As an international student, you can follow the transfer student application process, with some additional admission requirements. This page clarifies those requirements and answers questions you may have. You may also reach out to one of our enrollment coaches with questions about programs, how to apply and anything on your mind as you explore UW–Madison Online!
Additional admission requirements for international students
English language proficiency
Transfer students educated in non-English speaking countries must meet one of the following criteria to demonstrate English proficiency:
- Confirm that English was the primary language of instruction for all four years of secondary school.
- Complete a college-level English composition course at an accredited U.S. institution.
This requirement will not be waived for English composition taken at U.S. branch campuses abroad. For more information, visit Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and click on “Communication, 3 to 5 / 6 Credits” from the directory at the top of the page.
Country-specific requirements
Transfer students educated in non-English speaking countries must meet one of the following criteria to demonstrate English proficiency:
- You may be required to submit additional documents with your application, depending on your curriculum or country of study.
- Submit additional documents with your application, if required, depending on your curriculum or country of study.
Visit the International Students page on the Office of Admissions and Recruitment website for more information and scroll to the list of countries under “Specific Requirements for Common International Curricula.” Connect with an enrollment coach if your country of study is not listed.
For students who attended a non-English institution
If you attended a non-English institution* and your school does not issue transcripts in English, we require:
- Official translation of the entire original transcript with all course names and grades included (preferably in the same format as the original). Translation must be completed either by the school or institution (e.g. a school counselor, English teacher or other school staff member) or by an Education USA official within your home country or region.
- Official transcript and translation documents must also be submitted via the same official methods required for other official documents; email is not considered official. Both documents are required to complete your application.
Obtaining official transcripts can be challenging. We recommend calling your school directly if you have any troubles. If your school has a record office, call that office directly.
*If primary school was taught exclusively in a non-English language, this would satisfy the world language admissions requirement. As noted above, you must provide official transcript(s) and official translation document(s).
Visa status is not available through UW–Madison Online
UW–Madison cannot provide U.S. visa status for international students enrolled in UW–Madison Online degree programs. If you plan to enroll in the program while living outside the U.S. border, you are not required to have a U.S. visa.
Do you have a current visa? We recommend contacting the U.S. institution that issued your current visa paperwork with questions and to confirm that your visa status allows you to legally enroll in an online program of study (for example, if you are currently living in the U.S. on a status such as H4, J-2, etc.).
If you wish to attend UW–Madison on campus, visit the Office of Admissions and Recruitment website for more information about how to apply.
