International Student Steps for Application

We are excited you are considering UIS for your next academic journey. Please review our steps for application - these will address most of the questions you will have. If there are others, please reach out to us: International Admissions

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the admissions requirements for your program

  • First-year applicants: This application is for students who have completed high school or secondary school but have not yet completed any university-level coursework. Applicants are applying for a bachelor's degree program. Admission for first-year applicants will be based on:
    • College preparatory curricula and academic coursework
    • Grade point average (GPA) on a U.S. 4.0 equivalency scale
    • Personal statement
  • Transfer applicants: This application is for students who have completed some university-level coursework but have not yet completed a U.S. equivalent bachelor's degree. Applicants are applying for a bachelor's degree program.  Admission for transfer applicants will be based on:
    • University-level grade point average (GPA) on a U.S. 4.0 equivalency scale
    • Some programs have specific admission criteria. Please review the admission requirements for your program of interest.
  • Graduate applicants: This application is for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and are applying for a master's or doctoral degree. Admission decisions for graduate applicants are made by the academic department or program.
    • Many programs have specific admission criteria. Please review the admission requirements for your program of interest.
  • Non-degree applicants: This application is for students who do not intend to earn a bachelor's or master's degree. If you only apply for a non-degree program, you are not eligible for a student visa.

Step 2: Complete the online application before the deadline

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Pay attention to application deadlines:

  • For applicants that will require an F-1 student visa to study at UIS, applications can only be submitted for the Fall and Spring semesters, with the exception of the Masters in Athletic Training Program which starts in the Summer semester. Completed applications should be received at least 3 months prior to the intended enrollment date. The deadlines below are for general admissions. Please note that some programs have earlier application deadlines (as listed in their admissions requirements). 
    • Fall Term Deadline: May 15th
    • Spring Term Deadline: Nov 15th
    • Summer Term (Athletic Training Only): March 15th

If you need help or have special circumstances please let us know. Deadlines are posted to help ensure that admission can be completed and immigration documents prepared for students to take to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the home country to apply for a student visa in a timely manner.

Step 3: Personal and Academic Statement

A writing sample is a requirement for many applications. There are two types of writing samples that may be asked as part of the application process: 

  • Personal Statement – This is an applicant’s chance to tell UIS about themselves. It should describe interests and accomplishments which are not indicated elsewhere on the application.
  • Academic Statement – This is an applicant’s chance to tell UIS about professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to the choice of a specific academic program at UIS.

Step 4: Submit the non-refundable application fee 

The application fee can be paid at the time the application is submitted or through the applicant's admissions status page.

  • Undergraduate applicants: $60 USD. 
  • Graduate applicants: $75 USD per application. There are not any application fee waivers for graduate applicants.

Step 5: Submit supporting documents for your application

International applicants must submit official transcripts as part of their application. Many students will also have to submit documentation of English proficiency.

To learn more about what academic items will be required to complete your application, visit the International Applicant Requirement page. Search for the country where your school(s) is located and the level of application you are submitting or have submitted.

Exceptions

  • All applicants applying to UIS from an International Baccalaureate Institution, Council of International Schools member institution (utilizing US National Curriculum), US State Dept. Assisted Schools, or institutions holding US Regional Accreditation will not be required to pay for a credential evaluation or submit a NACES member evaluation as UIS recognizes that the institution utilizes an American-based curriculum.
  • International first-year applicants who have completed all high school coursework in the United States are not required to have a credential evaluation.
  • International transfer and graduate applicants who have completed all of their university-level coursework in the United States are not required to have a credential evaluation.
  • All extraordinary admissions instances, such as educational strikes, applicants that identify as a ‘refugee’ or ‘asylee’, etc. will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact admprocessing@uis.edu in order to determine next steps with a formal request including a full description of the circumstances and any available supporting documentation.

Step 6: Check your admissions status page

After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to access your admissions status page. This is where you will see what documents have been received and where your admission decision will be released.