at the end of their 4th year, they must commit to apply for the full academic year (Fall & Spring)

  

• Must reveal Pass/Fail grades on SIS 

• Acceptance is capped at 5 students per semester counting transfer students

Global Business Management/ International Business

Dubai

3

Third semester

  

Yes

  

Global Business Management/ International Business

Croatia

2.5

Third semester

  

Yes

  

Psychology

Dubai

3

After completion of 1st year of study.

  

Yes

Students must have taken or plan to take the research methods courses, PSYC250 and 251, at their home institution.

How to Apply

  1. Log in to the Compass with your RIT username and password
  2. Click on “Search Programs,” scroll to the bottom, and select “RIT Global Scholars for students in RIT China, Croatia, Kosovo and Dubai”
  3. Select the term you are applying for
  4. Click on the “Apply” button
  5. If you are applying for two semesters, you will have to do the process twice - once for each semester.
  6. Fill out all the required fields and upload all the necessary documents
  7. Make sure you press the SAVE button
  8. Once you are done click SAVE and SUBMIT application

For applicants in the programs listed below, please remember your application is NOT COMPLETE until you upload the Course Selection Form. Please reach out to your home campus advisor for assistance with this.

  • CTIDU-BS
  • CITKO-BS
  • FINC-BS
  • HSPS-BS
  • INTB-BS
  • MGMT-BS
  • MKTG-BS
  • NMDE-BFA
  • PSYC-BS
  • WMCCR-BS

Academics

As a world-leading technological institution, RIT boasts dedicated, accessible faculty and cutting-edge facilities and spaces.

Explore courses not available at your home campus, plan for pursuing a unique immersion or minor. Being an existing RIT student grants you a head start – you're already familiar with the university's platforms like SIS and MyCourses.

We acknowledge that adapting to a new environment and learning style can be challenging. However, at RIT, we're here to ensure your success. Your dedicated support network includes your RIT Rochester academic advisor, faculty, the RIT Global staff, and the Academic Success Center.

Costs

You'll continue to pay tuition at the same rate you do at your home campus, and you will pay directly to your home institution. 

Learn more about estimated costs

Deadlines and Timeline

Applications open the first day of classes at the main campus each semester, excluding summer.

February 25

You will be able to apply for: 

Fall

Fall & Spring

Spring

Spring & Fall

*Please note that students accepted for Spring of the upcoming academic year AND Spring of the upcoming academic year and the Fall of the academic year after that, may be subjected to a conditional acceptance by the department pending review of grades of the previous semester that the student plans to be a Global Scholar. For example, if a student applies for Spring 2024 on the February 25 deadline, he can be conditionally accepted pending Fall 2023 grades.

September 30

You will be able to apply for: 

Spring

Spring & Fall

Keep in mind: Because of the short turnaround between Fall semester and Spring semester, this deadline leaves little time to secure a visa, so plan accordingly.

Timeline 

The following are average times for the application process: 

Decision from the department: 3-4 weeks, from the deadline until the student receives notification of whether they have been accepted or not. Acceptance emails will be sent out on a rolling basis as departments communicate their decision to the Global Office.

Confirmation from the student of participation in the program: 1 week, from the date student was notified of acceptance. This time may be extended at the request of the student. Students will be notified that the extension may result in delay of I-20 processing time, class enrollment and all other steps necessary to prepare for arrival to Rochester.

I-20 processing time: 3-4 weeks, from the day the Global Office receives all the necessary and correct documents along with the student’s confirmation of participation email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your  F-1 student visa allows you to work on campus, but not off-campus. There's a limit of 20 hours per week that you can work while classes are in session. To manage their studies, social life, and gain some work experience, many students typically choose to work around 8-10 hours weekly.

The RIT Global office can provide information and resources to guide you through the on-campus job application process. However, it's important to note that the Global Scholar program focuses primarily on academic and cultural immersion, rather than securing work placements. While we can't search for or guarantee jobs, we're here to support you in your overall experience at RIT.

Additionally, please be aware that some accepted Global Scholars may not have access to RIT Rochester job postings until they arrive on campus.

You can apply to transfer the semester before you'd like to start. Our RIT Global office is here to help and can provide you with all the information you need about the transfer process. 

Once you fully transfer, you'll switch to RIT Rochester tuition rates.

Different academic departments at RIT may have their own specific requirements for transfer students. These can include additional steps in the application process and deadlines that vary by department. In terms of GPA, however, you can generally expect the requirements to be very similar or the same as when you initially applied for the Global Scholar program.

You can't switch to a major that isn't offered by your home campus during your time as a Global Scholar. This is because while participating in the Global Scholar program, you remain a student of your home campus. This means that you'll need to follow all the academic requirements and regulations set by your home campus for your specific program. 

If you're interested in switching to a different major offered by your home campus while you are in Rochester, you should reach out to your home campus academic advisor for guidance on the process for changing majors.

Your F-1 visa allows you to participate in a co-op program in the U.S. There are a few key requirements to keep in mind:

  • You'll need to be enrolled as a full-time student at RIT Rochester for two consecutive semesters 
  • The co-op experience must be part of your academic program and be approved by your home campus co-op office. 
     

To qualify for OPT, you'll need to have been a full-time student at the RIT Rochester campus for two consecutive semesters, and those semesters must also be the ones in which you complete your degree program.

If you're here during the spring semester and it's either your last semester or the one before you graduate, then you're welcome to participate in the RIT Rochester commencement ceremony.

Students posing for a photo with a stuffed tiger

For Accepted Global Scholars

Congratulations on your acceptance as a Global Scholar for the upcoming semester! We are thrilled to welcome you to our campus! Before your arrival, we want to ensure you're well prepared and everything is ready for you here.

Global Scholars comprehensive guide