Admitted Students

Beginning in 2025-2026, students who are sponsored (e.g., SACM, Fulbright, etc.) and students nominated by partner institutions of Penn State Dickinson Law must confirm enrollment by submitting an Enrollment Confirmation Form. For all other students, a one-time, non-refundable confirmation deposit of $250 is required to confirm attendance, which will be credited toward the cost of tuition upon matriculation. Pay the seat deposit online.

Once enrolled, international students will receive notice from iStart, Penn State’s immigration management system for international student and scholar advising. Each student will receive a message from Pre-Arrival Admissions that will explain what is needed regarding immigration compliance. Once the student has submitted the necessary documentation into iStart, an I-20 (assuming an F-visa type) will be sent within 2-4 weeks. The I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” that allows a student to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Students on other visa types, including J-1 visas, will require different paperwork but the visa process itself is generally the same.

International students should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at Penn State Global for questions related to immigration and visas.

Once matriculated (generally one month prior to arrival), Penn State will provide instructions on how to set up a Penn State Account. This allows admitted students to log into Penn State’s student information system, learning management system, and any secure pages on the Dickinson Law website. LionPATH is Penn State’s student information system where students view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, schedule courses, etc. Canvas is Penn State’s learning management system where students organize their courses, manage assignments, communicate with professors and classmates, view grades, etc.

All incoming LL.M. and Exchange students are required to attend the Welcome Orientation and be present on the first day of classes. Attendance is mandatory, and late arrivals will not be permitted.

• Welcome Orientation: August 18–23, 2025
• First Day of Classes: August 25, 2025

Please plan your travel accordingly to ensure timely arrival and full participation in these important start-of-term activities.

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Each international student will be automatically enrolled in the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). To waive out of this requirement, one must submit a waiver request at the start of the semester documenting proof of insurance coverage that meets Penn State’s insurance requirements. SHIP does not cover visual or dental insurance. Direct questions to the Student Health Insurance Office at UHS-insurance@psu.edu.

For a breakdown of costs, including tuition, fees, books, and living allowances, visit Cost of Attendance. To reduce living expenses, most students establish a personal budget, opt to live with a roommate, shop at discount food stores, walk or bike to classes, bring their meals to school, and more. Penn State offers student discounts on software, computers, clothes, and much more.

Students are responsible for securing their own housing. To assist with housing, the University maintains extensive housing information on its website.

University Park:
As on-site housing at University Park is limited, advanced planning is encouraged. LL.M. students may want to consider graduate housing options at White Course Apartments, an on-site community of the University offering apartments for single students and students with families. Those interested in off-site housing should see University Park’s Housing. Click on “online classifieds” search for available housing, a roommate, or a list of local realtors.

Carlisle:
The Carlisle location does not provide on-site housing, but there is reasonably priced housing within walking distance of Penn State Dickinson Law. Visit our Housing webpage to learn more and also see the Housing Guide for Fall 2025.

Beginning March 2025, Carlisle will host monthly, online housing information sessions for students studying in Carlisle. These sessions offer a great opportunity to meet fellow students, find roommates, and receive valuable housing tips. Students are notified via email of upcoming meetings and invited to register in advance. Additionally, Carlisle students will receive a weekly email featuring housing opportunities and related guidance.

Penn State offers many Information Technology (IT) resources to help students get the most out of their time at Dickinson Law. Get started here.

Within Penn State Dickinson Law, the Office of Informational Technology is available to assist with technology questions. Questions may be directed to DickinsonLawIT@psu.edu.