Alfred State University of New York College of Technology at State University of New York (SUNY) in New York offers international students the opportunity to study while participating in American football. The college’s football team, the Alfred State Pioneers, competes in NCAA Division III and will join the Empire 8 Conference in 2025. As a Division III program, Alfred State College (ASC) does not offer athletic scholarships, but international students may still play competitively while pursuing their academic goals.
Alfred State provides several scholarships to international students based on academic merit and English proficiency. The International Cultural Scholarship awards up to US $3,000 per year, the International Merit Scholarship up to US $3,000, and the International Excellence Scholarship up to US $7,000 annually. These awards are automatically considered for qualified applicants who live in on-campus housing.
To apply, students must submit an international application, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 61+, IELTS 5.5+, or Duolingo 90+), and financial documentation showing ability to cover remaining costs. Successful applicants receive an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Although ASC’s football program cannot provide athletic funding, international players can contact the football coaching staff to express interest and explore opportunities to join the team as student-athletes. Combining academic excellence with active participation in sports enhances the student experience.
Overall, Alfred State College offers a strong academic environment, international student support, and a competitive football program—making it a practical choice for students seeking both education and athletic development in the United States.
The State University of New York (SUNY) is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, offering high-quality education across 64 campuses, including universities, colleges, and technical institutes. SUNY provides diverse academic programs, research opportunities, and affordable tuition for both local and international students. Many SUNY campuses, such as Alfred State College, combine academics with athletics, allowing students to study while participating in sports like American football. International students benefit from strong support services, scholarship opportunities, and a welcoming learning environment that promotes global engagement and career development across multiple disciplines.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system has 64 campuses across New York State, organized into four categories.
University Centers and Doctoral Institutions (4): University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, and Stony Brook University.
Comprehensive Colleges (13): Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Empire State, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Old Westbury, Oneonta, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Potsdam, and Purchase.
Technology Colleges (8): Alfred State, Canton, Cobleskill, Delhi, Farmingdale, Maritime, Morrisville, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Community Colleges (30): Adirondack, Broome, Cayuga, Clinton, Columbia-Greene, Corning, Dutchess, Erie, Finger Lakes, Fulton-Montgomery, Genesee, Herkimer, Hudson Valley, Jamestown, Jefferson, Mohawk Valley, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara County, North Country, Onondaga, Orange County, Rockland, Schenectady, Suffolk County, Sullivan County, Tompkins Cortland, Ulster County, and Westchester.
Together, these campuses form a unified system offering affordable, high-quality education and diverse academic opportunities for students worldwide.
The Alfred State College Pioneers football team represents the college in NCAA Division III competition. Known for their strong work ethic and team spirit, the Pioneers compete in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) and will join the Empire 8 Conference in 2025. The program emphasizes both athletic performance and academic excellence, providing student-athletes with a supportive environment for growth on and off the field. Under skilled coaching and disciplined training, the team continues to build a competitive legacy, highlighted by its 2023 ECFC Championship and first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament appearance, marking a milestone in Alfred State’s football history
Lubiri High School Mengo and Lubiri Nabagereka Primary School, Buganda Royal Institute of Business & Technical Education and Muteesa 1 Royal University
