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International FAQs Who is an international applicant? I am not in F or J student status, why do you need copies of immigration documents? When should I submit my application for admission? When will I be able to apply for a student visa? What do I need to transfer my F or J status to UAH? How much is tuition at The University of Alabama in Huntsville? How much money do I need to bring with me to campus? Does the University offer financial assistance for international students? Does the university require proof of English language proficiency? Does the University require additional testing of English language proficiency? What are my options if I do not have the minimum English language proficiency for admission based on my TOEFL or IELTS score? Does UAH offer on-campus housing? Can I stay in my room during university breaks? What are the University’s immunization requirements? Does the University require health insurance? Can I fly into Huntsville, Alabama? When do I need to arrive in Huntsville? Who do I contact with additional questions? Who is an international applicant? At UAH an international applicant is anyone who does not have U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency and is not a refugee in the USA. I am not an F or J student, why do I need to submit copies of documents that show my immigration status? Immigration status is not considered a factor in determining admission eligibility. However, once we know your immigration status we can better assist you with any questions you may have and/or refer you to appropriate campus offices and professionals as needed. When should I submit my application for admission? We suggest that international applicants apply for admission four to six months in advance of desired attendance date in order to facilitate timely admission and enrollment. When will I be able to apply for a student visa? F1 or J1 students will be sent an admission packet that includes immigration documents and instructions for applying for a student visa once an admission decision is made. You should check with the U.S. Consulate located closest to your home for their application procedures. Immediately after you receive your admissions and immigration documents you should make an appointment to apply for your student visa. Most Embassies/Consulates have specific hours to review non-immigrant visa applications. Most applicants will go to the Embassy/Consulate and have to wait in long lines. Canadian and Bermudan Citizens are not required to apply for an F1 visa but must show the I-20, passport, and letter of admission at the Port of Entry to be admitted to the U.S. as an F1 student. · Most U.S. universities begin their academic year in August, so the summer months are a very busy time at the Embassy/Consulate. Plan ahead so you can arrive in time for orientation and class. · Remember that the Embassy/Consulate will close for both U.S. and local holidays. Because delays may be common, try to arrange an interview 1-2 months before the day you plan to travel to the United States. What do I need to transfer my F or J status to UAH? Individuals in the U.S. in F or J status who intend to transfer to UAH from a U.S. high school or college will receive, upon admission, a transfer clearance form that must be completed by the previous institution and sent to the UAH Undergraduate Admissions Office in order to be eligible for enrollment. It is the responsibility of the admitted F or J student to communicate with the previous school’s international student advisor to ensure that the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 record is transferred from the previous school to UAH prior to the start of the semester of enrollment. An internal evaluation of transfer credits will be completed after your admission to UAH. This will determine the transfer of credits toward a UAH for any student who has submitted transcripts or a credential evaluation for college level classes taken inside or outside of the U.S. How much is tuition at The University of Alabama in Huntsville? For the latest fee schedule and payment options check the Office of Student Accounts How much money should I bring with me to campus? AT UAH, TUITION IS DUE ON THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF CLASSES! Although each student’s circumstances will be different, upon arrival to campus, every new international student should have access to traveler’s checks, cash, or a credit card to pay for the first semester’s tuition, books, and living expenses (between $6000-8000). Refer to the Office of Student Accounts for more information on tuition rates and payment options and methods. Does the University offer financial assistance for international students? International students are encouraged to apply for UAH endowed scholarships. However, remember that you must be admitted to the University and submit a complete scholarship application to the Office of Financial Aid prior to the scholarship deadline in order to be considered for a scholarship. F1 and J1 students must document access to sufficient funds prior to admission to UAH but can receive UAH endowed scholarships after being admitted. In general students must be US citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents to qualify for federal or state financial aid programs. The Office of Financial aid has links to educational loan companies that international students may qualify for. Does the university require proof of English language proficiency? Yes, the university requires submission of either TOEFL or IELTS scores as evidence of appropriate English language proficiency. For specific score minimums, visit the admissions checklist. Does the university require additional testing of English language proficiency? The UAH English Language Placement Test (ELPT) is required for all students whose native language is not American Standard English, regardless of nationality or prior English study. The ELPT is administered prior to the first semester of study. The test provides an up-to-date snapshot of the student’s language proficiency. Diagnostic and placement testing is designed to test students’ ability to use English effectively in an academic setting, and its purpose is to promote the success of non-native speakers in completing their chosen course of study at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Non-native speakers diagnosed as having sufficient language competence based on the ELPT will not be placed in ESL courses. However, if someone is interested in improving their language skills, they are welcome to enroll in one or more ESL courses after consulting with the director of the program. For more information about the ELPT test and relevant waivers, please refer to the ESL website. What are my options if I do not have the minimum English language proficiency for admission based on my TOEFL or IELTS score? For those students whose language skills are not yet sufficient for undergraduate or graduate level work, please consider attending the Intensive English Program (IEP). Does UAH offer on-campus housing? Can I stay in my room during university breaks? Yes! There are multiple options for on-campus living at UAH. International students who want to stay on campus during regular university holidays should consider a 12-month contract in NCRH II. Please refer to the University Housing website for more details. What are the University’s immunization requirements? Like most U.S. universities, we require immunization against measles and rubella. You will receive an immunization form with your admission packet that you must get complete and submit to the University Wellness Center prior to enrollment in classes. New international students are tested for tuberculosis (TB) as a part of new international student orientation before the first semester of attendance. Does the University require health insurance? All F1 and J1 international students are required to purchase the UAH health insurance and will be assessed the insurance premium each semester upon enrollment in classes. Requests for a waiver from the mandatory policy must be made to Student Development Services. Can I fly into Huntsville? The University of Alabama in Huntsville is located within 20 minutes of the Huntsville International Airport. When do I need to arrive in Huntsville? All new students must report to UAH in time for Immigration Processing and International Student Orientation, which are scheduled approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the start of classes. The Immigration Essentials handout included in your admission packet lists the dates for mandatory immigration processing, new student orientation, ELPT and TB testing. Do not arrange to fly to the U.S. until after you have secured the student visa from the U.S. Embassy. Immigration laws do not allow an F1 or J1 student to arrive more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) Who do I contact with additional questions? Prospective students who have not yet submitted an application to UAH and have general admission questions should email admitme@uah.edu or call the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 256-824-7142. Students who have submitted an admission application that is pending or have received a letter indicating that they are missing documents to complete their UAH application should email the Director of Admissions Processing or call 256-824-2744. Students who have immigration or visa related questions should email visahelp@uah.edu or call the International Student and Scholar Office at 256-824-2748. Students who want to connect with other international students at UAH, hear more about UAH from an international student perspective, or arrange for a ride to campus from the Huntsville International Airport should email oip@uah.edu or call the Office of International Programs and Services at 256-824-6055. |
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