Returning international students now eligible for discounted grad studies tuition

Central is further investing in global engagement with a new tuition discount for international graduate students who previously studied at Central.

Starting in the Spring 2026 semester, Central will offer a reduced tuition rate to former students from international partner universities who return to Central for graduate studies. Eligible students will pay the domestic/NEBHE full-time rate for their graduate studies, rather than the international student rate.

The tuition discount applies to former J-1 exchange students who studied at Central for 1-2 semesters and were required to return home to complete their bachelor’s degrees and will later enroll in a full-time graduate program at Central with F-1 student status.

The reduced tuition rate is available across all graduate programs for students who complete the standard admissions process and maintain F-1 visa status.

“By welcoming back international students who have already been part of the campus community, we are reaffirming our commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and access,” said Central Connecticut State University President Zulma R. Toro. “Central continues to work on developing students as global citizens and looks forward to future collaborations with our international partners.”

Led by Global Engagement at Central, this initiative aims to build upon collaborations with its partner universities abroad by providing a clear and attractive pathway for their students to continue their education at Central.

Global Engagement at Central unifies three offices at the university: Study Abroad; International Student & Scholar Services; and the Intensive English Language Program. Central counts nearly two dozen universities in nearly as many countries as international exchange partners.

“This tuition discount will hopefully encourage talented international students who are already familiar with Central's campus and academic environment to return for advanced studies,” says International Education Coordinator Dr. Zongxiang Mei. “In turn, it will increase Central's global impact by fostering a more diverse and globally connected graduate student body.”

Returning international students will save approximately $5,000 through the new discount program. For the 2025-26 academic year, the domestic/NEBHE graduate tuition cost is $9,460 per term, compared to the standard rate of $14,145 per semester.

This tuition discount will be coordinated through the Study Abroad office, under the leadership of Mei, in collaboration with graduate admissions, the Bursar’s Office, and International Student & Scholar Services.