Application and Admission Procedures

Application and admission procedures outlined below are applicable to programs administered or co-sponsored by the Office of International Programs.  Students applying to participate in programs not sponsored or affiliated with UNI (non-UNI programs) are strongly encouraged to seek approval before applying.  To view a list of our programs, click here. 

NOTE:  UNI programs sponsored by other units - e.g., Camp Adventure, Department of Modern Languages Institutes Abroad, etc.- and other institutions/organizations may have different application procedures and deadlines. Always check with the program administrator for details on how to apply. To see a list of Other UNI Programs, click here.  

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Do your homework:  Read program brochures, web sites, application forms and instructions very carefully and return all materials well before the deadline. Ask questions during the application process if you are uncertain about something. Research programs that you are considering carefully and in detail before completing and submitting application materials.   Some programs may require deposits along with your application.  

• Apply early.  Space in each program - especially in reciprocal exchanges -  is limited.  Some programs may fill up before the application deadline, so it is a good idea not to procrastinate. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered or only on a space available basis. 

• Submit the originals and one set of photocopies - with the exception of official academic transcripts and confidential letters/forms of recommendation in sealed envelopes.  

• Get organized:  Set up a filing system and keep important documents or copies together in one place. We recommend that you group your papers together in a way it makes sense to you.  It is a good idea to keep UNI forms; host institution application, housing application, copy of passport & visa, travel itinerary, scholarship applications, etc. together. 

• Keep a copy of everything you submit or sign for your files. This includes application forms, transcripts, visa application, non-confidential (open) letters of recommendation, etc. 

Application Forms

You will find printable and downloadable application forms on our Forms page. 

The UNI Application Packet includes such forms as Application Form, Conditions of Participation, Waiver of Liability, Medical Self-Evaluation, Health Insurance Verification. Supporting documents will include: Statement of purpose, official transcripts, letters or forms of recommendation, Study Abroad Preliminary Transfer Credit Evaluation Form, etc.) 

Program- or institution--specific applications for admission and housing - available from the Study Abroad Office. Some of these may be available in a printable format. Those available in a pdf or other printable format will be listed on our "Forms" page, under "Institution or Program Specific Applications".  

All of the above must be returned to the study abroad office by the stated application deadline.  

Admission Criteria

In general, you must be in good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 2.50 (or the minimum GPA as determined for the program) at the time of application. Applying early and meeting this minimum GPA does not, however, guarantee admission.  Additional eligibility criteria may apply on integrated programs that allow you to take regular courses at a foreign university with local students. You must also be judged academically prepared by the study abroad staff, program faculty member/s, or the overseas host institution.

Admission to all programs is based, minimally, on a review of your transcript, your statement of purpose, and your recommendation (s). Participation may be denied if your conduct prior to departure raises doubts that you should be allowed to participate in an international experience.

Application Deadlines:

Spring semester programs:                          October 1 
Fall semester and academic year programs:  March 1 
Summer programs:                                      March 1, unless otherwise indicated

Application Review

Applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Final decision about admission into a program is made after the application deadline.  

Acceptance

You will be notified of your acceptance status by an official letter from your program coordinator. Please note that, at least on programs offered through the Office of International Programs, you may receive informal communication from your faculty leader regarding the status of your acceptance, your acceptance is not official until you receive this letter.

Letters of Acceptance are sent to the current address as indicated on your application. Acceptance is contingent on maintaining the minimum GPA required for the program and on continued review of your records. Make sure to keep a copy of your acceptance letter as it is recommended that you carry it with you when entering the country where you will be studying.

To confirm your participation, you will be required to sign and return additional forms to secure your place. These forms must be returned within two weeks of the date of the acceptance letter, but no later than the date indicated on the acceptance paperwork.

Denial

Students denied participation are notified by an official letter. The letter will be sent to your current address indicated on your application.

Waiting List

When more qualified students apply for a program than there is space available, some students will be put on a waiting list. Applications are evaluated and while the qualifications would normally qualify you for participation, acceptance cannot be granted due to space constraints.

Should students already admitted to the program decide not to participate, we will, on a space available basis, begin to notify and admit students whose names appear on the waiting list.

As long as you are on the waiting list, you should make no financial commitment towards the purchase of airfare, rail passes, etc. While you are waiting, you are encouraged to consider applying to another program or applying for the same program in the following year.

Deposit

At the time of the UNI study abroad application you are required to make a $200 deposit in the form of a personal check made out to UNI. This deposit is non-refundable but will be applied to the program fee. If you do not pay the deposit at the time of your UNI application, you may be dropped from the program.

If you participate in a non-UNI program, in addition to your UNI non-refundable $200 deposit, in most cases you will also be required to pay a deposit to the institution or organization that administers the program.

Withdrawal Procedures

f you wish to withdraw from the program, you must inform your on-campus study abroad coordinator or advisor and the program faculty leader of your decision. Otherwise, you will continue to receive and be responsible for payment of the tuition and course fees and/or instructional fees and program bills.

The Office of International Programs will not accept verbal cancellations by phone. Withdrawal must be in writing sent by mail or via e-mail from your personal account. You will be allowed a grace period of one weeks, after the date of the acceptance letter, to withdraw from a program. If, however, you wish to withdraw after submitting your application by the appropriate application program deadline, your $200 deposit will not be returned to you.

If you are a UNI student, it is also your responsibility to withdraw from your on campus course registration for the term of study abroad. We will not do this.

Refund Policy

Should circumstances force you to withdraw from the program prior to departure, you will receive a refund of tuition and course fees and a refund of your program fee, except your deposit, according to the following schedule:

· At least 8 weeks prior to the program’s first day, you will receive a refund of all but the $200 deposit.

· Less than 8 weeks but at least 4 weeks prior to the program’s first day, you will receive a refund of 65% of the program fee.

· Less than 4 weeks but at least 2 weeks prior to the program’s first day, you will receive a refund of 15% of the program fee.

· Less than 2 weeks prior to the program’s first day, you will receive no refund.

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