International Students and Scholars

Whether you are a full-time international student completing a degree at the University, an exchange student from one of our partner universities, or a visiting scholar, these pages will provide you with the information to make a smooth transition to Clarkson.

Clarkson University is a nationally ranked research university and the institution of choice for more than 3,400 enterprising, high-ability undergraduate and graduate students. Clarkson has strong undergraduate & graduate programs in engineering, business and the arts & sciences. We invite students from our exchange colleges & universities to study for a semester or a full-year at our Potsdam, New York campus.

The International Center is here to assist all international students with a variety of services and here we have outlined important status maintenance guidelines to assist you throughout your academic career at CU.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) was developed by the Department of State to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges”. Through this program – foreign nationals may visit the U.S. temporarily to teach, lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills.

The main campus of Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY located on the banks of the Raquette River. Our Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, NY is located near Albany, NY - the state capital. No matter which location you are visiting - we hope your journey to Clarkson University is both rewarding and enjoyable.

This page is home to a number of forms and information you may need.

Social Security & Income Taxes can be a source of great confusion for international students & scholars. Please review the information on eligibility and application procedures for social security. In addition general guidelines on income tax preparation for non-resident aliens is also available.

Dependents are welcome to accompany students & scholars during their stay in the United States. Dependents are limited to immediate family members that are either your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21. Any child who approaches 21 must either depart the United States or obtain their own non-immigrant status.

Potsdam is a small village in upstate N.Y. and public transportation is limited. Modes of transportation in Potsdam may include bicycles, walking, rental cars or taxi services such as Uber. Schenectady is located in the heart of the capital region in N.Y. and there are a number of transportation options. Visit the Capital Region Chamber for more information.