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 2027 (January Start Date)
- Final Deadline December 1
Fall 2027 (August Start Date)
- Priority Deadline: November 1
- Final Deadline: May 1
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.
Documents Required for Admission
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
Documents Required for I-20 issuance
- Financial statement of support
- Bank statement
- Passport information page
- International address form
SEVIS Transfer Form
If you are applying to Nebraska as an international transfer student, the only additional step you 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.
Once you have been admitted to Nebraska, have your SEVIS record released to the university. Nebraska's institution code is OMA214F00217000.
If you currently attend a U.S.-based educational institution—such as a high school, community college or university—ask your designated school official (DSO) or international advisor to transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Once received, Nebraska will review your SEVIS record and your bank statement in MyRED. If you meet the requirements, Nebraska will issue you an I-20 to maintain your F-1 student visa status. Students currently studying in the United States should consult the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for important information regarding F-1 transfer requirements.
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:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- TOEFL Website
- School Code: 6877
| Test Version | General Admission and College | Score | Minimum Subscore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet-Based (new) | General Admission | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Internet-Based (old) | General Admission | 79 | 18 |
| College of Architecture | 79 | ||
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 79 | ||
| College of Engineering | 80 | ||
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications | 100 | ||
| Paper-Based | General Admission | 550 | 55 |
| College of Architecture | 550 | ||
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 550 | ||
| College of Engineering | 550 | ||
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications | 600 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS Website
- Submit your test report number (TRF) by email to admissions@unl.edu with your NUID and request the testing agency to send you results to Nebraska from the testing agency.
| General Admission and College | Score | Minimum Subscore |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| College of Architecture | 6.5 | |
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 6.5 | |
| College of Engineering | 6.5 | |
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications | 7.0 |
Duolingo English Test
| General Admission and College | Score | Minimum Subscore |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | 110 | 105 |
| College of Architecture | 120 | |
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 120 |
ACT
- ACT Website
- School Code: 2482
- While not required for general admission, it may be required for entry into the College of Architecture and College of Engineering.
| Subscore | General Admission and College | Score |
|---|---|---|
| English | General Admission | 20 |
| College of Architecture | 22 | |
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 22 | |
| College of Engineering | 22 | |
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications | 24 |
SAT
- SAT Website
- School Code: 6877
- While not required for general admission, it may be required for entry into the College of Architecture and College of Engineering.
| Subscore | General Admission and College | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | General Admission | 26 |
| Digital Reading and Writing | General Admission | 520 |
University of Nebraska–Lincoln English Language Test (ELT)
| General Admission and College | Score | Minimum Subscore |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | 80 | 78 |
| College of Architecture | 80 | |
| College of Education and Human Sciences | 80 | |
| College of Engineering | 80 | |
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications | 85 |
Minimum English proficiency requirements will be waived for applicants who meet one of the following criteria:
- Graduation from a high school in the United States
- Completion of 30 transferable semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework at a college or community college in the United States
Failure to Meet English Proficiency Requirements
If you do not meet English proficiency, you will be enrolled 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.
English Proficiency Submission 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 1
Your official scores must be received in our office by the deadline to update your English Proficiency Status.
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$51,478 including any scholarship(s) received.
In addition, your bank statement must:
- Include the official full name of the account holder in English.
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.
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 1
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.