Thomas Jefferson University - INTO USA

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University is a private university with 200 years of experience in academic excellence. It offers an expansive range of undergraduate degree programs alongside almost 200 graduate programs, as well as a selection of professional study courses.

Originally a medical school, Jefferson has expanded over the past decade through a series of strategic mergers, most significantly with Philadelphia University in 2017. As a result, the university is now able to offer an extensive selection of professional degree programs across a full range of subjects — including architecture, business, the humanities, medicine, science, and textile design.

The university is ranked No. 12 among the top private universities in Pennsylvania, according to Niche 2025. It also offers a distinct, modern and award-winning curriculum that is designed to meet the technological and industrial needs of the 21st century.

The Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson has provided over 31,000 medical degrees in its 200 years of existence and boasts more living graduates than any other medical school in the country. Its provision of over 30 specialized medical programs makes it one of Pennsylvania's leading health educators.

The Jefferson campus grounds cover more than 111 acres, with its two primary campuses — Center City Campus and the East Falls Campus — located centrally in Philadelphia. Both are fully equipped with residence options, accessible student services, and state-of-the-art facilities. A growing list of other campuses and research sites are positioned around Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Philadelphia offers a wealth of history, culture and entertainment options. With the third largest student population on the East Coast, the city has an inclusive, diverse feel and students benefit from being well-connected not only to the rest of the US, but also internationally.

The expert faculty at Thomas Jefferson University teaches a range of degree programs across many disciplines. Specialist teaching staff with both national and international reputations bring academic knowledge and industry practice from their distinct areas of expertise, creating an inspirational and innovative learning environment.

Students learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and hands-on project work, with many degrees incorporating industry experience. The average class at the university has only 18 students, creating a personalized learning atmosphere, where every voice is heard.

Nexus Learning

Where possible, interdisciplinary teaching and research is encouraged to broaden the horizons of degree programs. Nexus Learning is Jefferson's unique approach to collaborative interdisciplinary learning, blending theory and hands-on teaching in a way that enables students to maximize the value of their degree experience.

Through Nexus Learning, students can apply their curiosity and work across disciplines, ensuring that they graduate with the leadership skills and skill set required to kickstart their career.

Research

Thomas Jefferson University has a strong reputation for innovation and research. It is classified as a Carnegie Research Doctoral University (R2) due to its high level of research activity. It houses 15 research centers and institutes.

The university is particularly renowned for its medical research. Combined with the affiliated Jefferson Health, it has been involved in over 1,200 active clinical studies, and more than 1,000 patents for new medicines, software innovations, medical devices and diagnostic tools.

Students must meet the academic and English language entry requirements before they can enroll in a degree program at Thomas Jefferson University. The eligibility criteria differs among departments and programs, so students are advised to carefully check the requirements of their specific study program prior to application.

Undergraduate

At the undergraduate level, the academic entry requirements varies significantly between programs. Students must hold high school qualifications (equivalent to the International Baccalaureate or A-Level). As a competitive university, a high GPA is advisable.

Students may also opt to submit ACT or SAT scores, but this is not compulsory.

Depending on their chosen program, students may need to hold qualifications in specific related subjects.

Graduate

For most graduate study programs, the entry requirements are typically a bachelor's degree (usually in a related subject) with a GPA of 2.75 (East Falls campus) or 3.0 (Center City campus).

Some programs may have additional requirements.

English language requirements

For most programs, international students must hold a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no sub-score lower than 6.0 (or an equivalent qualification). The test must also have been taken within the last two years.

Across its campuses, Thomas Jefferson University boasts a full range of cutting-edge facilities and equipment designed to augment and enhance the learning experience.

Of particular interest to medical students are the state-of-the-art medical buildings, as well as the cutting-edge equipment and technologies, available for use by students and researchers.

General facilities include:

• Exhibition galleries
• Modern lecture theaters and seminar spaces
• Studios
• Specialized laboratories
• Specialized equipment
• Workshops

Library

The university is home to four libraries, with the Scott Memorial Library (open 24/7) and the Paul J Gutman Library both situated on the main campuses. These provide students with an extensive supply of books, journals and electronic resources, in addition to study spaces and computer areas.

Accommodation

Most first year students choose to live on campus, with three residence halls available at the Center City campus and a further seven at the East Falls campus. Prices vary depending based on location and type of accommodation.

Limited on-campus accommodation may be available for juniors, seniors and graduate students. The university is also able to provide advice on reputable private accommodation nearby. Students are advised to contact the Residential Life team for details.

Recreation

The Office of Student Life and Engagement provides a number of options to get involved in the university community. Students can join over 100 clubs and societies, or get involved in outreach programs, volunteering opportunities or career development initiatives.

Sport is an important part of college life at Jefferson, and students can enroll in 17 varsity teams, get involved in any of the numerous intramural and athletics clubs or sign up for fitness classes. All of this is available at the university's modern, inclusive sporting facilities.

International Merit Scholarship

All international undergraduate students applying to Thomas Jefferson University are considered for an International Merit Scholarship.

Undergraduate awards range in value from 15,000 USD – 26,000 USD, and students will be advised of the specific details of any award granted in their initial acceptance letter. Graduate awards are limited and are department specific.

Employment

A limited number of on-campus jobs may be available for international students at Jefferson to help fund their studies. Students are advised that they should not expect on-campus work to help fund their studies.

Students are advised to check the stipulations on their visa before commencing any work while they study — typically no more than 20 hours' work per week is permitted during term time on a student (F-1) visa.

Rankings

Thomas Jefferson University was ranked in the top 10 among the best value colleges and No. 12 among the top private universities in Pennsylvania, according to Niche 2025.

Jefferson ranks in the 2025U.S. News & World Report's top 40 best value schools and in the top 50 for its nursing programs. Meanwhile, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College was given a tier 2 ranking among the best medical schools for research, according to U.S. News & World Report 2024.

Medical facilities

The university continually invests in its facilities and equipment, ensuring that students have access to the latest technological innovations.

In 2024, the university opened its state-of-the-art Honickman Center, designed with patient experience at its core. This innovative outpatient center boasts cutting-edge equipment, including 300 interactive exam rooms and 10 operating rooms.