Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Admissions requirements and application process

How do I apply?

To get started, review our degree programs listed on our website to find the best match for your interests.

We will need:

• Completed online application form
• Proof of English proficiency
• Academic records (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions decisions)

  + Review the detailed application process.

What are the admission requirements for UNI?

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.

Do you offer application fee waivers?

We do not offer fee waivers but will consider students for fee deferrals. 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. 

Is SAT or ACT scores compulsory for admission?

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. 

Can I still apply with low or no English proficiency?

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.

How long does it take to receive an admission decision?

For undergraduate applications, it can take up to 15 business days to review a completed application that has all required documents.

For graduate applications, the duration varies depending on the time of year. Graduate decisions are made by the academic department and not the admissions office. 

Any documents you did not upload at the time of submitting your application can be emailed to international.admissions@uni.edu.

What are the deadlines?

UNI works on a rolling admission basis so there is not a strict deadline; however, it is encouraged to apply earlier to make sure you are able to secure a visa appointment prior to the semester starting. Graduate programs with specific deadlines are listed on the Graduate Majors Website.

How can I defer my application?

If you are unable to make it to UNI in time for the start of the semester, email international.admissions@uni.edu to let us know. 

You will also need to resubmit a new application for the following term you would like to defer to. You will not need to resubmit any documents or pay the application fee again. Please do NOT log-in as a new user as this will delay the processing of your application. Once we receive your new application, we will re-process your file. Graduate applications are not always guaranteed a deferred admission due to limited capacity in some programs.

Transferring as an international student

Am I an international transfer student?

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. 

How do I apply as 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.

What application materials do I need to submit?

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

When will you evaluate my transfer credits?

Transfer credit evaluations are completed for students who have been admitted and confirmed their intent to enroll at UNI. Students with transfer credit will need to send us their course descriptions for any previously completed coursework that is related to the major they plan to pursue at UNI.

Can I transfer from another U.S. school and finish my degree 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. 

Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency as a transfer student?

• 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

What do I need to provide so my previously-completed classes can be transferred to UNI?

In order for us to conduct the evaluation of your transfer credit, we request course descriptions for previous coursework completed that is related to your intended major at UNI. Course descriptions are typically obtained from the school’s website, syllabus, or previous professors.

How many vocational-technical credits can I transfer to UNI from an international university?

Vocational-technical credit is typically awarded a block of 16 hours of elective credit.  Exceptions may be made for the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology Management programs.

English language requirements

What exams do you accept and what scores do I need to get?

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. 

I’m looking to improve my English. What educational services are available?

• 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.

What if my English scores are below the minimum requirement?

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.

What if I am applying from a native-English speaking country?

English proficiency is only waived if you originate from a native-English speaking country where English is the primary language. For Graduate applicants applying from non-native English speaking countries seeking a waiver, they will need to reach out to the specific department for approval.

International scholarships and costs

How much does UNI cost?

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

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

What scholarships do you offer international students?

• Undergraduate: We have partial awards ranging from $1,000 - $11,000 in total. Students can also work on campus up to 20 hours per week, sometimes making around $5,000 per year, so tuition fees might be cut in half if you are awarded scholarships and work on-campus. Learn more about undergraduate scholarship opportunities.
• Graduate: Students can apply for graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships after completing their application for admissions to a graduate program. These are competitive and applications for funding are due by February 1, 2024 for the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic year. Learn more about graduate funding.

Do you offer full-tuition scholarships?

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

Can I get a loan to study at UNI?

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. 

General

Why study in the U.S.?

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. 

What programs do you offer?

• 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. 

What’s the weather like in Iowa?

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.

I can’t log into MyUNIverse portal, what should I do?

• 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.

Can I work while being an international student?

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. 

How do I find a job on campus?

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. 

How do I get in contact with your office?

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

Now that I’m admitted

What are the next steps now that I am admitted?

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. 

How do I receive an 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

What do I do after receiving my I-20?

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.

What do I bring to my visa interview?

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

How do I prepare for my visa interview?

Be prepared to answer questions related to your major field of study, your choice to attend UNI, sources of money for your studies, and your intent to return to your home country after the completion of your studies in the U.S. 

Let us know in advance what date you obtain for your visa interview. Our office schedules mock visa interviews 1-2 weeks prior to your appointment if your SEVIS fee has been paid.

I’m unable to secure a visa appointment; can your office help?

Unfortunately, UNI is unable to make SEVIS payments on behalf of students or schedule their interview appointments. If you’re unable to find a time before your intake term, we recommend taking the next available appointment and then requesting an emergency appointment.

Where’s the nearest airport?

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. 

When do I need to arrive on campus?

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. 

Who can I reach out to before I'm a student? Once I’m a student on campus?

• 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.

When do I sign up for classes?

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).