Understanding University Of Wisconsin's Definition Of An International Student

The University of Wisconsin welcomes international students from over 100 countries to its 13 universities. To be considered an international student, you must require a visa to attend the University of Wisconsin. This includes students living inside and outside the United States. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States with the largest number of international students. The application process for international students is the same as for first-year or transfer students, with additional requirements such as proof of English proficiency and financial stability.

International students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomes international students from over 100 countries. The university is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States with the largest number of international students.

Application Process

International students need to apply as either first-year or transfer students, with no separate application process for international students. The university requires official academic records from secondary and post-secondary education, as well as any college or university attended. All records should be in English, and some campuses may require both the native language and English.

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score requirements vary, with TOEFL scores ranging from 61 to 80+, and IELTS scores ranging from 5.5 to 6.5+. Other accepted tests include the Duolingo English Test (DET), the Cambridge English Exam, and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Financial Requirements

International students are required to declare and verify their funding. The estimated expenses for nine months range from $24,440 to $39,313. Scholarship opportunities are available, but students are generally expected to finance their education and living expenses.

International Student Services (ISS)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison provides support for international students through the International Student Services (ISS) division. ISS offers advising on immigration, personal, and cultural matters, and organizes events and activities to foster engagement and development within the campus community.

Visiting International Student Program (VISP)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison also offers the Visiting International Student Program (VISP), allowing international students to study for one or more terms as a University Special student. This program is for students who are not seeking a degree from UW–Madison and are not part of a formal exchange program.

International students at other UW universities

The University of Wisconsin (UW) is a system of 13 universities, including UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior, and UW-Whitewater.

International students are welcomed at all 13 UW universities, with over 10,000 international undergraduate and graduate students from 136 countries across the system. An international student is anyone who requires a visa to attend a UW university, including those living inside and outside the United States.

Each UW university has specific undergraduate and graduate international admission requirements. For example, at UW-Madison, there is not a separate application process for international students. However, international students must provide additional documentation, such as English translations of transcripts and proof of English language proficiency.

International students are recognised as a vital part of UW universities, and support services are available to help them transition to life at UW and navigate visa and immigration policies.

English language proficiency requirements

The University of Wisconsin (UW) comprises 13 universities, each with its own specific undergraduate and graduate international admission requirements. However, there are some commonalities.

English language proficiency is a requirement for all international students at the University of Wisconsin. There are two ways to demonstrate proficiency:

• Submission of English language test scores: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), or Cambridge English Test.
• Prior education in English: If English was the primary language of instruction for all four years of secondary school, or if you have completed a college-level English composition course at an accredited US institution, you may be exempt from submitting test scores.

Test Scores

Each UW university has different minimum score requirements for the TOEFL, IELTS, DET, and other tests. These scores are the minimum to be considered for admission, and individual programs may require higher scores. Test scores cannot be older than two years from the time of application.

For example, at UW-Madison, the minimum scores are:

• TOEFL iBT: 80+
• IELTS: 6.5+
• DET: 115+

At UW-Milwaukee, the minimum scores are:

• TOEFL iBT: 71
• IELTS: 6.0
• DET: 110

Prior Education in English

If you are applying as a transfer student and English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school, or if you have successfully completed a college-level English composition course at an accredited US institution, you may be exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.

However, this waiver does not apply to English composition courses taken at US branch campuses abroad.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to demonstrating English language proficiency, international students must also meet other requirements, such as:

• Submission of official academic records from secondary and post-secondary education.
• Verification of financial stability to meet educational and living expenses.
• Submission of official transcripts and graduation credentials.
• For students from non-English-speaking countries, translation of transcripts into English may be required.

Please refer to the specific UW university you are interested in for detailed admission requirements and guidelines.

Application process for international students

The University of Wisconsin welcomes students from over 100 countries, and all 13 UW universities accept applications from international students. The application process for international students depends on the specific university within the University of Wisconsin system that you are applying to. Each UW university has its own unique admission guidelines, so it is important to review the requirements for each university you are interested in. However, there are some general steps and requirements that apply to most international students applying to UW universities.

Firstly, international students should be proficient in the English language, academically qualified, and financially stable enough to meet educational and day-to-day living expenses. Most UW universities require international students to verify their English proficiency through exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). Minimum score requirements vary among UW universities, so be sure to check the specific requirements for each university.

Additionally, official academic records from secondary and post-secondary education, as well as any college or university you have attended, are required. All records should be submitted in English, and some campuses may require both your native language and English versions. These records must be sent directly to each UW university you are applying to, and they must be official (notarized copies are not accepted).

It is also important to pay close attention to the instructions included with your application for admission and/or information packet, as there may be additional requirements or steps specific to the university.

For undergraduate admission, the minimum test scores required are:

• TOEFL iBT total score of 75
• IELTS overall score of 6.0
• Duolingo English Test overall score of 110
• SAT score of 24
• ACT score of 17
• IGCSE score of 5
• WESLI score of 700
• MTELP score of 73

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is a great choice for international students, with over 7,000 international students from more than 116 countries. There is not a separate application process for international students at UW–Madison; however, specific requirements may vary based on your curriculum or country of study. In addition to the general requirements mentioned above, UW–Madison requires the following:

• Official copy of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) attested by a school official
• Internal grades for coursework taken in grade 11 through the time of application
• Official transcripts and graduation credentials confirming completion of planned coursework and eligibility for higher education
• If your school does not issue transcripts in English, an official translation of the entire original transcript is required, along with the original non-English transcript
• For students currently enrolled in high school at the time of application: official transcripts from years 9, 10, 11, and internal grades for coursework taken in grade 12 through the time of application
• For students who have already completed high school at the time of application: official transcripts from years 9, 10, 11, 12, and an attested copy of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

The University of Wisconsin also offers the Visiting International Student Program (VISP) at UW–Madison, which allows international students to study for one or more semesters or a summer term without being enrolled in a degree program. To be eligible for this program, students must have completed at least one semester of college/university study and meet language proficiency requirements. The application process for VISP is outlined on the program's website, and students are encouraged to apply at least three months before their intended start date at UW–Madison.

Scholarships and financial aid for international students

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States with the largest number of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students.

Scholarships

International students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are eligible for many scholarships. The Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) is a platform that allows international students to explore and apply for scholarships. Some scholarships are awarded automatically, while others require a separate application through WiSH. Incoming students with an active NetID and password are automatically considered for scholarships.

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is a full-time, four-year scholarship opportunity for incoming first-year students. The scholarship includes tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, health insurance, airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. The program is available to citizens of select countries in Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

Another scholarship opportunity for international students is the Western Union Scholarship. This scholarship, made possible through the support of Western Union, provides a one-time $1,000 award to a first-year international student from an underrepresented country.

Financial Aid

International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa in the U.S. do not qualify for U.S. federal financial aid or Wisconsin state financial aid programs. Most international students are self-funded, receive assistance from family or community members, and/or seek out external scholarships.

The International Student Services (ISS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison provides information on funding opportunities for international students, including scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans. The ISS may also be able to provide short-term loans in emergencies.

Additionally, the Office of Student Financial Aid offers resources and guidance on financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Students interested in applying for financial aid are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Frequently asked questions