Florida International University: A 2025 Comprehensive Guide

Florida International University is a public research university in Miami, Florida, United States. It was founded by the Florida Legislature in 1965 and opened to students in 1972. Today, it serves over 56,000 students and continues to grow each year.

FIU ranks among the Top 50 public universities in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. It also holds the Carnegie R1 designation, which places it among the top 3% of research institutions nationwide. The university has spent over $1 billion on research in the last five years.

FIU is a Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution. It focuses on access, inclusion, and upward mobility. Students can choose from more than 200 degree programs, including many Florida International University online programs. This guide covers everything from admissions to student housing, tuition, and the Florida International University MBA.

About Florida International University

Florida International University opened in 1972 and is now one of the largest universities in the country. It is based in Miami, Florida, and operates as a public research institution. It is one of the best colleges in Florida.

FIU has earned Preeminent State Research University status from the Florida Board of Governors. The main campus covers 342 acres and includes classrooms, labs, and modern housing options. It is also known for strong career outcomes and a high return on investment.

Florida International University acceptance rate is 50%. FIU supports a diverse student body, including many first-generation college students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for students pursuing academic or career goals.

Florida International University campus life is active and full of ways to get involved. Students join clubs at the Graham Center, take part in yoga sessions on the lawn, or volunteer at the student-run radio station, The Roar. Fraternities and sororities also offer chances to connect and build community.

FIU’s strong student engagement is one reason it was ranked No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 among public universities for student experience by The Wall Street Journal. The QS World Ranking 2026 places the university at #=582. It ranks #46 among U.S. public universities according to U.S. News.

Courses Offered at Florida International University

Florida International University offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Florida International University degrees are available on campus and through FIU Online, which includes over 130 online degrees and tracks. Across 10 colleges, FIU offers 68 undergraduate and 122 graduate programs.

FIU has 10 academic colleges, including schools for business, engineering, law, medicine, public health, and education. Many of its programs hold national rankings. U.S. News ranks its online master’s in business among the Top 10 in the U.S. The Florida International University MBA is also ranked Top 5 in the U.S. by QS (2024) for online MBA programs.

Top Undergraduate Programs at FIU

FIU’s undergraduate programs serve a wide range of interests, from technology and health sciences to liberal arts and education. Below is a table of selected undergraduate programs offered by FIU:

Top Graduate Programs at FIU

Graduate programs at FIU are designed to prepare students for leadership and specialized careers. Below is a table of selected graduate programs offered at FIU:

Florida International University Admissions Requirements

To apply to Florida International University as an international student, you must meet the English requirement and submit all required documents.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements (International Students)

International first-time-in-college (FTIC) students must submit the following:

• Copy of a valid passport
• Official high school transcripts
• Certified English translation of transcripts (if applicable)
• Proof of financial support (bank letter or sponsor affidavit)
• Course-by-course evaluation for foreign transcripts (by a NACES member)
• Proof of English proficiency or exemption
• Resume or CV (if applicable)
• Statement of purpose (if applicable)
• 2–3 letters of recommendation (if required by the program)
• Any departmental requirements (e.g., portfolio, audition, or interview)

Graduate Admission Requirements

Before applying to a graduate program at FIU, ensure the program’s specific requirements are met. These commonly include:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE or GMAT scores (many programs have waived GRE through Fall 2023; check with the program)
• Statement of purpose/Letter of intent
• Resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Department-specific requirements (e.g., portfolio, interview, audition)
• English proficiency test score or proof of exemption
• Official transcripts and certified translations (if applicable)
• Course-by-course credential evaluation (from a NACES member)

English Proficiency Requirements

Florida International University Application Deadlines

International students applying to FIU should submit their applications by the dates below. These deadlines help ensure time for visa processing and admission review.

Undergraduate Deadlines

Graduate Deadlines

How to Apply to Florida International University

Follow these steps to apply to Florida International University as an international (F-1) student:

1. Start Your Application
   
   • Undergraduate: Apply via the Common App.
   • Graduate: Use the FIU Graduate Application Portal.
2. Pay the Application Fee: A $30 non-refundable fee is required. Fee waivers are accepted for undergraduate applicants with SAT/ACT waivers.
3. Submit Academic Records: Upload or send official transcripts from all institutions attended. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated (course-by-course) by a NACES-approved service. Include certified English translations if applicable.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: These may also include any additional program-specific requirements (e.g., interviews or portfolios).
5. Track Your Application: After submission, you’ll receive a Panther ID to access your MyFIU account and check your status.

Florida International University Tuition & Fees

International (F-1) students at FIU pay out-of-state tuition rates. Below is an estimated cost of Florida International University courses for one academic year (Fall and Spring):

Undergraduate International Tuition (30 credits/year)

Graduate International Tuition

The standard cost per credit hour for international graduate students is $1,001.69. Based on a 36-credit program, the estimated tuition is:

Scholarships for International Students at FIU

International students applying for admission to FIU may be considered for merit-based scholarships. Below are key scholarships and tuition waivers available:

Florida International University Student Housing

FIU provides on-campus housing at both its Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) and Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC). Most students live at MMC, where they can choose from several residence halls. BBC has one private housing option. Each on-campus room comes with furniture, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and access to laundry and study areas.

Florida International University housing has different options based on your year. First-year students usually stay in shared suites or dorm-style halls. Upperclassmen and graduate students can choose apartment-style housing with private rooms and kitchens.

Many students also choose to live off campus in nearby apartments. Amber is a platform that helps students find housing close to FIU. Listings are verified and sorted by distance, rent, and features.

Here are some apartment options near FIU’s MMC campus:

• Casa Mariana 
• Bella Vista