– Deadlines Extended –

Due to the delay in FAFSA data being supplied to the University of Oregon, the UO is extending the confirmation deadline to June 1, 2024, for first-year students admitted for fall 2024. We are also extending the priority FAFSA filing deadline to April 1, 2024, for all UO students.

International Student FAQ

  1. How does the University of Oregon define an international student?
  2. How can I apply?
  3. Can the application fee be waived for international students?
  4. Can I study part time?
  5. Are international students required to take the SAT or ACT?
  6. Does the UO offer conditional admission?
  7. Is the TOEFL required for students who have earned U.S. bachelor's degree or higher?
  8. How long is a TOEFL/IELTS score valid?
  9. Does the UO award credit for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced Placement (AP) exams?
  10. How can I find information about programs offered at the UO?
  11. Can international students apply for a second undergraduate degree?
  12. I have sent my application to the UO. What happens next?
  13. Can international students apply for financial aid and scholarships?
  14. Can international students work on campus?
  15. What should I do to get a student (F-1) visa?
  16. Do I need to submit an immunization record?
  17. Do I need health insurance?
  18. Can I defer my offer of admission?
  19. Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?
  20. How can I find out more about Eugene?
  21. What services does the U.S. government offer to international students?

1. How does the University of Oregon define an international student?

An international student is defined by meeting the following criteria:

  • Enters or is in the US specifically for the purpose of study 
  • Does not have US citizenship or legal permanent resident status but is currently in the US on a non-immigrant visa (F-1, J-1, etc.) 
  • Does not hold permanent resident status (a “green card”) 

If you have questions about whether you should apply as an international student, please contact admissions@uoregon.edu.

2. How can I apply?

International freshmen can apply using the Common Application or the University of Oregon application. We do not have a preference. Students may choose which one works best for them.

3. Can the application fee be waived for international students?

No, we do not waive the UO application fee or the Common Application fee for international students except in very rare circumstances.

4. Can I study part time?

No, international students cannot study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F-1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment. To be considered full time, undergraduate students must be registered for a minimum of 12 quarter credits. Graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 9 quarter credits to be considered full time.

5. Are international students required to take the SAT or ACT?

The UO is now test-optional, therefore, international students are not required to submit SAT or ACT results for admission to the UO. We will award merit-based scholarships through a holistic review without SAT or ACT scores.

6. Does the UO offer conditional admission?

Yes, the UO offers conditional admission for students who meet our academic requirements but do not meet our English proficiency requirements.

7. Is the TOEFL required for students who have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher?

No, the university does not require the TOEFL for students who have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher, but some graduate departments require the TOEFL from all non-native speakers of English.

8. How long is a TOEFL/IELTS score valid?

The TOEFL/IELTS score is valid for two years.

9. Does the UO award credit for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced Placement (AP) exams?

Yes, the UO awards credit for IB and AP exams. More information is available on the UO Registrar's website.

10. How can I find information about programs offered at the UO?

The Majors and Minors webpage has more information about the UO’s academic programs and majors.

11. Can international students apply for a second undergraduate degree?

Yes, international students can apply for a second undergraduate degree. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree can apply as postbaccalaureate nongraduate students.

12. I have sent my application to the UO. What happens next?

Once we receive your materials, we will send you a letter to confirm the receipt of your application. We will also send you an Identification Number and a Personal Access Code (PAC) that you can use to check the status of your application online. If admitted, a Notice of Admission and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form) will be mailed to you by UPS International Express to the mailing address you provided in your application.

13. Can international students apply for financial aid and scholarships?

The UO offers many scholarships and financial aid for international students. Financial assistance for international students is available through the International Student and Scholar Services. International students can also apply for general university scholarships through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

14. Can international students work on campus?

Yes, according to U.S. law, on-campus employment is the only legal employment for international students.

15. What should I do to get a student (F-1) visa?

In order to be formally admitted to the UO, you must provide proof of your eligible visa or provide the completed Financial Certification and Immigration Information form and U.S. government-required financial documents. Once we have received all of the required information, we will mail a welcome packet by UPS International Express. The welcome packet will contain the admission letter, Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form), and instructions on how to obtain a student visa. The U.S. Department of State offers additional information about obtaining a student visa. If you are attending a college or university in the United States, you must obtain a new Form I-20 from the UO. If you have specific questions about student visas, you can contact the SEVIS coordinator at the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

16. Do I need to submit an immunization record?

Yes, all students must submit an immunization record. The UO requires all entering students to provide proof of immunity for a number of infectious diseases. Information about all required vaccines is available on the University Health Center website.

17. Do I need health insurance?

Yes, all international students are required to have health insurance.

18. Can I defer my offer of admission?

The UO admits students for a specific term. If you wish to enroll for a term later than that for which you are admitted, you must apply for a gap year or deferral (fall through summer terms).

19. Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?

Yes, International Student Orientation helps students with their transition to the UO and is required.

20. How can I find out more about Eugene?

Information about the city of Eugene, Oregon, and the surrounding area is available on the Unique Eugene webpage.

21. What services does the U.S. government offer to international students?

Check with the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs for services available for international students.