Non-Degree Study

Certain academic departments and universities have agreements with Penn State and eligible students are contacted directly with instructions for requesting the form I-20 or DS-2019.  

Sometimes Penn State academic departments will invite students from overseas institutions to study at Penn State as non-degree students. An academic department must indicate the reason it is supporting the request. 

F-2 dependents may study part time without violating their status. 

Further Information

Non-degree students who are issued a Penn State I-20 or DS-2019 must be enrolled full time and maintain health insurance.
If an I-20 or DS-2019 is not requested from our office, the financial guarantee documentation is not required.
You may be asked to provide documentation of your current immigration status if currently in the United States. 

Non-Degree Enrollment Requests 

Academic Departments can submit the following to ISSA-Adviser@psu.edu: 

A letter from the Penn State academic department that states:
Reason the department is making the request
Plan of how the department will provide guidance and guarantee courses for full-time enrollment
A letter from the non-degree applicant that states: 
Purpose of non-degree study
Understanding that full-time registration is required
Understanding that health insurance coverage is mandatory
Understanding that non-degree study is limited to one semester
Understanding that non-degree study does not guarantee degree admission
Evidence of English language proficiency
Financial guarantee for the duration of non-degree study (typically one semester only)
Evidence of current immigration status if you are in the U.S. 

Undergraduate non-degree questions refer to University Registrar.

Graduate non-degree questions send to gswww@psu.edu.