Understanding International Student Status At Uta

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has a large international student population, with over 6,000 students from more than 100 countries. The university offers a range of resources and support services for international students, including an International Office and an Office of International Education, which provides intercultural programs, training, and ongoing support. UTA also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities and private student loans for international students. The admissions process for international students at UTA involves submitting the required documents, fees, and test scores, as well as demonstrating financial stability and proficiency in the English language.

International first-year student application process

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has outlined the following steps for international first-year students to complete their application for admissions.

Firstly, note that the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that you show proof of adequate resources to meet your first year of educational and living expenses. Before an I-20 can be issued, a financial statement form must be completed and returned with the indicated documentation. Financial documents may be submitted online. If you are already in the US on an F-1 student visa, you must establish transfer eligibility by submitting a school transfer notification before UTA initiates the transfer.

Secondly, if your native language is not English, you must demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency. For TOEFL, a score of 79 or above on the internet-based test is required. For IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required, and for Duolingo, a minimum score of 100.

Thirdly, submit your application and all required documents by the deadline. UTA accepts applications through ApplyTexas and The Common Application. The priority date for Fall is February 15, for Spring it is October 15, and for Summer, it is April 1. Although applications are accepted after the priority date, submitting your application and required documents will ensure guaranteed consideration.

Finally, note that it can take up to 5-7 business days for submitted application materials to be processed. If your application status is "Complete", allow up to 3-5 weeks for UTA to process an admission decision.

UTA is currently test-optional, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not required for an admissions decision. However, submitting test scores can help determine admissions decisions, testing exemptions, and scholarship opportunities.

International graduate student application process

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers a range of resources to help international graduate students with their application process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

Step 1: Review Program Requirements

Before starting your application, carefully review the requirements for your intended graduate program. Each academic department at UTA sets its own admissions criteria and makes independent admission decisions. Visit the website of your chosen academic department to understand the specific requirements, including any program-related documents that may be needed, such as letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, or writing samples.

Step 2: Check Test Score Requirements

Contact your academic department to inquire about any required test scores for your specific program. If required, official test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency. UTA's ETS institutional code is 6013. For students whose native language is not English, a sufficient level of English language proficiency must be demonstrated. The required scores vary depending on the test: TOEFL (79 or above), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (100 or above).

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires international students to provide proof of adequate financial resources to cover their first year of educational and living expenses. Before an I-20 can be issued, you must complete and submit a financial statement form, along with the necessary supporting documentation. If you are already in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa and wish to transfer, you must submit a school transfer notification before UTA initiates the transfer process.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Required Documents

Complete and submit your admissions application, ensuring that all required documents are included. You can track the status of your application through the MyMav student portal. Please note that it can take up to 5-7 business days for submitted materials to be processed and reflected on your to-do list. If your application status is "Complete," allow up to 3-5 weeks for UTA to process an admission decision.

Step 5: Fellowship and Assistantship Opportunities

UTA offers fellowships and graduate assistantships to support international graduate students. Contact your academic department's graduate advisor to learn more about these opportunities and their respective requirements.

Step 6: Application Fee

If you haven't already paid the application fee when submitting your application, you can do so online. Please note that application fees are non-refundable, and fee waivers are not available for Accelerated Online programs.

International student financial requirements

International students at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) are required to meet certain financial requirements to be admitted to the university. While international students cannot qualify for federal financial aid, there are other options available, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, fellowships, and private student loans.

Proof of Financial Resources

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that international students show proof of adequate resources to cover their first year of educational and living expenses. This proof of financial support must be provided before an I-20 can be issued. International students must complete and return a financial statement form with the required documentation. Financial documents can be submitted online.

Scholarships and Assistantships

UTA offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically for international students. Information about these scholarships can be obtained by contacting the International Office at [email protected] or (817) 272-2355, or by visiting the Scholarships & Loans page on the UTA website. UTA also offers fellowships and graduate assistantships, which interested students can learn more about by contacting their academic department graduate advisor.

Private Student Loans

International students at UTA can also apply for private student loans through a variety of lenders. These loans typically require a credit check and have variable interest rates and repayment terms. Students can find more information about private loan lenders through UTA's FAST Choice lender database, using the "International" Resident Type filter. Additionally, the Mustaque Ahmed Loan Fund provides short-term loans for immediate emergency needs.

Transfer Eligibility

If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa and wish to transfer to UTA, you must establish transfer eligibility by submitting a school transfer notification before UTA initiates the transfer. This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth transition to UTA as an international student.

International student scholarships and loans

International students at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, there are other scholarship and loan options available.

Scholarships

UTA offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students. To learn about these opportunities, students can contact the International Office at [email protected] or (817) 272-2355, or visit the Scholarships & Loans page.

International students can also apply for study abroad scholarships offered by the Office of International Education. These include:

• The Jerry Lewis and Michael S. Fuller Endowment for Study Abroad Programs
• The Nancy L. Hadaway and Arthur D. Sikes, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund
• The Follett Endowment for Global Engagement
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• The Gilman-McCain Scholarship
• The Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Loans

UTA offers the Mustaque Ahmed Loan Fund, which provides short-term loans to international students for immediate needs. Additionally, private student loans are available to international students through a variety of lenders. These loans typically have variable interest rates and repayment terms and may require a credit check. Students can find more information about private loan options on the Alternative Loans webpage and in the FAST Choice lender database.

Other Financial Requirements

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires international students to demonstrate that they have adequate resources to cover their first year of educational and living expenses. A financial statement form and supporting documents must be submitted before an I-20 can be issued. Students already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa must submit a school transfer notification before initiating a transfer to UTA.

International student visa requirements

International students who wish to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two primary types of student visas are:

• F-1 visa: This is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. F-1 visa holders must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.
• M-1 visa: This is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa, the school must be SEVP-approved.

In addition to the above, there is also the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is meant for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

To obtain a student visa, applicants must typically undergo an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. The process may include the following steps:

• Apply to a SEVP-approved school in the US.
• If accepted, the school will register the student for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue a Form I-20.
• Submit the required financial documents proving that adequate resources are available to meet the first year of educational and living expenses.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Schedule a visa interview and pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
• Present the Form I-20 and passport (valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay) during the visa interview.
• If the visa is approved, pay the visa issuance fee, if applicable.

Frequently asked questions