How does the University of Central Arkansas define an international student?
An international student is defined by meeting the following criteria: Does not have US citizenship or legal permanent resident status but is currently in the US on a non-immigrant visa (F-1, J-1, etc.) If you have questions about whether you should apply as an international student, please contact international@uca.edu.
What if I am an U.S. citizen but live in another country?
If you have U.S. citizenship but live in another country, you will apply as a U.S. Citizen using https://uca.edu/admissions/apply/. You will not be considered an international student and if you have questions about your application or the requirements for admission, please go here.
How can I apply?
Please submit an online application by clicking here.
What application should I use?
To identify which application or student type you are, please visit this page.
What is the cost of attendance for an international student at UCA?
United States student visa regulations require that newly admitted students show advance proof of all funding sufficient for the program. This financial information will need to be confirmed before UCA can issue the I-20 form (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 form (J-1 visa). Please be sure to read this page for further explanation of all expenses and fees.
Can the application fee be waived for international students?
No, we do not waive the UCA application fee ($50) for international students except in very rare circumstances.
Are international students required to take the SAT or ACT?
UCA is now test-optional, therefore, international students are not required to submit SAT or ACT results for admission to the UCA. We will award merit-based scholarships through a holistic review without SAT or ACT scores.
Are international students required to live in University housing?
Students with the freshman classification in their first year of university are required to live on campus. International students with other classifications are not required to live in UCA housing. However, if you choose to live on campus, you will automatically get the out-of-state tuition scholarship.
Does UCA offer conditional admission?
No, UCA doesn’t offer conditional admission. For students who meet our academic requirements but do not meet our English proficiency requirements, we admit them to the Intensive English Program. It is a full admission.
Is the TOEFL required for students who have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher?
No, the university does not require the TOEFL for students who have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher, but some graduate departments require the TOEFL from all non-native speakers of English.
How long is a TOEFL/IELTS score valid?
The TOEFL/IELTS score is valid for two years.
Does UCA award credit for the Advanced Placement (AP) exams and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?
UCA is a participant in the Advanced Placement Program and the International Baccalaureate Program. A full list of AP and IB subject areas, courses, and exams, along with minimum required scores may be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin in section 8.3 (for AP) and 8.4 (for IB).
How can I find information about programs offered at UCA?
The Academic Programs in the Undergraduate Bulletin webpage has more information about UCA’s academic programs and majors.
Can international students apply for a second undergraduate degree?
Yes, international students can apply for a second undergraduate degree. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree can apply as post baccalaureate students.
I sent my application to UCA. What happens next?
Once we receive all your materials, we will review your application. If admitted, a Notice of Admission and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form) and admission letter will be emailed to the email address you provided in your application.
Can international students apply for financial aid and scholarships?
Scholarship information for international students is available on our website. International students can also apply for general university scholarships through individual departments and foundation scholarships are managed by the Foundation Office.
Can international students work on campus?
All international students are eligible to work on campus as part of their F-1 or J-1 immigration status as long as they meet the requirements of their F-1 or J-1 visa status. Students are limited by law to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. For more information, please visit the employment section on our website.
When will I receive my I-20?
We issue I-20 forms after a student is admitted. This goes out immediately for students who are coming directly from their home country. If students are transferring from another school in the U.S., we have to wait until their current school releases them before we can issue the I-20.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, all international students are required to have health insurance.
Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?
Yes, International Student Orientation helps students with their transition to the UCA and is required.
I have been admitted – what happens next?
We are excited to welcome you and your unique contributions to UCA. Please see our webpage for admitted international undergraduate students.