International Freshman
Scholarships for International undergraduate students are available. Learn more
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships for International undergraduate students are available. Learn more
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.
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 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale).*
- meet English Language Requirements.* Learn more.
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.
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.
Complete Level 6 of the Intensive English Program at the University of Houston's Language and Culture Center.
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 University of Houston, Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
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 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
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.
English Language Proficiency 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.
Admissions with (ACT or SAT) Test Scores
Have your ACT or SAT score(s) sent directly from the testing agency to us.
Admissions without (ACT or SAT) Test Scores
If you applied for “admissions without a test score,” then skip this step.
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 US) UH requires official transcripts, but will accept an uploaded copy of official international transcripts to your myUH account in order 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.
*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.
Check your application status in your my.uh.edu self-service portal.
Admitted students are notified by email and provided instructions to receive an I-20.
Submit these materials after admission:
- Passport ID
- Financial Documents
- International Address Form
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 at uh.edu/oisss/students.
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 at accessuh.uh.edu. (All documents must be uploaded as a PDF file.) Please note that 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 the University of Houston 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. In order 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.
Student Life
Questions?
Admissions representatives are experts when it comes to applying to the University of Houston. If you'd like to talk to an admissions representative for admissions support, you can schedule a virtual admissions advising appointment, or contact us by phone at 713-743-1010, option 4 or by email at admissions@uh.edu. Please note that admissions representatives do not provide support with course selection or registration.
Email
admissions@uh.edu
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