Admissions: International Student Requirements

The SANS Technology Institute Welcomes International Students

We welcome students from all over the world who want to get the best college education in cybersecurity. All of our undergraduate and graduate programs can be completed online, in person, or by combining online classes with courses that begin with weeklong in-person events held across the United States and around the world.

Earn a U.S.-based Degree from Your Home

Cost, relocation, and obtaining a student visa are challenges international students face when trying to enroll in degree programs at traditional U.S. universities. At the SANS Technology Institute, you have the option of earning a U.S.-based degree or certificate entirely online, so you can prepare to launch or advance your cybersecurity career without ever leaving your home.

Secondary Credentials for International Applicants

Students who completed their undergraduate degree outside of the United States must submit transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation of equivalency to United States curriculum before completing their SANS application package. To help reduce your evaluation costs, we’ve established preferred partnerships with The Evaluation Company (TEC) and International Education Evaluations (IEE), both of which offer discounts to SANS Technology Institute applicants.

Transcripts must be received by the Office of Admissions directly from TEC or IEE via e-mail to transcripts@sans.edu.

For detailed application instructions and mailing information visit:
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions

We also accept U.S. equivalency course-by-course evaluations from World Education Services (WES) or NACES member organizations. We will not accept evaluations from any other organizations.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must be fully fluent in professional, academic, and technical written and spoken English to qualify for admission to the SANS Technology Institute. Certain graduate courses require long-form papers — written and graded in English — as well as oral presentations. Effective communication of often subtle and nuanced technical and non-technical topics are required for this level of academic rigor. International applicants are required to demonstrate that they are proficient in the English language. We accept the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge English proficiency assessments with the following minimum score requirements. We do not accept Duolingo scores, TOEFL Essentials or any assessments not listed below. Test scores must be sent directly to us by the testing agency. Scores can be sent from the testing agency upon taking your exam, emailed to transcripts@sans.edu or physically mailed to: SANS Technology Institute 2093 Philadelphia Pike #4606 Claymont, DE 19703

Test Type

TOEFL iBT -

Applicants must attain a minimum score of 25 in each of the sub-categories (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) and a minimum overall score of 100. We are not able to offer exceptions to scores lower than our minimum.

Schedule Your TOEFL Test

SANS Technology Institute’s DI Code is 6410.

IELTS - Applicants must attain a minimum score of 7.5 in each of the sub-categories (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) and a minimum overall score of 7.5. We are not able to offer exceptions to scores lower than our minimum.

Schedule Your IELTS Test

Cambridge English Assessment – Applicants must attain a minimum score of 191 in each sub-category and a minimum overall score of 191. We are not able to offer exceptions to scores lower than our minimum.

Schedule your Cambridge Test

Are there any exceptions to the English proficiency requirement?

The only exception to the English proficiency requirement is for students who have earned a degree from a college or university that taught their program in English. If you believe you qualify for this requirement, you can indicate your request for an exception on the English Proficiency Form (found on the checklist in the applicant portal). In order to verify your exception request, we will need official and evaluated transcripts from TEC or IEE, who will review the Medium of Instruction (MOI) upon transcript evaluation and confirm your program was taught in English.

Once we receive your request and transcripts, we will determine if you qualify for the exception.

What if I do not meet the minimum English proficiency scores?

To ensure a successful academic experience, we only accept students who have met our minimum English proficiency scores. We are not able to offer exceptions to scores lower than our minimum.

A Step-by-Step Video Guide for International Applicants

Thinking about applying to SANS.edu from outside the U.S.?

Watch our video guide to learn how to apply to SANS.edu as an international student — from admissions requirements to getting started with our flexible, cybersecurity degree and certificate programs.

Funding Options for Canadian Students

All SANS.edu programs are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Canadian veterans’ education benefits.

Learn More

Take Your Next Step

Need more information? We’re happy to answer your questions. Join us for an info session, email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.

Ready to apply? We look forward to learning about you and your cybersecurity career goals.

Request Info Apply Now

Additional Information

Exceptions and Additional Documents

SANS Technology Institute reserves the right to make exceptions on an individual basis and to require additional testing of any incoming international student's English language skills. International students who are non-native English speakers but who have completed a full undergraduate or advanced degree program at a university where the language of instruction is English may request an exception to our English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Student Visa Is Not Required

Our programs are non-residential. While we are based in Maryland, our in-person cybersecurity courses begin with weeklong immersive events held across the US and around the world. Our online study options can be completed from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Student visas are not required for our programs and we do not issue I-20s or support F-1 student visas. Email any questions to info@sans.edu.

Scholarships and Funding

In 2023, the SANS Technology Institute launched the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, a fully funded international scholarship enabling exceptionally talented people (non-U.S. citizens) from at-risk regions to complete world-class cybersecurity programs at the SANS Technology Institute. Learn more about the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship at www.sans.edu/pcs. Because our programs are accredited, they are eligible for most corporate tuition programs. We also encourage international students to pursue scholarships and grants that may be available in their home countries.

Admissions: International Students