About Via Fordham Program

Via Fordham provides alternate entry to a Fordham University undergraduate degree program for select first-year/international students who will benefit from academic English language support. Via Fordham students complete one or two semesters of full-time study at Fordham University’s Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC). Upon successful completion of Via Fordham, participants matriculate into a Fordham undergraduate college. Throughout the program, students receive small group instructions in English and complete 3-9 credits of academic coursework at Fordham. In addition, Via Fordham faculty and staff support the cultural transition of students new to the American university system and culture.

Via Fordham Path 1 Application

Via Fordham Path 1 Application

Click here if you plan to apply directly to Via Fordham.
Via Fordham Path 2 Enrollment

Via Fordham Path 2 Enrollment

Click here if you already applied to Fordham through the Common App.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Path 1. Students can apply directly to Via Fordham by completing the Via Fordham application.  Their application documents will be reviewed by the IALC and undergraduate admissions committees.  Students in Path 1 may be admitted to Via Fordham with conditional approval for undergraduate study in a Fordham undergraduate program if they meet Fordham undergraduate admission criteria.  

    Path 2.  Students have already applied to Fordham through the Common App and received a referral admission to the Via Fordham program.  When Path 2 students enroll and successfully complete the Via Fordham program, they matriculate into their undergraduate program.

  • Many previous students admitted to Via Fordham submitted scores of 70-95 TOEFL iBT or 5.5-6.5 IELTS at the time of application review and selection.

  • Fordham University's Office for International Services (OIS) issues a Fordham University-Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC) I-20 for full-time ESL study on an F-1 student visa to admitted Via Fordham students.  Students must demonstrate the ability to fund their education in the USA. Upon successful completion of Via Fordham, the Fordham OIS will issue a new I-20 for full-time study at the Fordham undergraduate college indicated on students’ applications for admission.

  • No, SAT/ACT results are not required to complete an application for admission consideration. Students who complete these exams may choose to submit their results to be included in the admission review.

  • Yes, results from the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test are required. Scores can be submitted directly from the testing agency or via email from your school counselor to via@fordham.edu.

  • University housing is available on a limited basis to Via Fordham students. Housing availability varies depending on the term and campus at Fordham (Rose Hill Bronx and Lincoln Center Manhattan). If admitted to Via Fordham you will be able to request on-campus housing as part of the deposit and registration process.

    In general, there is more campus housing available in the spring and summer.  

    Via Fordham students may also reserve student housing through Educational Housing Services, which provides student housing at several locations across New York City.

  • Successful completion requires maintaining a B+ average in classes and meeting the exit criteria of the Fordham English Language Test (FELT).