International Students

Admission Requirements

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln grants admission if you meet the core coursework requirements and demonstrate English proficiency. To be evaluated for academic scholarships, you must complete your application for admission and be fully admitted.

International first-year students can apply through the Common Application or Nebraska's application.

International transfer students should apply through Nebraska's application.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 (January Start Date)

• Final Deadline December 1

Fall 2024 (August Start Date)

• Priority Deadline: November 1
• Final Deadline: May 15

Any application received after the published deadline may be placed on a waitlist. The admission committee will prioritize the waitlist based upon candidates that meet Nebraska’s assured admission requirements.

Application Fee

The USD$45 application fee is payable online with a credit card.

Required Documents

In addition to the online application and completed coursework requirements, you must submit the following documents in MyRED:

• Final secondary school transcript, signed and stamped by a principal of a secondary school
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• English proficiency scores
• Bank statement
• Passport copy

Letters of recommendation and essays are not required for admission.

Core Coursework Requirements

• Upper-level mathematics (4 units)
• Natural sciences (3 units)
• Social sciences (3 units)
• A broad selection of coursework in English and native language (4 units)

Credit for IB and A Levels

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln awards transfer credit to incoming students who have successfully completed individual International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and Cambridge International Exams (A Level). Learn more about how these credits are awarded by viewing the university's IB Credit Evaluation Table and the A Level Scores Table.

English Proficiency Requirements

To be considered for full admittance, official scores must be sent electronically from the testing agency directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. International students who are non-native English speakers are required to request results to be sent from one of the following tests to demonstrate English proficiency:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  Use school code 6877 to send your score to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  Submit your IELTS test report number (TRF) by email to admissions@unl.edu with your NUID and request the testing agency to electronically and directly send results to Nebraska from the testing agency.
• Duolingo English Test
• SAT
  Use school code 6877 to send your score to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
• ACT
  Use school code 2482 to send your score to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
• Nebraska's Intensive English Program (IEP)

Graduating from a United States high school will also meet Nebraska’s English proficiency requirements OR completion of 30 semester hours (or equivalent) of degree-seeking coursework at community college and/or college/university in the United States.

Although SAT/ACT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, they may be required for entry into the College of Architecture and College of Engineering.

Note: Students suspected of submitting false English proficiency scores will be required to take the institutional English language test and may be subject to dismissal from the university.

English Proficiency Tests and Minimum Scores

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

• Fall Term: July 15
• Spring Term: December 1
• Summer Term: May 15

We must have received your official scores in our office by the deadline to update your English Proficiency Status. If you are unable to meet these deadlines, you will have the option to email admissions@unl.edu to move your admission to the next term or enroll in Nebraska’s Intensive English Program (IEP).

Credit English as a Second Language Courses (CESL)

Some fully-admitted students may be required to take English language support courses during the first year to help them better excel in their academic studies. These are the University of Nebraska–Lincoln credit-bearing courses and will be taken in conjunction with other academic courses. Learn more about these courses and how students are placed into them by visiting the Credit English as a Second Language (CESL) website.

Specific College English Requirements

Some University of Nebraska–Lincoln colleges require a higher level of English proficiency or SAT/ACT scores for direct admission to their programs. Students not admitted to their major will be enrolled in a major in Nebraska’s Explore Center until they have met the performance requirements.

If you do not meet English proficiency, you also have the option to enroll in the Nebraska Intensive English Program (IEP). Once you are enrolled in IEP, you are conditionally admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where the opportunity to advance to full admission is evaluated at the end of each semester.

Bank Statement Requirements

You must submit a bank statement showing the amount greater than or equal to the requirement for the academic year and the statement should be submitted to your MyRED account. Your bank statement must show a balance of at least USD$52,286 minus any scholarship(s) received.

In addition, your bank statement must:

• Include the official full name of the account holder in English.
• Be printed on official bank letterhead.
• Show available funds for use as an account(s) balance.
• Have your NUID Number denoted on the top of the bank statement.
• Be officially signed and stamped by a bank representative.
• Be dated and no more than one year old from the date of submission.
• Include a currency type.
• If the statement is not in English, an official translation will be needed along with the original document.

Along with your bank statement, you may submit your letter indicating governmental or private scholarship support to obtain your Form I-20. Your letter must include your official full name and outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirements have been met.

Student Visa Application

Admitted students will receive an email from the Nebraska Office of Admissions with instructions about obtaining your I-20.

The I-20 is officially titled the “Certificate of Eligibility” and is required for your F-1 student visa application. To be issued an I-20 from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you must submit a bank statement showing sufficient support for the first year of study to your MyRED account.

Once you receive your I-20, your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID is listed in your I-20. You will use your SEVIS ID to pay for your I-901 SEVIS fee online.

Make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for your F-1 visa You will need to bring your Form I-20, passport, letter of admission, financial support documents, photos and other necessary forms to your visa appointment.

For assistance with applying for your student visa and preparing your visa interview, please contact your regional EducationUSA office.

International Transfer Student SEVIS Record

If you are applying to Nebraska as an international transfer student, the only additional step you will need to take is to transfer your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to maintain your student visa status. For more information, please read the student visa section on this page.

When you have been admitted to Nebraska, have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Nebraska’s institution code is OMA214F00217000.

If you currently attend a U.S.-based educational institution (high school, community college, or university), ask your Designated School Official (DSO) and/or international advisor to transfer your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Once received, Nebraska will review your SEVIS record and your bank statement in MyREDs. If you meet the requirements, Nebraska will issue you an I-20 for the maintenance of your F1 US Student Visa Status. Students currently studying in the US should consult the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for important information regarding F-1 transfer requirements.

Enrollment Deposit

Once admitted, you must reserve your spot at Nebraska by submitting a USD$250 enrollment deposit through your MyRED account. After you pay your deposit, you will receive information about on-campus housing and New Student Enrollment processes.

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 15

International Health Requirements

Incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED. All international students must also complete the following health requirements:

• Submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.
• Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab results to Nebraska’s University Health Center.
• Complete a tuberculosis test.

To view the comprehensive steps to complete the health requirements, visit the University Health Center page.

Revocation of Admission and/or Degree

Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud; misrepresentation; violation of University standards in obtaining the degree; serious violation committed by an applicant or student prior to course enrollment, matriculation, or graduation; or other significant infractions endangering the safety and/or well-being of the university community.