International Students At Uh: Who Can Apply?

does u hawaii admit international students

The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that accepts international students at its campuses. The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu offers a student-focused and innovative educational experience. It engages students through integrated learning opportunities that link learning to significant issues that impact the community. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is another institution that accepts international students. Hawaiʻi has the highest average cost of living in the United States, but most colleges and universities in the state have options for international students to offset this cost.

Characteristics Values
University University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Admission requirements TOEFL, IELTS, SAT Writing, ACT English scores, GPA, high school/secondary school work, college/university work, transcripts, examination certifications
Visa requirements F-1, J-1
Deadlines Fall semester: May 1; Spring semester: October 1
Address University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, 91-1001 Farrington Highway Kapolei, HI 96707
Contact Email: [email protected]
Cost of living Highest in the United States
Financial aid Scholarships, internships, loans, grants, student employment
Benefits Rich cultural diversity, biological diversity, exceptional research opportunities, outdoor recreational activities, thriving location, longest average human lifespan in the US

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International student application requirements

The University of Hawaiʻi offers a distinct educational experience that is student-focused and innovative. International students who require a visa to enter the United States to pursue their education are classified as international students. The University of Hawaiʻi admits international students, and below are the application requirements for international students.

International applicants, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents whose native language is not English, must complete the application form and provide the following:

  • Official secondary and post-secondary school transcripts.
  • Examination certifications (e.g. General Certificate of Education) and other documents showing all high school and any completed post-secondary work.
  • A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report for applicants from countries where English is not the primary language.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or better (academic section only).
  • SAT Writing score of 510 or higher.
  • ACT English score of 22 or higher.
  • Application fee of $70.
  • Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide a certified bank statement in U.S. dollars signed within the last 6 months attesting to financial support.

International students whose first language is not English may also be required to demonstrate English proficiency by taking one of the approved English proficiency tests, such as the English Language Admissions Test (ELAT) administered by BYUH.

Deadlines

Deadlines for international student applications are different from other applications. The deadline for the Fall semester is May 1, and the deadline for the Spring semester is October 1. Please allow two to four weeks for the processing of your completed application.

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English language proficiency tests

The University of Hawaiʻi has specific requirements for international students to demonstrate English language proficiency. These requirements vary depending on the campus and the student's academic level. Here are the details for the English language proficiency tests for the University of Hawaiʻi system:

University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu (UH West Oʻahu)

International students applying to UH West Oʻahu who need an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States must meet specific admissions requirements for English language proficiency. The university accepts the following tests and scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum scores required for admission.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A score of 6.5 or higher in the academic section.
  • SAT Writing: A score of 510 or higher.
  • ACT English: A score of 22 or higher.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, also known as UHM, has English language requirements for international students as part of the Mānoa International Exchange (MIX) program. MIX allows applicants to submit their English proficiency test scores to the MIX Office via email. However, if the score appears unofficial, the office may request an official score. The accepted tests and scores include:

  • TOEFL: MIX accepts TOEFL scores, and the test scores cannot be more than two years old.
  • IELTS: MIX accepts IELTS scores, and the test scores cannot be more than two years old.
  • ELI Placement Test: This test is required if the applicant's English proficiency test score is below the minimum required score. The ELI Placement Test includes two listening tests, two reading tests, and one writing test.

University of Hawaiʻi System (UH Graduate School)

The University of Hawaiʻi system, including the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and other campuses, has specific English language proficiency requirements for international graduate applicants. The accepted tests and scores include:

  • TOEFL: An internet-based test (iBT) score of 79 or higher, or a paper-based test (pBT) score of 550 or higher.
  • IELTS: Scores are accepted, and the test scores should be within the last two years.
  • Duolingo English Test: The Duolingo English Test is accepted, and it is valid for two years from the test date.

It is important to note that the University of Hawaiʻi may have specific deadlines and requirements for submitting official test scores. Prospective students should refer to the admissions guidelines for their desired campus and program to ensure they meet all the necessary English language proficiency requirements.

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Application deadlines

The University of Hawaiʻi welcomes international students to its campuses. The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu offers a distinct educational experience that is student-focused and innovative. The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, located in Honolulu, HI, in an urban setting, also admits international students.

The University of Hawaiʻi has different application deadlines for its Fall and Spring semesters. The Fall semester deadline is May 1, and the Spring semester deadline is October 1. The deadlines for international student applications are different from other applications. The University advises allowing two to four weeks for the processing of completed applications.

International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States or are currently living in the U.S. on any type of visa must meet specific admissions requirements. These include taking a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The TOEFL test must be sent directly to UH West O‘ahu from Educational Testing Services, and the minimum score for admission is not provided. For the IELTS, a score of 6.5 or better is required. Other requirements include a SAT Writing score of 510 or higher and an ACT English score of 22 or higher.

International students must also submit official transcripts from all previously attended non-University of Hawaiʻi regionally accredited post-secondary educational institutions. Transcripts are considered official when sent directly to UH West O‘ahu by the previous institution. Paper transcripts should be mailed in a sealed envelope, and electronic transcripts can be sent via email through third-party vendors such as eScrip, Parchment, Docufide, and National Student Clearinghouse. Additionally, students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide a certified bank statement in U.S. dollars, signed within the last six months, attesting to financial support for the estimated Cost of Attendance.

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Financial aid and scholarships

The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that offers a distinct educational experience that is student-focused and innovative. The university has a diverse range of ecosystems, academic and professional opportunities, and a thriving cultural environment.

The cost of living in Hawaii is the highest in the United States, so financial aid and scholarships are essential for international students. The University of Hawaiʻi offers a Common Scholarship Application, and many scholarships are funded by UH Foundation donors. The university also has area centers and degree programs that provide UH Foundation scholarships to their students. These include Asian Studies, Centers for Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Pacific Islands Studies, Philippine Studies, South Asian Studies, and Southeast Asian Studies.

Additionally, the Office of Admissions at UH Manoa offers merit-based scholarships to eligible applicants, recognizing their academic strengths. There are also scholarships provided by nonprofit and private organizations based on criteria such as academic excellence, athletic talent, leadership qualities, chosen field of study, and financial need.

International students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide a certified bank statement attesting to their financial support for the estimated Cost of Attendance, which includes the Cost of Living and Tuition.

  • The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to high school students in Hawaii who intend to pursue a career in business and encourage them to pursue higher education.
  • The Royal Business Bank Scholarship offers four awards of $1,000 each to high school seniors planning to pursue a college education full-time.
  • The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program provides funding for tuition, books, related educational costs, and a monthly stipend for eligible students.
  • The Lawrence "Uncle Bo" Campos Scholarship is for Hawaii Island graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, who have demonstrated academic achievement and community participation.

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Student visa requirements

The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that welcomes international students. The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu offers a distinct educational experience that is student-focused and innovative. Students are engaged through integrated learning opportunities that link learning to significant issues impacting the community.

International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States or are currently living in the U.S. on any type of visa must meet certain admissions requirements. Here are the key requirements for obtaining a student visa:

Academic Requirements:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must provide TOEFL scores sent directly from Educational Testing Services. The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu sets a minimum score for admission.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An overall score of 6.5 or higher in the academic section is generally required.
  • Standardized Test Scores: Applicants may also be required to submit SAT or ACT scores, with minimum scores specified by the university.

Financial Requirements:

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide proof of financial support. This typically includes a certified bank statement in U.S. dollars, signed within the last 6 months, attesting to financial support for the estimated Cost of Attendance, including tuition and living expenses.

Transcript Requirements:

  • Official transcripts must be received directly by the University of Hawaiʻi from all previously attended post-secondary educational institutions.
  • Secondary school transcripts must include a list of courses, grades, class rank, and an explanation of the school's grading system.
  • Post-secondary school transcripts must include courses taken, grades/marks received, hours spent in each class, the school's grading system, and class rank.

Visa Application Process:

  • Students should apply for their student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • The University of Hawaiʻi issues the necessary visa documents, such as the I-20 form for F-1 students and the DS-2019 form for J-1 students.
  • Allow sufficient processing time for your visa application, typically a few weeks, and ensure you meet the application deadlines set by the university.

Health Requirements:

International students are required to satisfy certain health requirements, including submitting immunization records and, in some cases, taking a TB test upon arrival in Hawaiʻi if they will be in the state for more than 5 months.

It is important to note that international students in Hawaiʻi can expect a unique study abroad experience, with exceptional research opportunities in a diverse range of ecosystems. Additionally, Hawaiʻi offers a comfortable and accepting environment, with a rich cultural diversity that enhances the overall student experience.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the University of Hawaiʻi accepts international students. The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution. International students have access to many scholarship, internship, and financial aid opportunities.

International students must meet the admissions requirements, including providing official transcripts, examination certifications, and other documents showing high school and any completed post-secondary work. International students must also provide health clearances, including a Certificate of TB (Tuberculosis) examination, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Tdap (Tetanus-diphteria-acellular-pertussis), and Varicella (chickenpox). Additionally, students from countries where English is not the primary language must provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or better.

The University of Hawaiʻi offers a distinct educational experience that is student-focused and innovative, with integrated learning opportunities linked to significant community issues. International students can enjoy the unique surroundings, slower-paced lifestyle, and rich cultural diversity that Hawaiʻi offers. The state has the highest concentration of mixed-race individuals and is one of two "majority-minority states" in the US. Hawaiʻi also boasts exceptional research opportunities, with its diverse range of ecosystems, local plants, and animals.

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