Buffalo State University

The Buffalo State University of New York (SUNY) was established in 1871. The university’s long history and commitment to education are the cornerstones of its respected reputation. The largest comprehensive four-year college in the SUNY system, Buffalo State educates nearly 10 ,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

SUNY has an extensive network of 64 campuses within the state, from urban to rural, small to large, Buffalo to Long Island – including University Centres and Doctoral Degree Institutions, University Colleges, Technology Colleges and Community Colleges. Known for its strong community connections and a continuing commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning opportunities, SUNY has been ranked #79 in the US National Universities 2020.

With more than 100 student organisations, Buffalo State has student clubs for all interests. Discovery events and opportunities at Buffalo State here. There is also Greek Life at Buffalo State, which is dedicated to enhancing the development of students through membership in our Greek organizations. Each fraternity and sorority offer students an opportunity to be part of a close-knit community that promotes leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Home to the Buffalo Bills NFL Team and famous for its spicy “buffalo wings”, Buffalo boasts the second highest population in the New York state after New York City. The city’s location next to the Erie Canal close to the US Canada border, proved both scenic and strategic making it a trading hub during the industrial revolution.

The city is 600 kms away from New York City, and 460 kms away from Albany (capital city of the state).

The United States of America, commonly known as the United States, US, USA or simply America, is a country in North America. Most of the country is located between Canada and Mexico, but also includes places such as Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The capital is Washington D.C., but the most populous city is New York City.

At 9.8 million square kilometres, the US is the world's third or fourth largest country by total area, only slightly smaller than the entire continent of Europe. It is the world's third most populous country, with an estimated population of over 327 million people.

You're likely already familiar with some aspects of the US such as cross-country road trips, hearty food portions and the massive scale of everything. It is near impossible to run out of things to discover in this country! Every one of the 50 states is incredibly different, so depending where you go within the US you might feel you’re in a different country. This a very diverse nation, as people immigrate from all over the world, bringing in different religions, races, cultural traditions, and political beliefs.

You can visit one of over 35,000 museums, check out the major cities, visit small towns and farmlands, and explore the massive and beautiful national parks such as Yellowstone and Zion. You could also visit neighbouring Canada or Mexico if you want to travel more. The US is a hub of industry and culture for nearly every aspect of modern life, so having the chance to study here can really expand your networks and open you up to future possibilities abroad.

Did you know?

A small community in the Grand Canyon still receives their mail via mule service as motorized delivery is not possible. The service runs six days a week with at least two mule trains daily so that animals and riders don’t have to make the trip down to the village and back without an overnight stop.

Believe it or not, scientists at the Utah State University have proven at millimetre scale that the topography of the state of Kansas is actually flatter than a pancake!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport
• Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
• Finacial form (provided by OSU)
• Bank statement
• Health form with vaccination evidence.

Courses at US partner universities are generally valued at 3 credits each. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 credits per semester, equal to 13.5 UniSA units. 15 credits are equivalent to 18 UniSA units. 

Therefore, we recommend that: 

• 15 US credits = 5 US courses (@ 3 credits each) is equivalent to 18 UniSA units 
• 12 US credits = 4 US courses (@ 3 credits each) is equivalent to 13.5 UniSA units 

International students must demonstrate basic English proficiency and can choose from a variety of ways to do so. Candidates must have a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score that varies by campus. You also have the option of presenting a score of 450 or above on the verbal section of the SAT. Each institution's requirement varies, so please ask campus Admissions Offices for details.

Find courses at Buffalo State University

Buffalos State University does not offer airport pick up. You will need to make your own way to the campus from Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here.

Buffalo States offers on-campus accommodation in student halls, suites and apartment style lodging with facilities included. Students will need to make their own accommodation arrangement while on exchange at SUNY. More information on accommodation can be found here.

Alternatively, if you would like to stay off-campus, please contact Buffalo State Housing office for recommendations.

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Buffalo State University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:  

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 

Additional mandatory health insurance is required for exchange students in the US at Buffalo State University. Please see here for more details.