Orange Global Gateway (OGG) is a Syracuse University initiative for conditionally admitted undergraduate students. The program is designed to help more international students build the English proficiency, academic skills, and confidence needed to begin their undergraduate studies at Syracuse University.
Through the Orange Global Gateway hosted by the English Language Institute (ELI), academically qualified international students who have not yet met Syracuse University’s English proficiency requirements are offered conditional admission and the opportunity to study on campus. Participants take a combination of academic English and credit-bearing university courses, gaining both language advancement and degree progress.
Upon successful completion of Level 4 courses at ELI, students will matriculate into their undergraduate degree programs at Syracuse University, with the credits earned through the Orange Global Gateway program, giving them a head start in their academic journey—equipping them with the English fluency, academic foundation, and cultural readiness to thrive as members of the Orange community.
Depending on their English proficiency level at the entry of the program, a student can complete the OGG program from one to three semesters.
Key Features of Orange Global Gateway
- Immersive Learning Experience on Campus
Students learn through an immersive experience that extends beyond the classroom. Engaging lessons, campus activities, and cultural events help students practice English in real-life settings, connect with classmates, and become part of the Syracuse University community. This dynamic environment builds language proficiency, academic skills and confidence, preparing students to thrive in American academic and campus life.
- Credit-Bearing Courses
Gateway students placed in Levels 3 and 4 have the opportunity to take credit-bearing courses that are foundational for first-year college students, in addition to their academic English classes. These courses allow students to develop and apply their English and academic skills in real university classrooms while earning credits fully transferable to their undergraduate degree programs at Syracuse University.
Examples of credit-bearing courses include:
- Level 3: Calculus or Statistics (4 credits)
- Level 4: Calculus or Statistics (4 credits) and/or Sociology (3 credits)
The chart below illustrates the progression to matriculation for OGG students entering at different levels.
Progression to Matriculation for OGG Students
Entry Level in Fall Semster| Gateway Semesters | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Level 2 Academic English | Level 3 Academic English Classes + Calculus (4 credits) | Level 4 Academic English Classes +Calculus (4 credits) and/or Sociology (3 credits) |
| Spring | Level 3 Academic English Classes + Calculus (4 credits) | Level 4 Academic English Classes + Sociology (3 credits) | Matriculation with 3-7 credits |
| Summer | Level 4 Academic English Classes + Sociology (3 credits) | Summer Break | |
| Fall | Matriculation with 7 credits | Matriculation with 7 credits |
- Flexible Academic English Class Placement
- The Gateway Program accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores for academic English class placement.
- Chinese high school graduates may also submit their Gaokao English subject scores for placement.
- Students without the above test scores will have the opportunity to complete an online writing test and interview for placement.
- The following placement chart will be used as a reference.
English Class Placement Chart
| TOEFL | IELTS | Duolingo | China Gaokao | ELI Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-59 | 5.0 | 85+ | 85+ | Level 2 |
| 60-69 | 5.5 | 95+ | 105+ | Level 3 |
| 70+ | 6.0+ | 105+ | 125+ | Level 4 |
- Scholarship Opportunity
- Conditionally admitted students may still be considered for merit-based scholarships at Syracuse University
Requirements For Successful OGG Completion
To successfully complete OGG and gain full admission to Syracuse University, students must complete Level 4 with 80% or higher.
Apply to Orange Global Gateway (OGG)
- Online Application:
- Apply to Syracuse University as an international first-year through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
- You must meet all of Syracuse University’s academic admission requirements.
Learn more about application requirements for international students →
- After having received a conditional admission offer and decided to enroll, please submit your online application for English Language Institute (ELI).
- Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL: 50
- IELTS: 5.0
- Duolingo: 85
- Comparable scores from other English proficiency exams accepted by Syracuse University are also considered.
- Students whose English proficiency reach the level listed above but do not have the specified test scores may still apply. If conditionally admitted, they will have the opportunity to complete an online writing test and participate in an interview for English class placement.
- Chinese High School Graduates with a Gaokao English subject score of 85 or above are eligible to apply for OGG. Their Gaokao English scores will also be used for academic English class placement within the program.
- Extended Deadline: OGG applicants for Fall entry may submit their applications through the Common Application or Coalition Application until June.
| Tuition for Academic English Classes | $5,960 |
| Tuition for Credit-bearing Classes | $750 per credit |
| Program Fee | $750 |
| Living Expenses | $8,000 |
| Other Fees | |
| Student Activity Fee | $70 |
| Wellness and Fitness Fee | $445 |
| Incidentals (book, health insurance, etc.) | $1,800 |