student typing on a laptop

Who is considered an International Student?

An international student refers to a student who requires an I-20/F-1 student visa to attend school in the United States. If you do not require an I-20/F-1 student visa, you are not considered an international student at UVU. If you are on a visa other than an F-1, please review your visa documentation to see if you are eligible to attend college on your visa type. UVU does not facilitate visa change of status processes.

International graduate students are integral to our community, and we are committed to delivering rigorous, meaningful, and experiential learning experiences that prepare you to thrive in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. With exceptional care and results, UVU offers flexible, career-focused graduate programs designed to help you achieve your professional aspirations.

Graduate Programs Available to International Students

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Prepare for CPA licensure and gain advanced skills in financial reporting, auditing, and tax.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Develop leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills in a flexible program led by experienced faculty.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Train to serve diverse communities with a focus on ethical, evidence-based social work practices.

Master of Education (MEd)

Choose from:

  • Teacher Leadership-
    Build instructional leadership skills to support your school or district.
  • Secondary Teaching-
    Gain the credentials and knowledge to lead in today’s 7–12 classrooms.

International Admissions

Applying as an international graduate student at UVU varies depending on your visa type:

Out of Country application (New I-20): You do not have a current I-20 or F1

  • 1. Complete the program application

    • Verify application deadlines and requirements on program website
    • All graduate programs require proof a bachelor’s degree; you can visit Transfer Credit for more information about sending transcript to UVU.
    • All graduate applications require a $50 application fee payment
    • Upload international documentation in addition to the program-specific requirements
      • English Proficiency (TOEFL 4.5, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo check with program, degree from an English institution); not required if English is your native language
      • Affidavit of Support
        • Link to affidavit can be found on program website
        • Dependents (of the applicant) must be numbered
        • Option for full or partial financial responsibility
          • Sponsor and self-funded options
        • Accompanying financial statements must match the name(s) listed on the affidavit
      • Financial Statement(s)
        • Must be in English and USD amounts
        • Dated within 3 months (of application submission)
        • Amount required is listed on the program affidavit of support; name listed on the financial statement must match the name listed on the affidavit
        • Funds must be liquid (investment funds not accepted)
      • Copy of current Passport
        • If you number dependent(s) on the application and affidavit of support, the passport(s) of the dependent(s) must be uploaded
        • Copy of the marriage/birth certificate will also be required for dependent(s)
      • Transfer Certification Form
        • Must be completed by your current Designated School Official (DSO) before admission. This form does not guarantee admission; generally, it will not be transferred until your current term is complete
        • Please email international admissions if you have questions regarding this form
      • I-94 Departure Record Class of Admission Page
  • 2. Once your application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, your application will begin to be processed

    • Transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation will show on your checklist; once UVU has received the item it will be updated on your checklist
    • When your checklist is complete, your application will move to international review; the international admissions team will review the international documents to ensure they meet federal and UVU requirements
    • After the international document review, your application will move to the graduate program review team; the graduate review team will review the program-specific admission requirements
    • • If the program approves your application, the program will reach out with the next steps in their admissions process; CONFIRMATION OF ADMISSIONS WILL BE FROM THE GRADUATE PROGRAM.
  • 3. Once your application is updated to Admitted to UVU, the international admissions coordinator will be notified and will start your I-20 process

    • The coordinator will send your I-20/F-1 visa information separate from your graduate program application communication.

Transfer application (Transfer I-20): You have a current I-20 not with UVU that you wish to transfer to UVU

  • 1. Complete the program application

    • Verify application deadlines and requirements on program website
    • All graduate programs require proof a bachelor’s degree; you can visit Transfer Credit for more information about sending transcript to UVU.
    • All graduate applications require a $50 application fee payment
    • Upload international documentation in addition to the program-specific requirements
      • English Proficiency (TOEFL 4.5, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo check with program, degree from an English institution); not required if English is your native language
      • Affidavit of Support
        • Link to affidavit can be found on program website
        • Dependents (of the applicant) must be numbered
        • Option for full or partial financial responsibility
          • Sponsor and self-funded options
        • Accompanying financial statements must match the name(s) listed on the affidavit
      • Financial Statement(s)
        • Must be in English and USD amounts
        • Dated within 3 months (of application submission)
        • Amount required is listed on the program affidavit of support; name listed on the financial statement must match the name listed on the affidavit
        • Funds must be liquid (investment funds not accepted)
      • Copy of current Passport
        • If you number dependent(s) on the application and affidavit of support, the passport(s) of the dependent(s) must be uploaded
        • Copy of the marriage/birth certificate will also be required for dependent(s)
      • Transfer Certification Form
        • Must be completed by your current Designated School Official (DSO) before admission. This form does not guarantee admission; generally, it will not be transferred until your current term is complete
        • Please email international admissions if you have questions regarding this form
      • I-94 Departure Record Class of Admission Page
  • 2. Once your application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, your application will begin to be processed

    • Transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation will show on your checklist; once UVU has received the item it will be updated on your checklist
    • When your checklist is complete, your application will move to international review; the international admissions team will review the international documents to ensure they meet federal and UVU requirements
    • After the international document review, your application will move to the graduate program review team; the graduate review team will review the program-specific admission requirements
    • • If the program approves your application, the program will reach out with the next steps in their admissions process; CONFIRMATION OF ADMISSIONS WILL BE FROM THE GRADUATE PROGRAM.
  • 3. Once your application is updated to Admitted to UVU, the international admissions coordinator will be notified and will start your I-20 process

    • The coordinator will send your I-20/F-1 visa information separate from your graduate program application communication.

Education Level Change (I-20 with UVU): If you have a current I-20 with UVU that will need to be adjusted to a new program/degree

  • 1. Complete the program application

    • Verify application deadlines and requirements on program website
    • All graduate programs require proof a bachelor’s degree; if you are earning your bachelor’s degree at UVU list UVU in the college section of the application, then it will be connected within 2 business days of application submission
    • All graduate applications require a $50 application fee payment
    • Upload international documentation in addition to the program-specific requirements
      • English Proficiency (TOEFL 4.5, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo check with program, degree from an English institution); not required if English is your native language
      • Affidavit of Support
        • Link to affidavit can be found on program website
        • Dependents (of the applicant) must be numbered
        • Option for full or partial financial responsibility
          • Sponsor and self-funded options
        • Accompanying financial statements must match the name(s) listed on the affidavit
      • Financial Statement(s)
        • Must be in English and USD amounts
        • Dated within 3 months (of application submission)
        • Amount required is listed on the program affidavit of support; name listed on the financial statement must match the name listed on the affidavit
        • Funds must be liquid (investment funds not accepted)
      • Copy of current Passport
        • If you number dependent(s) on the application and affidavit of support, the passport(s) of the dependent(s) must be uploaded
        • Copy of the marriage/birth certificate will also be required for dependent(s)
  • 2. Once your application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, your application will begin to be processed

    • Transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation will show on your checklist; once UVU has received the item it will be updated on your checklist
    • When your checklist is complete, your application will move to international review; the international admissions team will review the international documents to ensure they meet federal and UVU requirements
      • Set up a meeting with UVU’s ISS office to discuss options for changing your education level on your I-20
      • *If you are currently attending UVU as an undergraduate and want to apply to one of UVU’s graduate programs, please be aware that you will need to meet with the ISS Office if you receive an offer from the program. As a graduate student, you need to have a master's I-20 SEVIS record. If you are on OPT, as soon as your master's I-20 is issued, your OPT will be canceled.
    • After the international document review, your application will move to the graduate program review team; the graduate review team will review the program-specific admission requirements
    • If the program approves your application, they will send an offer of admission; upon confirmation you will be admitted to UVU
  • 3. Once your application is updated to Admitted to UVU, the international admissions coordinator will be notified

    • You need to contact ISS to have your I-20 processed for an Education Level Change; immigration documentation, such as your I-20 SEVIS record and communication, is processed and sent separately from your graduate program application communication.

For more support with the admissions process, visit the International Student Admissions page

International Student Admissions

person flipping through a book in the library

Have Questions About Immigration or the Application Process?

Our International Student Services team is here to help you navigate your journey to UVU.

International Student Services

Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm (MST time)

801.863.8706