Senate Bill 256
International Education
Important information for international students.
A new Indiana law affects how public universities review international applications. Learn about the requirements, who they apply to, and what they mean for applying to Purdue Fort Wayne.
Indiana Law—Effective 2026:
Beginning in August 2026, Indiana law requires universities to complete additional review processes for certain international students. These requirements are based on specific criteria related to citizenship. This page outlines what the law means and how it may affect your application.
The rules apply only to students and postdoctoral scholars as identified below. If this is not you, these rules do not apply.
You are a citizen of a Foreign Adversary Nation including:
- China
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Venezuela
- Or other countries identified by the U.S. or State of Indiana as "foreign adversaries."
AND you are not:
- A U.S. citizen
- A U.S. permanent resident (green card holder)
- A person granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S.
Starting August 15, 2026, universities must complete a research security review before admitting affected students and postdoctoral scholars. As part of the security review, additional information will be required. If you do not provide required information, the university cannot admit you.
You may be asked to provide information such as:
- Your education and work history
- Any research or academic affiliations
- Sources of financial support (scholarships, funding, travel support, etc.)
- Agreements related to your studies or research
- Planned collaborations with organizations outside the university
- Whether you or close family members work for a government or political party
- Any past government or military service
- Confirm through a signed statement that you are not receiving funding from certain foreign governments
- Agree to report updates, including:
- Changes in family or government connections
- Contact with certain foreign government representatives
No. The new law only applies to students and postdoctoral scholars who are admitted to or hired by Purdue on or after August 15, 2026.
If this may apply to you, plan to:
Apply as usual—this is part of the standard admissions process (or the hiring process, for postdoctoral scholars)
- Be prepared to:
- Share complete and accurate information
- Respond to follow-up questions
- Contact the Office of Admissions (undergraduate students) or Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (graduate students and postdoctoral scholars) with any questions.
We are here to help you.
Contact the Office of International Education, [email protected], or the Office of Graduate Studies, [email protected], with any questions.