FAQs
International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
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International Student FAQs
Do I need to confirm my attendance to the University of Arizona and how do I pay my deposit?
Once a student earns direct admission, they will be required to pay an Enrollment Fee which will confirm their attendance. Conditionally admitted students are NOT required to confirm attendance or pay a deposit to the University of Arizona.
Do I need to take the TOEFL if I have been studying in the United States?
It depends. If you have completed 3 years of regular English classes with a "C" or better at an accredited American high school (domestic or abroad), you do not need to take the TOEFL.
If you have completed less than 3 years at an accredited American high school or were enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL)-level classes, you are still required to demonstrate English proficiency. Click here to review how you will meet the English Proficiency requirement.
International Undergraduate Admissions may review the English proficiency requirement and make admission decisions based on the totality of the student’s application, including but not limited to high school academic performance, extracurricular activities, and/or other test scores.
How am I informed of my admission decision?
You will be informed about your admission decision via email and paper admissions packet. The notification will be sent to the email address provided on your application on the day the admission decision is made. If you have a UA email account, notification will be sent to your UA email address. Once your I-20 is ready, you will be mailed an admission packet.
How and when can I register for classes?
All new students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. During this program, you will meet with your academic advisor, who will advise you what courses to take and how your transfer credits apply to your degree at the university. Then, you will register for your classes with the assistance from the staff members of International Student Services.
How can I pay the US $85 application fee?
You can pay this non-refundable application fee with a major credit card (VISA or MasterCard) via the online application or by calling (520) 621-3237. You can also pay by check or money order drawn on a U.S. banking affiliate, made payable to the University of Arizona. If you are in Tucson, you can submit your payment to the front desk at Bear Down Gym.
How do I apply for a scholarship or financial assistance?
The University of Arizona does not offer full scholarship (tuition and living expenses) to international students. The UA, however, offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships. You do not need to file a separate scholarship application. To learn more please visit our International Tuition Award webpage.
Once admitted to the UA, you will also be able to search for supplemental aid on Scholarship Universe, a database of public and private scholarships.
How do I change or add a college or major?
IMPORTANT: The following information is for newly admitted students only. If you are a current UA student, please contact an advisor in the college that you would like to transfer into.
You can change/add a college or major at any point in your academic career at the University of Arizona. Please be aware that certain majors may require prerequisites.
A change of major before registration of classes is done through the Office of Admissions. Please send a letter or email stating the major that you have initially applied for and the new major you are requesting. The letter/email must have the spelling of your full name (spell FAMILY NAME in capital letters), date of birth, and student ID number if you have been admitted. Please keep in mind that if you have been admitted and an I-20 has been issued, you must return the old I-20 before a new one can be issued. This may delay processing of your visa and your departure.
Once you have registered for classes, to declare a major in a different college, you must first receive permission from the dean’s office of the college to which you wish to transfer. Change from one college to another is initiated by filing a change of college form with the new college.
To change majors within your current college, consult with the academic advisor for the new major regarding program requirements and the procedure to declare the major. There may be restrictions on the time of the semester for declaring a major or changing colleges.
Once you have changed your major, please contact International Student Services (ISS) to let them know of the changes so they can update your I-20.
How do I change the start term of my admission?
Your admission offer is only valid for the term that you apply. If you would like to attend the UA at a later term, you will need to submit a new application, application fee, and submit any updated high school or college transcripts.
How do I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application by signing into UA Future. A Username (Login) and Password will be provided to your email once you complete the online application. You can expect an admissions decision 15 business days from the date that all of your application documents are received by UA. Applicants with U.S. secondary or U.S. college/university transcripts may experience longer processing times.
How do I transfer credits that I have completed at other post-secondary institutions to the University of Arizona?
The University of Arizona only allow transfer credits completed from international post-secondary institutions, which are recognized by the Ministry of Education as degree-granting institutions. American colleges and universities must be accredited by one of the Regional Accreditation Associations.
The following courses which may be completed at a recognized or accredited post-secondary institution are not transferred to The University of Arizona:
- College remedial, vocational, and personal development courses
- Courses completed with a grade of "D" or equivalent and below
- English composition courses completed at institutions in non-English speaking countries
NOT all transfer credits may apply toward the requirements for your degree. Your academic advisor will make this determination after reviewing the course descriptions or syllabi.
How long will it take for me to receive my paper admission packet?
The timeframe for receipt of admission packets varies greatly, but usually takes approximately 3-5 weeks to arrive.
To help speed up the process, please prepare your I-20 documents including your Declaration of Support, bank statement, and Passport biography page at the time of application, or immediately upon receipt of your admission email. These documents will need to be uploaded directly to UA International. It can take up to 48 hours to access UA International after you have created your UA NetID and password.
Once the documents have been uploaded successfully and approved, your I-20 will be created within 7-10 business days. Your admission packet will be mailed out upon receipt of your I-20 to either a U.S. mailing address or through an eShipGlobal order.
If you have questions regarding your I-20 or the required documents, please email intl-doc@email.arizona.edu.
Do not send copies of the required documents to this or any other email address unless specifically requested to do so.
How will I receive my I-20?
Conditionally admitted students will not receive an I-20 for the University of Arizona. If students plan to attend the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) programs at the University of Arizona, CESL will provide them with their I-20. Once students have earned direct admission, the University will issue a new I-20 or provide students with documents to transfer their current I-20 and SEVIS number.
I am currently studying in the U.S. and have a current, valid I-20, do I need a new I-20 and SEVIS number?
If you are an admitted student and are currently studying in the U.S. on a valid visa and I-20, the University of Arizona (UA) will have you complete an I-20 SEVIS Transfer form. This form will allow you to utilize the same SEVIS number with your new I-20 from the UA. This form must be completed before receiving your new UA I-20.
NOTE: you will not receive your new I-20 until you have successfully completed the semester at your current institution.
I am having trouble downloading my Conditional Admission Letter.
Conditional admission letters are PDF files available through the portal link provided to you in your conditional admission email. Please allow 2-3 days after receiving your conditional admission email for your letter to become available. If you are still not able to download the file through the portal after the allotted 3 day waiting period, please email intladmissions@email.arizona.edu.
I am interested in living on-campus. How do I apply for Housing?
On campus housing is available to all students on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about housing options, including costs, please click here. You may also find more information in your Next Steps Portal.
Housing applications are separate from your admission application. Therefore, not all admitted students are guaranteed on-campus accommodations.
I cannot send you the only original credentials that I possess, what can I do?
You can make photocopies of the original credentials and have them certified by the authorized official at the institution that issues them or the Ministry of Education. These copies must bear the original signature of the authorized official and the colored institutional seal. We do not accept certification of a notary public.
I completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Will I receive transfer credit for the exams taken?
Yes, students who complete IB exams may be eligible to obtain transferable credit for University of Arizona courses. For more details regarding transfer credits and IB scores, please visit our catalog.
I don’t remember my UA Future username or password.
You can retrieve your UA Future username or password here by clicking on Reset password. Please note that your online application username and password are different than your UA Future account.
I have been admitted to the Summer term, how do I register for classes before attending Orientation?
If you have been admitted for the Summer term, you must contact International Students Services to register for Summer Orientation and to have the Orientation hold removed from your account in order to register for classes.
I have decided not to attend the UA, what do I need to do?
If you would like to cancel your admission to the University of Arizona and have not paid your Enrollment Fee, please complete and submit the Admissions Cancelation Form.
If you have already paid your Enrollment Fee, please note:
- Deadline to request refunds for spring semester: December 15
- Deadline to request refunds for summer/fall semester: July 15
- Enrollment Fee refunds are only processed via check, never deposits or refunds directly to bank accounts unless you have a U.S. checking account.
- If you have a U.S. checking/savings account, log into your UAccess Student Center and enter your checking account information via Web Refund located in the Finances section of your Student Center. Once you cancel your admission, your refund will be sent to your U.S. checking/savings account within 2-3 business days.
- Checks are in U.S. funds (USD)
- If the refund deadlines have already passed, you are still able to cancel your admission through your Next Steps Center.
How to cancel admission and request the refund of the Enrollment Fee, if the deadline has not passed:
- Verify your permanent & mailing address in UAccess
- Cancel your admission in Next Steps Center
- The refund will automatically be processed via the Bursar’s Office and mailed to your permanent/mailing address
- Checks mailed to international addresses may take 20-25 days to arrive.
I have decided to not live in on-campus housing, what are my options?
International students may also consider living in off campus accommodations, which includes: apartments, condos, houses, etc. These properties surround the UA campus, have a variety of amenities that cater to students lifestyles, and are available at different price points. For more information and assistance please visit: offcampus.arizona.edu.
Please note: These housing accommodations are not affiliated with the University of Arizona.
I have earned conditional admission, what should I do next?
With conditional admission, students must still provide the required proof of English proficiency to enroll in coursework at the University of Arizona. All conditionally admitted students have until the application deadline for the term of admission to submit proof of proficiency via test score.
Students may also choose to attend the University of Arizona’s Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) to complete their English proficiency requirement. Students who choose this pathway earn three semesters (including the semester that conditional admissions was received for) to prove their proficiency while their academic admissions offer to UA remains valid. For more information about the programs offered through CESL and to apply, please visit: www.cesl.arizona.edu.
For a full list of ways to fulfill your English proficiency requirement, please go to: How to Apply | Freshmen International and view step #4.
I need a paper application, how do I obtain one?
Please email intladmissions@email.arizona.edu if you would like the Office of International Admissions to email you a PDF version of the admissions application. Note, paper applications must be returned to our office by mail, they cannot be submitted as an email attachment.
I plan to attend the university with a different visa other than a F-1 student visa (H2, A2, pending Permanent Resident, etc.). Do I still need to submit a Declaration of Support and Bank Statement?
If you are not in need of a F-1 student visa, you do not need to submit a Declaration of Support and Bank Statement. Please contact International Student Services (ISS) to confirm that you will not need a F-1 visa at intl-doc@email.arizona.edu
I submitted proof of English proficiency (TOEFL OR IELTS) scores. How long does it take to update my status?
Once you have achieved an admissible TOEFL (70 or more) or IELTS (6.0 or more) score, you must request the scores to be submitted to the University of Arizona through the testing center. The testing center will send your scores directly to the university once the center has verified your scores. This process could take a minimum of 3 weeks to complete. The University of Arizona ONLY accepts official, verified scores that are sent by the testing center. To ensure accuracy in processing your scores, please make sure your name on the test matches the name on your submitted application. If you have any questions about the status of your English proficiency test results, please email: intladmissions@email.arizona.edu
NOTE: If you have earned CESL Endorsement, your English proficiency requirement will be updated once we receive documentation from CESL. Endorsement will occur at the end of the CESL session. CESL Endorsement is valid for direct admission to the university for the upcoming semester if received before the start of Orientation.
I took A or AS Level classes exams, will I be able to get college credit for my exams?
Yes, if you completed A or AS Level courses and passed the exam with an E or greater, you will earn college credit for those exams. Note: certain exemptions apply. For more information please visit our catalog.
I was admitted into Engineering - No Major Selected, but my sponsor wants my admission letter to show my specific engineering major. How can I get this?
The University of Arizona does not admit freshmen into a specific engineering major, but rather as Engineering - No Major Selected. Once a student has completed the required prerequisite university coursework, the student will then be placed into their specific major.
Students who need documentation for their sponsor can contact the Program Director for Sponsored Programs in International Student Services at intlsp@email.arizona.edu.
I was admitted to Pre-Business, but my sponsor wants my admission letter to show my specific business major. How can I get this?
The University of Arizona does not admit freshmen to a specific business major, but rather as Pre-Business. Once a student has completed the required prerequisite university coursework, the student will then be placed into their specific major.
Students who need documentation for their sponsor can contact the Program Director for Sponsored Programs in International Student Services at intlsp@email.arizona.edu.
Is the SAT score report required for admissions consideration?
The University of Arizona does not require students to submit SAT scores for admission.
We, however, recommend that you take the SAT and have the score report sent to our office (School Code: 4832). Your scores will enhance your chance for admission and being considered for scholarship. Also, your English proficiency requirement will be waived if you achieve a SAT Verbal score of 580 or higher.
What do Required, Received, Insufficient, and Complete mean on UA Future?
Required: Application item is required to be submitted. Students applying for conditional admission do not need to submit Proof of English Proficiency.
Received: Application item has been received by the Office of International Admissions, but it has not been reviewed yet. It may be necessary for the applicant to supply additional documentation.
Insufficient: Application item was reviewed, but additional documentation must be submitted by the applicant. Please contact intladmissions@email.arizona.edu to see what else you need to submit.
Complete: Application item was reviewed and that item is now complete. No additional action is needed.
What documents do I need to send with my application?
Please click on this link and select the appropriate country for the specific requirements and credentials that you must submit. If you have attended a post-secondary institution, you must also send the official transcript (mark sheet) for the courses you have completed and the grades you earned.
What is a Declaration of Support and Bank Statement? Do I submit them before or after I have been admitted?
The Declaration of Support is a document that identifies who will be funding your education. The bank statement is a document provided by your bank (or your sponsor’s bank) showing that you have the appropriate funds to live and study in the United States.
Once students have been admitted they will receive instructions in their admission email on how to upload and submit these documents directly to UA International.
The University of Arizona cannot issue an I-20 form until both of these documents have been uploaded.
What is conditional admission and how do I apply for it?
Conditional admission is given to a student who demonstrates the appropriate academic ability to attend the University of Arizona, but cannot demonstrate satisfactory proof of English proficiency. A student has until the application deadline for the term that they are admitted to provide proof of English proficiency (usually through a TOEFL or IELTS score).
Students who attend UA’s Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) are granted an extension to their conditional admission offer.
To apply for conditional admission, please visit our Steps to Apply
What is my NetID?
Your UA NetID is a unique identifier that allows you access to UA systems. Specific information about how to create your unique NetID can be found in the email you received informing you of your admissions decision. When you have access to your admissions email, please click here to create your NetID.
The NetID will also be the first part of your email address. For example: wildcat@email.arizona.edu (NetID = wildcat).
What is the annual cost of attendance?
Please visit our International Student Cost page to find the estimated cost of attendance.
What should I do if I am having trouble accessing the Next Steps Center?
The Next Steps Center is only available to students with direct (unconditional) admission.
When and where do I get the I-20 form?
After the University of Arizona has reviewed your complete application for admission, if you meet the admission requirements, the UA will process your application for admission. Your admission packet including the Admissions Certificate, the Pre-Arrival Brochure and the I-20 form will be mailed to the address that you provided on your application. Please make sure to keep your address current to prevent a delay in receiving your I-20.
When do I have to make tuition payments?
You will be responsible for tuition payments after you have registered for your classes. As a new student, you must make all payments before the first day of classes, otherwise a late fee will be added or your classes will be dropped. For payment options and information, please visit the Bursar's Office. You will be able to view your balance and make payments through UAccess (you will create a NetID and password after being admitted).
The enrollment fee and any housing application fees (if applicable) are separate costs and must be paid prior to registering for classes.
Why can’t I access my NextSteps?
NextSteps can take up to 48 hours from the time you create your NetID to gain access to your NextSteps Center. If you are still unable to connect after 48 hours, please contact +1-520-621-5293.
Why do Engineering, Business, Law, and Nursing majors require a higher English proficiency score than other majors?
These majors require a higher English proficiency score due to the complicated vocabulary and communication skills needed to successfully complete coursework in these programs. These departments require an iBT TOEFL score composite of 79 or IELTS overall score 6.5. Students who cannot achieve the necessary English proficiency will be placed into their second choice major (selected at the time of application) and can apply to transfer into one of these majors once English proficiency has been fulfilled.
Why was I not admitted into my first choice major?
Some majors at UA have additional academic or English proficiency requirements than those required for general UA admission. Students who do not fulfill a TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS score of 6.5 but do meet the general UA requirements (TOEFL 70, IELTS 6.0) will be admitted to their second choice major. Students can be considered for their first choice major once they are able to achieve the appropriate English score.
If a student is placed into his/her second major due to a lack of academic coursework or grade point average (GPA) requirement, the student can go to the appropriate major’s webpage to find the steps needed to transfer into that major once they are a UA student.