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International Student Information | Admissions and Recruitment | University of Wisconsin-Madison
International Student Information | Admissions and Recruitment | University of Wisconsin-Madison
International Student Information
Over 4,000 international students from more than 130 countries choose to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and our university is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States with the largest number of international students. In 2011, the University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked 19th among world universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The information provided for international students is for students who have completed some or all of their secondary schooling outside of the United States and/or need visas in order to study or live in the United States. This includes anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
International Student Services
The International Student Services website provides information about on-campus programming, family resources, student handbook, and newsletters that showcase the latest events and important announcements. Explore the guide for international students that features international students discussing international student life in addition to information about obtaining a visa and maintaining your status, as well as helpful information about academics, student life, and life in the City of Madison.
Admission Application Process
Information regarding the admission process, deadlines, and application instructions is different for freshman students and transfer students. Use the following information to determine whether or not you should apply as a freshman or transfer student:
FRESHMAN STUDENTS: Have completed secondary-level education (equal to a U.S. high school diploma) and have not yet enrolled at a college or university. Begin the freshman application process.
TRANSFER STUDENTS: Have completed secondary-level education and have earned credits from a college or university (post-secondary) program of study. Begin the transfer student application process.
International Student Services
The International Student Services website provides information about on-campus programming, family resources, student handbook, and newsletters that showcase the latest events and important announcements. Explore the guide for international students that features international students discussing international student life in addition to information about obtaining a visa and maintaining your status, as well as helpful information about academics, student life, and life in the City of Madison.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores
Students for whom English is not their first language, and who have studied in a language other than English must take an official test of English as a foreign language. UW–Madison accepts both the TOEFL and the IELTS tests. These tests are meant to give our admission counselors a more accurate reading of the applicant's English level. We must receive all TOEFL and IELTS scores directly from the testing service. Our TOEFL test code is 1846.
Students may have this English-proficiency requirement waived if they have earned at least a 550 on both the critical reading and writing sections of the SAT or a 24 or above on both the English and writing sections of the ACT. Transfer students may also have this requirement waived if they have completed, or are currently taking, an English composition course at a U.S. college or university. Students who meet either of these requirements and would like to be considered for a waiver should indicate as such on their application.
Transfer Credit
Our international admission counselors review all international academic records for transfer credit. Once a student has been admitted and has confirmed enrollment, our counselors evaluate international course work and appropriately transfer all transferable credit to UW–Madison. Admitted international students requesting transfer credit must submit detailed course descriptions in both the original language and English when confirming their.
Please note that English-language courses are not transferable to UW–Madison, as they are not offered at university-level in the United States.
Please be sure to read the Transfer Credit section of our Web site for more information on transfer credit policies.
Financing Your Education
The cost of attendance is the total amount of tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies in addition to other estimated school expenses. Students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are not eligible to receive federal financial aid from the university. Information on funding and scholarships for international students is provided by International Student Services. Scholarships@UW-Madison also features a list of academic and merit opportunities offered by schools and colleges within the university and all students that submit an admissions application are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
Financial Verification Form
Students applying for the fall term do not need to submit financial documentation at the time of application. If admitted to the university, students will need to submit the Financial Verification Form (PDF, 449K) with an official bank letter showing funds on deposit for one year of study.
U.S. immigration law requires international students to document their ability to pay the cost of attending (tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and travel expenses) equal to one year of study. Admitted students will also receive more information about required financial documentation once they have been admitted.
Visa Information
A visa is required to enter the United States and most international students enter the country on an F-1 student visa. F-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas that are granted to applicants who want to pursue a full course of academic study at a U.S. university. Some students may be required to hold a J-1 student visa by their sponsoring agency.
After you have been admitted submit the Financial Verification Form (PDF, 140K Financial Verification Form Instructions, PDF 125K) and provide proof of financial support. The university will review and process your financial documentation and send you the appropriate form which is needed to apply for (or maintain) an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Upon receiving the I-20, students need to make an appointment to apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Changes in U.S. visa laws and regulations have increased the amount of time it can take to get a visa so processing times will vary. Typically they will require your letter of admission, I-20 form, official copies of your financial support documents, and other supporting materials as needed.
Health Insurance
UW–Madison requires that all international students on nonimmigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. Students may choose the university’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or another comparable insurance plan approved by UW Health Services. For more information about SHIP, including enrollment forms, rates, and waiver guidelines, visit the Student Health Insurance Plan website.
