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Undergraduate Admissions

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International Freshman

Exceptional Education. Extraordinary Experiences.

Here, diversity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a way of life. It’s what happens when you drop a diverse student body into the middle of the fourth-largest city in America, surrounded by astronauts, Fortune 500 businesses and magnetic sports teams. It’s what happens when your students come from over 45 states and 130 countries around the world. It’s what happens when your campus is truly a place for everyone. No matter who you are, we have a lot to off­er.

Undergraduate Admissions Brochure

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Admissions Requirements

You'll apply as an international freshman student if you plan to attend the University of Houston:

  • with citizenship from a country outside the U.S.
  • have no college coursework (or have less than 15 credit hours from an accredited university)
  • have an equivalent GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale).*
  • meet English Language Requirements.*

*Some majors have additional requirements other than the ones listed above, including SAT/ACT scores.

See all International Freshman admissions requirements and instructions

Majors with additional requirements

Some majors have additional requirements on top of the ones listed above (like supplementary applications, different GPA needs, essential high school coursework, etc.). Find out more information about majors with additional requirements for freshmen.

English Language Requirements

All applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission to the University. To fulfill this requirement, you must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

  • Earn a high school diploma, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. high school, college or university.
  • Complete the equivalent of a high school education or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a recognized English-speaking country. See list of recognized English-speaking countries
  • Take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) OR IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) OR the Duolingo English Test. See all test score minimums below.

Test Score Requirements:

TOEFL (iBT) IELTS Overall Duolingo English Test
79 6.5 105

The testing agency should mail official IELTS score reports to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Learn more about English Language Requirements

Important Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2025

  • Application Due: Nov. 4, 2024
  • Supporting Information* Due:Nov. 11, 2024

Summer 2025

  • Application Due: April 1, 2025
  • Supporting Information* Due: April 8, 2025

Fall 2025

  • Application Due: May 5, 2025
  • Supporting Information* Due: May 12, 2025

Fall 2025 Scholarship Priority Deadline

  • Application Due: Nov. 1, 2024
  • Supporting Information* Due: Nov. 8, 2024

Codes

Use these codes to submit your FAFSA and send your test scores to us directly from the testing agency

  • SAT: 6870
  • ACT: 4236
  • TOEFL: 6870

*Supporting information includes application fee, test scores and official transcript(s) from all attended institution(s).

Application Process

  1. Apply Online & Pay Application Fees

    Use the Common App to apply. The application is where you’ll indicate to be reviewed with or without ACT or SAT test scores. Be sure to complete the short admissions essay and tell us about your achievements and extracurricular activities. Pay the $90 Application Fee for international students ($75 for U.S. applicants) when you submit your online application.

  2. Submit Test Scores

    English Language Profiency Requirement

    Have your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test score(s) sent directly from the testing agency to us. To learn about accepted test scores and exemptions, view our English language requirements.

  3. Admission With (ACT or SAT) Test Scores

    Have your ACT or SAT score(s) sent directly from the testing agency to us.

  4. Admission Without (ACT or SAT) Test Scores

    If you applied for “admissions without a test score,” then skip this step.

  5. Submit High School/Secondary Academic Records

    Submit official* high school/secondary school transcripts, mark sheets, external exam results and certificates for years 9-12 (or equivalent years). Academic records must be submitted in the original language and include a certified literal English translation.

    Check the International Secondary Academic Records page for the credentials required for your country or international curriculum.

    Transcript Submission Options:
    • Upload to myUH self-service (Schools Outside U.S.) - UH requires official transcripts, but will accept an  uploaded copy of official international transcripts to your myUH account to complete your application. Please note that UH will require official copies of your final academic records should you be admitted.
    • Send Electronically - Ask your school administrator to send your official transcripts electronically through a secure electronic transcript service such as: Common App, TRex, Naviance, Parchment, etc.
    • Send by Postal Mail - Official transcripts can be mailed in an institutional-sealed envelope to: Office of Admission, University of Houston-Welcome Center, 4434 University Drive, Houston, TX 77204.

    All hard copy documents submitted by international applicants as part of the application process become the property of the University of Houston and will not be returned to the student.

    *Official transcripts must either state “official”, have your institution's seal, a signature by a school official or official watermark. It is up to the discretion of the Office of Admissions to determine the validity of the transcript and the office reserves the right to request additional or different copies if needed.

  6. Check Your Application Status

    Check your application status in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.

  7. Receive Your I-20

    Admitted students are notified by email and provided instructions to receive an I-20.

    Submit these materials after Admissions

      • Passport ID
      • Financial Documents
      • International Address Form

  8. Become an #OfficialCOOG

    Register for your mandatory orientation in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.
    Then, complete the International Student Check-In. Learn more about the International Student Check-In process.

Receiving your I-20

The following items are required to apply for an F-1 visa or maintain F-1 visa status. Upload your documents to your myUH self-service account. (All documents must be uploaded as a PDF file.) The I-20 form and its required items do not need to be completed by application deadlines.

Statement of Financial Support Form

The Statement of Financial Support Form must be less than six months old from the date of the sponsor(s)’ signature(s).

Bank Statement

The bank statement must be less than six months old, and it must indicate a minimum balance of USD $41,410 or the equivalent. To upload: If you have more than one page, please save all pages into one PDF file before uploading.

Copy of biometric page of current passport

Submit a copy of your biometric page of your current passport (and U.S. visa, if available).

International Address Form

International students seeking an I-20 from UH must provide a physical address outside the United States in their home country using the International Address Form.

SEVIS Transfer-In Form (Only F-1 visa students that are ADMITTED to UH and currently attending another US institution)

If you are currently attending a U.S. high school/college with an F1 Visa, UH will need to receive your SEVIS record. To complete the transfer-in process to UH, please have the International Advisor at your current institution complete the SEVIS Transfer Form and request for your current school to release your SEVIS record to University of Houston-System.

How to Change Your Major 

We understand students may change their minds about what to study in college. The option to change your academic major is only available after receiving admission to UH and must be completed no later than two weeks before your registered New Student Orientation date.

  1. Log in to your myUH account
  2. Select the "Tasks" tile
  3. Locate your To-Do List and select "UH Choice of Major"
  4. Complete the instructions and click “Submit”

Student Life

Housing

Want to learn and grow in your own space? Living on campus is a great option. With multiple housing options to accommodate your campus experience, we can't wait to welcome you home!

Get Involved

550+ student organizations. 35+ fraternities and sororities. 100+ multi-cultural organizations. 15 intercollegiate sport teams. No matter who you are, we have a lot to offer. So, between classes and making memories that’ll last a lifetime, you’re going to have plenty to do.

Guided Virtual Tours

The Office of Admissions offers virtual campus visits. Register for an opportunity to receive a live campus tour from a UH student ambassador and a brief information session from an admissions representative. This visit is approximately 30 minutes.

ISSSO

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSSO) provides support for the special needs of international students and exchange visitors related to their status as non-immigrants of the United States. They offer many services such as facilitating official campus check-in and orientation, assisting with maintaining visa status and U.S. regulation compliance, providing counseling and advocacy services and more.

Questions?

Admissions representatives are experts when it comes to applying to UH. If you'd like to talk to an admissions representative for admissions support, you can schedule a virtual admission advising appointment or contact us by phone or by email at admissions@uh.edu. Admissions representatives do not provide support with course selection or registration.

Phone
713-743-1010, option 4

Email
admissions@uh.edu

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