INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students interested in a campus-based program must pursue a specific educational objective to attend UNK. They are not eligible to enroll under a general non-degree status. Degree seeking international students must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Submit the Graduate Online Application Form found at www.unk.edu/admissions/apply.php;
2. Submit an official credential evaluation of all transcripts or mark sheets from all previously attended colleges and universities. Any approved NACES evaluation firm may be used: www.naces.org/members.htm. Copies of a transcript or mark sheets must also be submitted to the Graduate office.
3. Have an educational background equivalent to a United States bachelor's degree;
4. Submit a completed Financial Affidavit with proof of ability to meet financial responsibilities while attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney. International students seeking an online degree program (who will not be issued an I-20 by the campus) are not required to complete the financial affidavit.
5. Submit an official TOEFL score (unless the native language is English, or the student has graduated from a U.S. college or university). Score must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Office of Graduate Studies & Research.
• Minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper-based test or 79 on the internet based test (scores over 2 years old cannot be reported or validated)
• Minimum IELTS score of 6.5
6. Comply with departmental admission requirements. (If submitting GRE or GMAT scores, the scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Office of Graduate Studies & Research.)
7. Transfer students in the United States shall submit transfer authorization from their last place of study to the office of International Student Services. Complete transcripts of credit earned at the US transfer institution(s), including credit hours earned at a foreign college or university (as stated above), should be filed with Graduate Admissions.

It is recommended that international students begin the admission process six months prior to their anticipated arrival to allow enough time for the credential evaluation process, department decision and if admitted, for documents to arrive in time to set visa appointments. It is recommended that students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship position have a completed application by April 15 to be considered for a position beginning in the fall term. See graduate assistantship information.

Issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20, and Form DS-2019, will be made only upon completion of all admission requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make all necessary arrangements through official channels for entrance into the United States.

All UNK international students must report to the International Student Services Office (ISS) in Welch Hall before the first week of classes. Students failing to check in will result in their immigration record not being registered in SEVIS and being out of status. In addition, all international students must submit a completed Student Health Record, which must include results of a recent physical exam and month and year dates of all child and adult vaccinations. See Student Health and Counseling (SHC) section of this catalog for more specific instructions. Students must purchase the basic health insurance policy offered through UNK or provide evidence of comparable coverage by another insurance carrier. Insurance charges will be assessed with other fees on the fee payment statement.

USCIS regulations require all international students to enroll full-time while pursuing a degree at the University. Undergraduate students must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 hours per semester. Graduate students must enroll and complete a minimum of 9 hours per semester. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in serious immigration consequences.