Over 7,000 International (F- and J-visa) students from more than 120 countries choose to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Our university is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States with the largest number of international students. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is ranked 30th among world universities by the Center for World University Rankings.
Admission Application Process
International students need to apply as either a first-year or a transfer student. There is not a separate application process for an international student. Applications, required materials, and additional common international curricula (below) must arrive in our office by our published deadlines.
Specific Requirements for Common International Curricula
Click on the appropriate drop-down item below for a detailed explanation of the documents required based on your curriculum or country of study. These requirements are based upon a student’s level of education at time of application. All students currently enrolled in high school/upper/senior secondary will be required to provide us with a list of their courses in progress. Before enrolling, we must receive official transcripts and graduation credentials confirming that the student completed their planned coursework and is eligible to progress to higher education.
If you attended a non-English institution: If your school or institution does not issue transcripts in English, we will require an official translation of the entire original transcript with all course names and grades included, preferably in the same format as the original. That translation must be completed either by the school or institution (e.g. a school counselor, English teacher, or other school staff member who can complete the translation) or by an Education USA official within your home country or region. It must also be submitted via the same official methods required for other official documents; email is not considered official. We must receive both the original non-English transcript and the official English translation to complete your application.
If your country or curriculum is not listed on this page, please send official transcripts for the equivalent of grades 9–12 in the U.S., as well as any external examinations or credentials required to complete secondary school and move on to university in your country.
Please review our How to Send Official Application Materials page with your school counselor or school staff as you prepare to submit application materials to our office. If you have questions about international application requirements or how to send official application materials, please contact our office at onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu.
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Bangladesh
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) attested by school official*
- Internal grades for coursework taken in grade 11, through time of application.
- In order to finalize admission, students must supply an attested copy of their Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)*
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Attested copy of your Secondary School Certificate (SSC)*
- Attested copy of your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)*
*Results listed on transcripts are not sufficient; we require attested copies of the actual results certificates issued by the examining board.
Brazil
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9, 1, 2
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official transcript from year 3 as well as proof of graduation (Certificado de Ensino Médio)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9, 1, 2, 3. (Completion of Certificado de Ensino Médio)
Cameroon (Anglophone Curriculum)
Students in French-Patterned Education should click on the appropriate drop-down menu.
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the Cameroon General Certificate of Secondary Education Ordinary Level (O-Levels)
- Official Transcript Grade 11
- Record of 12th Grade courses in progress and any predicted Cameroon A-Level results
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit your official Cameroon A-Level examination results
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level)
- Official copy of the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Levels)
Caribbean Examinations Council
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- Official copy of your Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Advanced Proficiency Examinations/Diploma (CAPE)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of your Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
- Official copy of your Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Advanced Proficiency Examinations/Diploma (CAPE)
Canada (Excluding Quebec)
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official transcript with grades from year 12 as well as a graduation date or statement that diploma was awarded.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11, 12 with proof of graduation.
Canada (Quebec)
If you are currently in year 1 of CEGEP (colleges d’etudes general et professionnelles):
- Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11
- Official copy of Diplome d’Etudes Secondaires (SSD/DES)
- English translation of all documents
If you are currently in year 2 of CEGEP (colleges d’etudes general et professionnelles):
- Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11, 12
- Official copy of Diplome d’Etudes Secondaires (SSD/DES)
- English translation of all documents
China
The following requirements are for students in the Chinese national curriculum. Students in international curricula such as A-Level, IB, or dual-diploma programs should click on the appropriate drop-down menus.
If you are currently enrolled in upper secondary school at time of application:
- Transcripts from lower middle school/初中 (chuzhong) (grade 9) and upper middle school/高中 (gaozhong) (grades 10-11), in both Chinese and English
- In order to finalize admission, students must submit their final grade 12 transcript and an official copy of their High School graduation diploma with English translation
If you have already completed upper secondary school at time of application:
- Official transcripts for Lower (初中 (chuzhong) (grade 9) and Upper Middle school (高中(gaozhong) (grades 10-12), in both Chinese and English
- Official copy of High School graduation diploma with English translation
Ethiopia
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Secondary School Leaving Examination (or National 12th Grade Leaving Examinations under a previous name) prior to the start of the semester
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12
- Official copy of your Secondary School Leaving Examination (or National 12th Grade Leaving Examinations under a previous name)
French-Patterned Education
If you are currently enrolled in high school (lycée) at time of application:
- If you sat for the Brevet des Colleges, please submit your official results
- Transcripts from lower secondary (collège) showing the equivalent of 9th grade
- Transcripts from high school (lycée)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit your official Baccalauréat results.
If you have already completed high school (lycée) at time of application:
- If you sat for the Brevet des Colleges, please submit your official results
- Transcripts from lower secondary (collège) showing the equivalent of 9th grade
- Transcripts from high school (lycée), and the Baccalauréat
Hong Kong
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11 (Secondary 3, 4, 5)
- HKDSE predicted grades, if available
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit official HKDSE results.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcript from years 9–12 (Secondary 3–6)
- Official copy of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
India
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of grade 10 secondary school board examination results attested by school official*
- Internal grades for coursework taken in grades 11 and 12, through time of application.
- In order to finalize admission, students must supply an attested copy of their grade 12 senior secondary board results
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of grade 10 secondary school board examination results certificate attested by school official*
- Official copy of grade 12 senior secondary board results certificate attested by a school official*
*Board results listed on school transcripts are not sufficient; we require attested copies of the actual results certificates issued by the examining board.
Indonesia
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Grade 9 exam results (SMP)
- Grade reports for 10 and 11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit your SMA or STTB exam report.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Grade 9 exam results (SMP)
- Grade reports for 10 and 11
- Grade 12 exam report (SMA or STTB)
International A-Level Programs/British Patterned Education
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or O-Levels
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS) if taken
- Record of Advanced Level courses in progress and predicted A-Level results (if available). Competitive applicants will have completed at least three A-Level Examinations.
- In order to finalize admission, admitted students will receive email communication in May with instructions regarding how to submit final results to our office.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or O-Levels
- The General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS) if taken
- The General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (A-Levels)
Note: School counselors should make official copies of the original results certificates issued by the examining board(s) and submit them to our office; school transcripts that list student examination scores are not sufficient.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Most applicants pursue the full IB Diploma. Students who do not plan to earn the IB Diploma must have proof that they will earn an alternate secondary school credential from an accredited institution.
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts for grades 9-11*
- Predicted IB grades, if available
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to have your official IB Transcript sent electronically to our office directly from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts for grades 9-12*
- IB Transcript sent electronically to our office from the International Baccalaureate Organization
*Students who completed IGCSE/O-Levels before starting the IB curriculum must submit an official copy of their external Results Certificate
International Students Studying in the U.S.
If you repeated a grade in the United States, you will need to submit official transcripts for both years of study. Additionally, please refer to the appropriate dropdown menu if you studied in another curriculum abroad (such as Indian Boards, British Patterned, etc).
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts for coursework completed at any high school(s) outside of the United States for Grades 9-11*
- Official transcripts for coursework completed at your high school(s) located in the United States for Grades 9-11
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts for coursework completed at any high school(s) outside of the United States for Grades 9 – 12*
- Official transcripts for coursework completed at your high school(s) located in the United States for Grades 9 – 12
*Your current U.S. high school may submit their copy of your prior school transcript(s)
Japan
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from Year 3 of Lower Secondary School (Middle/Junior High School) and Years 1 – 2 of Upper Secondary School
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official final transcript showing grades for Year 3 of Upper Secondary School and Certificate of Graduation
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from Year 3 of Lower Secondary School and Years 1-3 of Upper Secondary School
- Official copy of your Certificate of Graduation
Kenya
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11 (forms 1-3)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12 (forms 1-4)
- Official copy of your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
Malaysia
Students should submit all lower and upper secondary external examinations. This includes lower secondary school scores on the SRP, SMR, PMR or PT3. Tests taken after Form 5 such as the MCE and SPM also need to be submitted.
Competitive applicants should have at least one year of schooling beyond Form 5. Students should submit all official transcripts and test scores from any additional schooling including IB, AP, A Level, STPM and American degree transfer programs.
Students in an American degree transfer program should apply as a freshman if they will have completed two semesters prior to beginning study at UW–Madison. Students who will have completed more than two semesters must apply for transfer admission.
Mongolia
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of and translation of Buren Dund Bolovsrolun Unemlekh (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education), sometimes called the Gerchilgee
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12
- Official copy of and translation of Buren Dund Bolovsrolun Unemlekh (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education), sometimes called the Gerchilgee
Nepal
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from Grades 9–11
- Official copy of your Secondary Education Exam (SEE)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your School Leaving Certificate Examination (SLC, 10+2 Certificate)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of your Secondary Education Exam (SEE)
- Official copy of your School Leaving Certificate Examination (SLC, 10+2 Certificate)
Pakistan
Students in International A-Level Programs/British Patterned Education should click on the appropriate drop-down menu.
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- Official copy of Secondary School Certificate
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Higher Secondary Certificate
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of Secondary School Certificate
- Official copy of Higher Secondary Certificate
Rwanda Advanced Level Curriculum
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Secondary Education Ordinary Level (O-Levels)
- Official Transcript of internal courses and grades for Senior Secondary School
- Predicted A-Level grades, if available
- In order to finalize admission, official copy of your Rwandan Advanced Level Results Slip
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level)
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Levels)
Saudi Arabia
The following requirements are for students in the Saudi national curriculum. Students in international curricula such as A-Level, IB, or dual-diploma programs should click on the appropriate drop-down menus.
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11 (Intermediate Third Grade, Secondary First Grade, Secondary Second Grade)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Secondary Education Certificate
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12 (Intermediate Third Grade, Secondary First Grade, Secondary Second Grade, Secondary Third Grade)
- Official copy of Secondary Education Certificate
Singapore
Students who are required to complete military service in Singapore may choose to apply during their final year of high school and defer their enrollment for two years or wait to apply until the year they are ready to enroll.
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of O-Level Results Certificate*
- Internal Junior College transcript
- Predicted A-Level results, if available
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your A-Level Results Certificate.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of O-Level Results Certificate*
- Official copy of A-Level Results Certificate
*Students enrolled in the six-year Singapore Integrated Program (IIP) will not be expected to submit O-Level Results. Instead they should provide official documentation of their participation in the IP curriculum, along with internal transcripts from the final two years of secondary school and current progress in Junior College
South Africa
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your National Senior Certificate
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12
- Official copy of National Senior Certificate
South Korea
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–11
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official final transcript showing grades for year 12 and Certificate of Graduation.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 9–12
- Official copy of Certificate of Graduation
Taiwan
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from Year 3 of Lower Secondary School (Middle/Junior High School) and Years 1 – 2 of Upper Secondary School
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official final transcript showing grades for Year 3 of Upper Secondary School and Certificate of Graduation.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from Year 3 of Lower Secondary School and Years 1-3 of Upper Secondary School
- Official copy of your Certificate of Graduation
Uganda
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official Transcript for Upper Secondary School and predicted A-Level results, if available
- Official copy of your Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE)
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your A-Level results slip
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of your Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE)
- Official copy of your Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE)
United Kingdom
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), and Advanced Subsidiary (AS), if taken
- Record of Advanced Level courses in progress and predicted A-Level results (if available). Competitive applicants will have completed at least three A-Level Examinations.
- In order to finalize admission, admitted students will receive email communication in May with instructions regarding how to submit final results to our office
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS), if taken
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (A-Levels)
Uzbekistan
If you are currently in high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 8–10
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your Attestat O’rta Ma’lumot To’g’risida Shahodtnoma (Certificate of Completed Upper Secondary Education)
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official transcripts from years 8–11
- Official copy of your Attestat O’rta Ma’lumot To’g’risida Shahodtnoma (Certificate of Completed Upper Secondary Education)
West African Examinations Council Curriculum
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Year 9 junior secondary school transcript and external leaving examination results (GABECE in the Gambia, BECE in Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, LJHSCE in Liberia).
- Senior secondary school transcripts for years 10–11.
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to provide official WASSCE scratch card information via the WASSCE Scratch Card E-Form in your Student Center, so that our office can verify your results online.
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Year 9 external junior secondary leaving examination results (GABECE in the Gambia, BECE in Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, LJHSCE in Liberia)
- Senior secondary school transcripts for years 10-12.
- Official WASSCE Statement of Results. WASSCE results must be verifiable online; please complete the WASSCE Scratch Card E-Form in your Student Center.
Note: For Nigerian applicants, we also accept Senior School Certificate Examination results from the National Examination Council (NECO).
Zimbabwe (ZIMSEC) A-Level Curriculum
If you are currently enrolled in high school at time of application:
- Official Transcript Grades 9 – 11
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Secondary Education Ordinary Level (O-Levels)
- Record of 12th Grade courses in progress and any predicted A-Level results
- In order to finalize admission, you will be required to submit an official copy of your ZIMSEC Advanced Level Results Slip
If you have already completed high school at time of application:
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level)
- Official copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Levels)
English Language Proficiency Exams
First-year Applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school. Courses or test scores such as International Baccalaureate HL English, AP (Advanced Placement) English, ACT, SAT, the Cambridge English Exam, and PTE scores cannot be used to waive the requirement.
Transfer Applicants may have the English proficiency exam score requirement waived if English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school or a college-level English composition course was successfully completed at an accredited US institution. This requirement will not be waived for English composition taken at U.S. branch campuses abroad.
All English proficiency exams should be official, and sent electronically directly from the testing service. We do not superscore any English Proficiency exam and score reports cannot be older than 2 years from the time you apply.
Please note: Sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 3–6 weeks to the application completion process. Plan to send your test scores early to ensure your scores arrive before the materials deadline.
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Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum accepted score: 115+.
- When submitting your score(s): Search category should be “Undergraduate,” then select “University of Wisconsin–Madison.”
- Please do not send to offices listed under “Other,” as we are unable to retrieve those scores.
- The DET should be sent with sub-scores.
IELTS
- Minimum accepted score: 6.5+.
- To submit scores electronically, students need to request an “ETRF” request from their testing center. When requesting electronic scores, please note:
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- IELTS does not require a code.
- Select our account name, “University of Wisconsin, Madison Undergraduate”
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- Please do not send paper copies of your IELTS scores.
- We accept both the in-person and online IELTS Academic test.
TOEFL iBT
- Minimum accepted score: 80+.
- When submitting your score(s): TOEFL test code is 1846.
- We do not accept “MyBest” score from TOEFL nor any English Proficiency exam.
- For each TOEFL you submit, we will require the full score report. Wisconsin does not accept the TOEFL iTP Plus for China but we will accept the iBT Special Home Edition.
If you believe this requirement does not apply to you, or if you qualify for an English Language Proficiency Exam Waiver based on our policy, please check your “Student eForms” on your Student Center home page for an ELP Waiver Request”. To begin the waiver process, select “Admissions” from the left-side menu, then select “ELP Waiver Request” and complete the form. The ELP Waiver Request will not be visible until your transcripts are received in our office and removed from your To-Do List in your Student Center. If you have completed the ELP Waiver Request and this task is still present, please allow our office 14 business days to review your request. If it has been longer than 14 business days, please email our office at onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu.
Financing Your Education
The cost of attendance is the total amount of tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and other estimated school expenses. The Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) features a list of academic and merit opportunities offered by schools and colleges within the university. International Student Services (ISS) also has a helpful Funding & Scholarships page.
International Scholarship Opportunities
Students from particular countries may also be eligible for our international scholarship opportunities including King-Morgridge.
Enrolling students who need an F-1 or J-1 student visa will be asked to submit proof of funding for one full year of study at UW–Madison. Financial documents should not be sent to the Office of Admission and Recruitment as part of the undergraduate application, but will be required after admission. I-20 requests and supporting documentation can be submitted through the Terra Dotta portal in the Student Center once students have accepted their offer of admission, and any visa or I-20 questions should be directed to International Student Services (ISS).
Important Message About Agents and Consultants
The University of Wisconsin–Madison recognizes that agents or consultants are retained in many parts of the world to assist students in applying to colleges and universities in the United States. However, the university does not partner with third parties (agents or educational consultants) to represent the University, nor to recruit or enroll international students for degree seeking programs. Agents who may be retained by students to help with the application process are not recognized as representatives of the university and do not have a contractual agreement or partnership with the university.
International Student Services
The International Student Services website provides information about transitioning to UW–Madison, visa and immigration policies, and on-campus programming. Explore the guide for international students, which features student testimonials about academics, student life, and life in the City of Madison.
Transferring International College Credit
Our international admissions 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 enrollment.
Scholarships for International Students
Explore scholarship opportunities specifics for international students.
Next Steps for Admitted International Students
In addition to Admitted Student Next Steps, our international students have some additional steps to complete before arriving on campus, including information on obtaining your visa, the I-20 process, our Financial Verification Form for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, and mailing information for your visa.