Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To be evaluated for an admissions decision, we will need: 

• Completed application for admission submission 
• Proof of English proficiency submission 
• Academic records submission (unofficial transcripts accepted for admission decision)

+ Review the detailed application process.

You will be asked to submit your unofficial transcripts with your application, and we generally look for a 3.0+ GPA scale. The International Admissions team will evaluate your grades to determine if they are admissible.

+ See the country specific requirements for undergraduate students and graduate students.

We do not offer fee waivers but fee deferrals can be requested. To request a deferral, complete this form. If no application fee payment is received and no fee deferral request form has been submitted, the application will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. 

No, SAT or ACT test scores are not required for admission. We will review your academic transcripts to determine your GPA. However, SAT or ACT test scores may satisfy English proficiency requirements and may help you earn the International Scholars Award if your GPA, alone, does not meet the requirements. 

Yes, students applying to an undergraduate program, who are unable to provide proof of English proficiency or are in need of English training, can apply for conditional admission. Conditionally-admitted students will be tested upon their arrival to campus and will be required to enroll in courses, as necessary, through the Culture Intensive English Program before beginning their academic studies.

Due to the review required by the International Admissions team, it can take up to 10 business days to review a completed application that includes all the required documents. 

UNI works on a rolling admission basis so there is not a strict deadline; however, it is encouraged to apply early so you're able to secure a visa appointment prior to the semester starting. 

If you’ve attended another university anywhere in the world since graduating from high school and are not a U.S. permanent resident, you are an international transfer student. 

Undergraduate admission for international transfer students is based on review of your GPA, just like the undergraduate freshmen process. Be sure to indicate you are a transfer student in the options when you start your application. 

+ Review the detailed application process.

• Completed application for admission submission 
• Proof of English proficiency submission 
• Transcript submission(s) from all colleges/universities attended (unofficial transcripts are accepted for admission decisions) 

Transfer credit evaluations are completed for students who have been admitted and confirmed their intent to enroll at UNI. 

Yes, if you are an F-1 student, you will need to ask for your immigration record to be transferred from your current school to UNI once admitted. 

• Yes: If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferrable credit and/or you are transferring from an international school
• No: If you have completed 24+ hours of transferrable credit with the required grade point average (GPA) from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university

We accept several formats to fulfill the English language requirements. Examples include: 

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• Duolingo
• More

+ See the full list for undergraduate applicants.
+ See the full list for graduate programs, which may have different requirements. 

• If interested in only improving your English skills and not enrolling in UNI, you can apply to the Culture Intensive English Program.
• If you plan to also enroll in academic courses at UNI after completing English classes, begin with an international application for conditional admission. 

Apply for conditional admission. Conditionally-admitted students will be tested upon their arrival to campus and will be required to enroll in courses, as necessary, through the Culture Intensive English Program before beginning their academic studies.

UNI is one of the most affordable four-year universities in the Midwest.

• + See tuition and fees for both undergraduate and graduate international students.

• Undergraduate: UNI offers partial awards ranging from $1,000 - $14,000 in total.

+ See undergraduate scholarship offerings. 

• Graduate: Students can apply for graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships through an application after completing their application for admissions to a graduate program. These are competitive and applications are due by February 1, 2023 for the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 academic year. 

+ See graduate funding opportunities. 

No, we do not offer full-tuition scholarships at the undergraduate level. 

In most cases, students fund their UNI education through scholarships and support from family or friends as sponsors. International students cannot take out loans administered by UNI without having a U.S-permanent resident cosign the loan. Finding sponsors is a responsibility of the student, not the university. 

Studying in the U.S. can open many doors and opportunities academically and for career growth. Additionally, your English can drastically improve, you will gain a global perspective, and at UNI, you will receive top-notch student support while gaining an education worth the investment. 

• UNI offers 160+ undergraduate majors and minors. You can even select two majors!
  + See full list. 
   
• UNI offers 30+ graduate programs.
  + See programs and specific requirements. 

Iowa experiences all four seasons (summer, fall, spring, and inter). It can get hot and humid over the summer months and cold and snowy during the winter months so it’s important to make the proper preparations when packing for the U.S.

• If this is the first time you are trying to log into the MyUNIverse portal, follow the first-time users information. 
• If you have logged in before and are no longer able to log in, you may have to reset your password. To do so, send an email to servicedesk@uni.edu requesting your password to be reset. Include your university ID number and username in the email. For additional questions, check out the Consultant Center Assistance Chat.

Yes, international students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year. During the summer, international students can work on campus, up to 40 hours per week. 

As soon as you are admitted, you will have access to Handshake, a system that helps you find available positions on campus. You can create your Handshake profile to explore jobs that may be a good fit, based upon your interests. There are more than 3,500 on-campus jobs available, and many international students find a job shortly after arriving to campus. 

International Admissions staff can be contacted through email: international.admissions@uni.edu. 

Obtaining a student visa to study at UNI is the next priority item after being admitted. In order to schedule your appointment, you will need an I-20 document. Some countries have long delays in scheduling a visa appointment, so it is important to provide the necessary documents for our staff to create your I-20. 

After you are admitted, you will need to provide the International Admissions Office with:

• Your financial certification form, completed by you and your sponsor
• Proof of financials in the amount of one year of tuition and fees

Schedule your visa appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate to your residence. F-1 and J-1 students are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable I-901 SEVIS fee prior to the visa appointment. The fee is payable through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. 

Make sure to bring:

• Your signed I-20 or DS-2019
• Valid passport
• Admission letter
• Completed visa application with required photograph
• Receipt of the I-901 SEVIS fee
• Financial documents showing how you will pay for your educational and living expenses for at least one year at UNI

Be prepared to answer questions related to:

• Your major field of study
• Your choice to attend UNI
• Sources of money for your studies,
• Your intent to return to your home country after the completion of your studies in the U.S. 

It is recommended that students arrive at Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), which is approximately 10 minutes from UNI. Another option is the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), which is located one hour away from UNI. Students will receive communications from international@uni.edu once arrival information is confirmed. 

International Student Orientation (ISO) will begin prior to the start of your semester. You will receive an email with detailed information on arrival dates. If you have questions, you can email international@uni.edu. 

• Prior to your arrival and receiving your student visa, the international admissions office can assist with your questions at international.admissions@uni.edu.
• After receiving your visa and making preparations to arrive at UNI, your questions can be directed to the International Engagement Office.

An academic advisor will work with you on finalizing your class schedule during International Student Orientation (ISO). Graduate students will work directly with their academic department. Students are not allowed to register for courses prior to attending ISO (exception is transfer students who are already in the U.S).