International Student FAQs

Find answers to common questions for international graduate students, including visa support, language resources, teaching assistant requirements, and community connections.

Go to International Students and Scholars (ISS). ISS is the primary resource for visa-related questions and provides support for immigration, travel, and maintaining student status.

Where to go next: Start with ISS for immigration support, then explore transition resources for broader guidance.

Purdue Graduate Engineering Navigators (GEN) connects prospective students with mentors from their home country or region. These mentors share their experiences and help students better understand graduate life at Purdue Engineering.

Where to go next: Explore international student resources and preparation guidance to better plan your transition.

Purdue Language and Cultural Exchange (PLaCE) offers courses and resources to help students improve language skills and build intercultural awareness in academic and professional settings.

Where to go next: Visit PLaCE to explore available courses and resources that support communication and cultural development.

Possibly. The Oral English Proficiency Program (OEPP) supports international graduate students who plan to serve as teaching assistants. The Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) may be required depending on your role and program requirements.

Where to go next: Review OEPP resources to understand testing requirements and preparation options.

The International Friendship Program connects international students with local community hosts, providing social support and helping ease the transition to life in Greater Lafayette.

Where to go next: Learn more about the program and sign up if you would like local connection and transition support.

Yes. Purdue Engineering highlights programs such as Graduate Navigators and Global Ambassadors, which give students opportunities to support outreach and share their experiences with others.

Where to go next: Explore these programs if you would like to help future students or participate in international outreach.

The page points students to Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships to learn more about Purdue Engineering’s international relationships and initiatives.

Where to go next: Explore Purdue Engineering’s global partnerships and related opportunities through the Graduate site and international programs pages.

A good starting point is to review visa, language, and community resources through the International Students page, then use the Transition and Preparing for Graduate School pages for broader next steps.

Where to go next: Start with international student resources, then review transition and preparation guidance before your first semester.

The International Students page includes support options beyond visas, including language development through PLaCE, teaching assistant language support through OEPP, and social support through the International Friendship Program.

Where to go next: Use the resources below based on whether you need language support, teaching assistant preparation, or community connection.

Purdue offers several resources that can help international graduate students feel more connected, including mentoring, friendship programs, language support, and opportunities to engage with the campus community.

Where to go next: Explore community and transition resources to find support that matches your needs and interests.