In addition to the other admissions application procedures (see Admissions Procedures), international applicants are also responsible for the following:

English Language Proficiency Requirement

A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Oregon. Applicants whose native language is not English must show proof of language proficiency through one of the following three methods:

1. Submit an acceptable score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination, currently offered in paper-based (written) or internet-based formats.
• A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based test or 88 on the internet-based test is required. Your individual department/program of interest may have a higher minimum standard. Please see specific Graduate Program Admissions Information.
2. Submit an acceptable score from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
• The minimum IELTS (academic module) overall band score for graduate admission is 7.0, unless otherwise specified by the major department. See specific Graduate Program Admissions Information.
3. Submit degree transcripts proving that you have received a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

Testing Site Links:

• Official Web Site for TOEFL/ETS: http://www.toefl.org/
• Official Web Site for IELTS: http://www.ielts.org/
• University of Oregon Testing Center: http://testing.uoregon.edu/

Language Requirement for International GTFs

International Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs) in teaching positions are required to prove their spoken English proficiency by way of the SPEAK Test, the TSE (Test of Spoken English), or the speaking component of the internet-based TOEFL. Learn more.

Visa Status

Most international students attending the UO hold a student (F-1) visa. International students will receive a certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) after admission to the UO. To obtain a student visa, the form I-20 must be presented to a U.S. consul.

Some international students are sponsored by international agencies and enter the United States as Exchange Visitors. In this case, the program sponsors will provide the student with the DS-2019 form needed to obtain an Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa.

International graduate students completing an advanced degree at UO and continuing on with a second advanced degree must update visa information with International Affairs to ensure that their student visa remains valid.

See the International Affairs website for more information and links to other relevant websites.

Financial Verification

U.S. Government regulations require that the University of Oregon verify the availability of sufficient financial support for non-immigrant students before a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) can be issued. International students must submit supporting financial documents (e.g., Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) appointment contract, scholarship award letter) and/or bank statements with their applications.

Students planning to be sponsored by an agency, government or other sponsor should have proof of financial support sent from the sponsoring agency (e.g., a letter from the sponsor and copies of the sponsor’s bank statement).

Credentials

To be admitted to the Graduate School for the purpose of seeking an advanced degree or certificate you must have an accredited degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelors degree from an institution of recognized standing.

Official transcripts with certified English translations of all college or university work are required.

Health Insurance

The University of Oregon requires that all international students and their families be covered by university-approved health and accident insurance.

Registration for classes may not be completed until adequate insurance coverage is verified. This insurance supplements medical services provided by the University Health Center. The cost of this mandatory insurance, which is automatically billed to the student's account, can be found on the Student Health Center website. If you have other health insurance that offers coverage that is comparable to or greater than the UO-sponsored insurance and you feel your coverage is sufficient, you may request an exemption from having to purchase the UO- sponsored insurance.

The tuition and fees you pay for university enrollment pay for some medical care through the University Health Center during the nine-month school year. This medical coverage does not include the cost of major surgery, prescriptions and medicines, long-lasting illness, or illness contracted during a vacation period or when the university is not in session. Dependents cannot use the Student Health Center. They must arrange for health care serviced off campus.

UO Student Health Center: http://healthcenter.uoregon.edu/

UO Sponsored Insurance:

• International Student Health Insurance
  International Student Dependents Health Insurance
  http://healthcenter.uoregon.edu/insurance/International.html

Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) Health Insurance Plan

International students who have a graduate teaching fellowship (GTF) are eligible to enroll in the GTFF health insurance plan. This plan is available to the GTF at no cost and provides medical, dental, and vision coverage. Children and families may be added to the GTFF health insurance plan at an additional cost. For more information and to enroll on this health insurance plan, contact the GTFF Benefits Administrator, (541) 344-0832, gtffben@efn.org.

UO Student Health Center

International Affairs

International Affairs provides information and assistance for international students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do we define "international student"?

• An international student is a student who is not a U.S. citizen or a resident alien (one who holds a "green card").

Can international students apply for terms other than fall?

• Normally, no. However, international students attending any U.S. school or the American English Institute may apply for admission for winter or spring term, and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Can international students be postbaccalaureate graduate students?

• No. Immigration regulations require that international students be admitted to a degree-seeking program. They can be postbaccalaureate non-graduates (working toward a 2nd bachelor's degree).

Can the application fee be deferred for international students?

• Only in a few special cases. Applicants must contact the Office of Admissions for approval.

In addition to the admission application, what other documents are required to have a complete file?

• TOEFL or IELTS test results, official/certified transcripts, a financial statement and a bank statement.

What is the difference between a financial statement and a bank statement?

• The financial statement is the student's self-report of his/her financial resources. (This form is usually sent with the application form.) A bank statement is documented proof of what the student reports on the financial statement. Proof can be in the form of a letter from the student's parents' or sponsor's bank, a letter awarding a scholarship or government loan, an affidavit of support (I-134) or a copy of a Graduate Teaching Fellowship letter from the admitting department.

Is the TOEFL or IELTS required of students from Australia, Canada or England?

• If English is their first language, no. French-speaking Canadians should take the TOEFL or IELTS.

Is the TOEFL or IELTS required of those students who have earned U.S. bachelor's or higher degrees?

• The University does not require it, but some graduate departments require the TOEFL (or IELTS) from ALL non-native speakers of English. Please contact your department of interest to find out.

For how long is a TOEFL score valid? What about the IELTS score?

• Scores from both the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for two years.

Can an international student be denied by the Admissions Office after being accepted by the department?

• Yes. The final decision is made by Admissions. Denial is usually due to insufficient funds.

Can international students apply for financial aid and scholarships?

• International students cannot apply for federal financial aid. Once at the UO they can, however, apply for general university scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid. Financial assistance is also available through the ICSP program (contact International Affairs) or through Graduate Teaching Fellowships (contact academic department).

Can international students apply for State of Oregon residency?

• No. Only U.S. citizens or resident aliens who have resided in Oregon for 12 continuous months AFTER having received a green card are eligible to apply for in-state tuition. PLEASE NOTE: These conditions do not guarantee Oregon residency. This only determines the earliest date on which a resident alien student may apply for residency.