Application Process

Eligibility

Students at international partner schools or independent visiting students who wish to participate in the University of Arkansas International Visiting Student Program must apply online and meet the established requirements. Visiting students may attend UA for no less than one semester and no more than one year.  Visiting students will be enrolled as full-time non-degree students. This means that undergraduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits per semester and graduate students must have a minimum of 9 credits. All students must provide proof of proficiency in English such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Application Procedure

Students must submit documents below through the Application for International Visiting Students page:

Independent students are welcome to apply. Applicants from UA's exchange partner institutions must be endorsed by the partnering school administrator to be considered for participation in the exchange program.

Minimum Language Score Requirements

Students with scores above TOEFL 71 (527) or IELTS 6.0 are encouraged to apply, however, the university requires a TOEFL of 550 (paper-based)/79 (internet-based) or above, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 58 on the Pearson Test of English to meeting the English language proficiency requirement for full admission.  Applicants not meeting the full admission threshold will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine their English abilities and may be offered a conditional admission that would require the student to enroll in 1-6 hours of credit-bearing English Language and Cultural Studies courses alongside their primary studies.

An intensive English program is available for students who do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirement. Refer to the International Admissions Office for more information.

Timeframe

The International Admissions Office must receive the completed application by April 15 for fall (August) admission and October 15 for spring (January) admission. Once the student is approved for the program, UA will mail the student’s acceptance letter along with supporting documents to the designated official at each partner institution or directly to the independent visiting student.

Housing Arrangements

Completed applications received by April 15/October 15 will be given housing priority in the Visiting Student Program arranged dormitories. Once you are admitted, you will receive a housing contract to complete. Students are responsible for bedding and other personal items related to their housing.

Financial Arrangements

An estimated cost to participate in the program will be provided based on the length of the program period. The length of the student program is either nine (9) months - an academic year consisting of fall and spring semesters, or five (5) months - a semester program. The cost of attendance will be based on full-time enrollment, on-campus residence hall housing, books and supplies, health insurance and estimated personal expenses.  (Partner Institutions receive the 80% Non-resident Tuition Waiver that drastically reduces the tuition cost below.)

Estimated Cost of Attendance for One Semester (2021-2022)

Billed Expenses Undergraduate (BS)
Tuition & fees [1] (Waived for Exchange Students) $10,663
Housing & Meals [2] $ 5,432
Subtotal $16,095
Other Estimate Expenses Undergraduate
Insurance $983
Books & Supplies 600
Personal Expenses [3] 1050
Subtotal $2,633
Total Estimated Expenses

$18,728

Footnotes

[1] Tuition is the amount of money charged by the University of Arkansas for classroom instruction. Tuition and fee charges vary by college/program. For a complete list of fees or to calculate the tuition for a specific program visit: Tuition and Fees Information [2] Based on Residence Hall rates for double occupancy when school is in session with a meal plan [3] Personal Expenses include laundry, snacks, recreation, clothing, etc. They DO NOT include travel or automobile purchase and/or maintenance

Students should plan to have funds available to them to pay for tuition and fees by the first week of classes. Students should also plan to bring with them a small amount of U.S. currency to have available upon their arrival in the U.S. Banks generally are not open on Sundays to open an account or for general business.

Preparing For Departure

Visas

After students receive their acceptance letter and I-20/DS-2019 form from the University of Arkansas, the student should make arrangements to pay the SEVIS fee. Students can refer to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website for information, or go directly to http://www.fmjfee.com. A receipt must be secured BEFORE a visa appointment can be made. Once the SEVIS fee receipt is received the student should make an appointment to secure a visa at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General Office in the home country. Students will need the following documents:

  • A non-immigrant visa application.
  • Visa fee.
  • A current passport.
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • SEVIS fee receipt.
  • Evidence of financial support/statement.
  • Proof of a permanent residence outside the U.S.

Travel and Arrival

Students should plan to arrive one or two days BEFORE the start of on-campus student orientation. The International Students and Scholars should be notified of arrival information at least 72 hours prior to the arrival date, so arrangements can be made for transportation from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. When the international visiting students arrive to the University of Arkansas, they should report to the International Students and Scholars and plan to attend orientation. The ISS Office and will assist the students in opening a bank account, obtaining a student ID, finalizing housing arrangements, and answering any additional questions regarding the University. Arrangements will be made to take students shopping locally to purchase personal items needed for their stay.

Health and Disability Access

Be sure to bring copies of your medical and dental records with an English translation. Also with your application materials, you will need to send proof of immunizations that include two immunizations of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). If you don’t have these immunizations, you should arrange to take these immunizations before you arrive to the University of Arkansas. A tuberculosis (T.B.) test is required for continued enrollment at the University of Arkansas. Students who have not had a T.B. skin test taken within the past 12 months within the United States or do not have the two MMR immunizations will be required to schedule a visit to the Student Health Center during the orientation program at the University of Arkansas.

The Center for Educational Access facilitates accommodations for students with physical, sensory, psychological, and learning disabilities to ensure their access to the programs and activities of the University. You must register for their services. Please contact their office through ada@uark.edu before your arrival to discuss the special needs that you have.

Completion of Visit

On a case-by-case basis, program periods can be shortened to one semester or lengthened to a total of two semesters once the student arrives. An extension to the program period can only be requested if a student gains permission from their home institution. However, students will not be allowed to become degree-seeking undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas or transfer to another school or program in the United States as degree-seeking student.

At the completion of the Visiting Students program, students should make arrangements to check out of their housing facilities, take care of any final bills, and complete coursework that is in progress. A transcript will be provided to the student’s home institution.