Admission to the University

• Application Procedures
• First-Year Admission Requirements
• Transfer Admission Requirements
• Readmission
• Applying to the Application Committee
• Dual Credit
• Non-Degree Admission Requirements
• International Admission
• Transfer Credit Evaluation
• General Education Requirements for Transfer Students
• Graduate Admission 
• Graduate Admission Categories
• Additional Information for International Students

Information about the undergraduate admission process and application forms are available from the Office of Admissions or online at www.uidaho.edu/admissions. Applicants for admission to the university must present satisfactory evidence of good character.

Application Procedures

All applicants for admission are required to submit the following:

1. The appropriate, completed application form (i.e., undergraduate, non-degree, or international). Failure to list all institutions attended or submission of inaccurate transcripts or other supporting documents as specified on the application form is considered fraud and subjects the applicant to immediate cancellation of their registration and/or dismissal from the university.
2. Official transcripts from the last high school and all colleges or universities attended. (See sections on first-year, transfer, non-degree, or international admission requirements for further details.) Transcripts submitted in support of an application must be official and must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the issuing institution. Transcripts received become the property of the university and cannot be returned, copied, or forwarded. Official transcripts must be signed by the registrar, superintendent, principal, or other authorized official of the school.
   1. Applicants who are still in high school should apply during their senior year and should ask their high school counselor to send a copy of their current transcript and ACT or SAT scores to the Office of Admissions. If qualified, the applicant will be given an early notice of acceptance based on this record. Final acceptance will be granted when the university receives a final transcript mailed directly from the high school verifying that the applicant has graduated from a regionally accredited high school and has satisfied all admission requirements.
3. Scores from the College Board (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) if applying for admission to the freshman class and if available. This includes transfer applicants with fewer than 14 transferable semester credits. International applicants are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
4. A non-refundable application fee of $50 for domestic applicants and $30 for applicants seeking readmission. This fee is not charged to students applying for non-degree admission or domestic applicants who are Idaho residents.

Application Priority Dates: To provide time for evaluation and for notice of acceptance to reach the applicant, applications and credentials should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at least three weeks prior to the beginning of classes. International applicants have different priority dates (see "International Admission Requirements").

Notification of Admission: When all of an applicant's credentials have been received and they have been found eligible, a letter of acceptance will be sent. Acceptance is granted for a specified semester or summer session. If an applicant does not register for the term for which they applied and were accepted, it will be necessary to file a new application if entrance at a later time is desired.

First-Year Admission Requirements

First-year applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1995 must meet the requirements in effect for their graduation year. A degree-seeking applicant applying directly from high school or with fewer than 14 semester credits of transferable college work earned after high school graduation must complete the following:

1. Submit ACT or SAT test scores. New first-year applicants who do not provide test scores will automatically be considered for admission if their cumulative unweighted GPA is 2.60-4.00. Those who have cumulative GPAs of 2.30-2.59 who do not have test scores will be admitted through the Vandal Gateway Program. Students in this GPA range are also welcome to appeal through our Admissions Committee. Every student who has a test score is encouraged to provide it for admission and class placement.
2. Complete specified high school courses with a minimum 2.00 GPA as listed below. A credit is defined as a course taken with a minimum of 70 hours of classroom instruction. A high school credit can be counted in only one category.
   1. English: A minimum of 8 credits (4 years), selected from composition and literature courses or courses that integrate composition, language, and literature.
   2. Mathematics: A minimum of 6 credits (3 years) including algebra I or applied math I, geometry or applied math II, and algebra II. An additional 2 credits are strongly recommended. Other courses may include probability, discrete math, analytic geometry, calculus, statistics, and trigonometry. Four of the required mathematics credits must be taken in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.
   3. Social Science: A minimum of 5 credits (2 ½ years), selected from American government (state and local), geography, U.S. history, world history, psychology, sociology, and economics (consumer economics courses approved by the Idaho State Board of Education may be counted toward this requirement).
   4. Natural Science: A minimum of 6 credits (3 years), selected from anatomy, biology, chemistry, geology, earth science, physical science, physiology, physics, zoology, and applied science courses jointly approved by the State Department of Education (SDOE) and the State Department of Professional-Technical Education (SDPTE) (maximum of two credits in this category). Ecology will count if SDOE approved. At least two credits must involve laboratory science experience. Note: A laboratory science course is defined as one in which at least one class period each week is devoted to providing students the opportunity to manipulate equipment, materials, or specimens; develop skills in observation and analysis; and discover, demonstrate, illustrate, or test scientific principles or concepts.
   5. Humanities/Foreign Language: A minimum of 2 credits (1 year), selected from literature, history, philosophy, foreign language, fine arts, and interdisciplinary humanities (related study of two or more of the traditional humanities disciplines). These courses should emphasize history, appreciation, theory, analysis, and/or critique. History courses beyond those required for state high school graduation may be counted. Foreign language study is strongly recommended. Native American language (five Idaho tribes) may meet this requirement if taught by certified high school faculty.
   6. Other College Preparation: A minimum of 3 credits (1 ½ years), of which no more than one credit may be in speech or debate (debate must be taught by a certified teacher). Other courses may include studio/performing arts (art, dance, drama, and music) or foreign language (beyond any foreign language credit applied in the humanities/foreign language category). May include no more than two credits in SDPTE-approved classes in agricultural science and technology; business and office education; health occupations education; family and consumer sciences education; occupational family and consumer science education; trade, industrial, and technical education; and individualized occupational training. 
3. Graduate from a regionally accredited high school with a combination of cumulative unweighted GPA and test scores as defined in the following table:

   Test Scores

   High School GPA	ACT Composite	SAT EBRW + Math	ISAT Math + Literacy (ID residents)
   2.60-4.00	Any test score	Any test score	N/A
   2.50-2.59	17-36	910-1600	N/A
   2.40-2.49	19-36	990-1600	N/A
   2.30-2.39	21-36	1070-1600	N/A
   2.20-2.29	23-36	1140-1600	N/A

Applicants with fewer than 14 semester hours of transfer credit completed after high school graduation must meet both first-year and transfer admission requirements, including submission of the required test scores. (See First-Year Admission Requirements above.)

Students who have participated in running start, dual credit, or accelerated learning programs who concurrently enroll in college credit courses while still in high school need to meet first-year requirements for admission and submit all the appropriate high school documentation regardless of the number of transferable credits completed. (See First-Year Admission Requirements above.)

A first-year applicant may apply to the Admissions Committee for consideration (see Applying to the Admissions Committee below) if they do not qualify for regular admission or satisfy one of the criteria below:

1. Graduated from a non-accredited high school,
2. Was home schooled,
3. Obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or
4. Deserves consideration because of special circumstances (i.e. disadvantaged or minority status, delayed entry, returning veteran, a talented student wishing to enter college early, and/or similar situations).

Transfer Admission Requirements

Applicants who have been enrolled in other colleges or universities accredited by one of the approved accrediting agencies listed below, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and who have satisfactorily accumulated 14 or more transferable credits after high school graduation may be admitted with advance standing as transfer students.

In addition to a completed undergraduate admission application form, transfer applicants must submit the following credentials to the Undergraduate Admissions Office:

1. Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent via an approved electronic transcript service or mailed directly to the University of Idaho Undergraduate Admissions Office by the issuing institution. Transcripts received become the property of the university and cannot be returned, copied, or forwarded.
2. Applicants with fewer than 14 semester hours of transfer credit since high school graduation must meet both first-year and transfer admission requirements, including submission of the required test scores. (See "First-Year Admission Requirements" above.)
3. Students participating in running start, dual credit, or accelerated learning programs who are concurrently enrolled in college credit courses while still attending high school need to meet first-year requirements for admission and submit all the appropriate high school documentation regardless of the number of transferable credits completed. (See "First-Year Admission Requirements" above.)

Transfer students are selected from those applicants who present a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00 (C) for all college-level study attempted in all accredited colleges attended, exclusive of courses for which credits are not allowed. Students transferring from out-of-state schools into the College of Engineering must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.80. Admission of transfer students to the landscape architecture program will be based on GPA (typically limited to 2.5 or above), test scores (ACT/SAT), and a portfolio with a letter of intent submitted to the department.

Students admitted to the University of Idaho from other collegiate educational institutions must have complied with the academic regulations for continuance in the institution(s) that they have attended in addition to the academic regulations that are applied to students enrolled in this institution.

An applicant with previous college work who does not qualify for regular admission may also seek provisional acceptance by applying to the Admissions Committee for consideration (see "Applying to the Admissions Committee" below).

Approved Accreditation Associations

The University of Idaho relies on the following accrediting associations standards to evaluate and accept college-level credits and all grades earned by transfer students:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSCHE)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Readmission

Students returning after two years from last attendance must complete an application for readmission and submit a $30 application fee and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended since last enrolling at U of I. (See regulation B-1.) Application forms are available online at www.uidaho.edu/admissions.

Returning students who were not in good academic standing when they left the university need to submit the above materials and follow the appropriate reinstatement procedures as stated in regulation L-4. Contact the Admissions Office for more information at 208-885-6326 or admissions@uidaho.edu.

Applying to the Admissions Committee

Applicants who do not qualify for admission to the University of Idaho may petition the Admissions Committee. Such applicants must submit to the Undergraduate Admissions Office an application for admission, the appropriate fee, all required official transcripts and test scores, three signed letters of recommendation, and a written statement from the student that includes the student's goals, educational and/or professional objectives, an explanation of past academic performance, information and/or documentation regarding any extenuating circumstances, and any other information the student wishes to have considered. This information should be received in the Undergraduate Admissions Office by August 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester.

Students admitted through the Admissions Committee may be granted regular or provisional admission and will be subject to the regulations on academic probation, disqualification, and reinstatement (see regulation L). The Admissions Committee may assign provisionally admitted students a primary advisor. These students, while on provisional status, will need this advisor’s approval before registering and when making any changes to their registration. They may be required to attend pre-academic planning within an office or a program of the University.

Freshmen admitted provisionally may change to regular admission status upon satisfactory completion of 14 credits, 12 of which must be in four different categories of the general education requirements (see regulation J-3). Regular admission status must be attained within three semesters or the student will be dismissed, subject to the Admissions Committee's appeal procedures.

Transfer students admitted provisionally must enroll on probation, meet all conditions imposed by the committee, and complete the first semester with at least a 2.00 grade-point average, or they will be dismissed, subject to the Admissions Committee's appeal procedure.

Dual Credit

Dual credit is a program authorized by the Idaho State Legislature that provides qualified high school students with an opportunity to receive both high school and university credit for classes taken at the University of Idaho. High school students are eligible if they are at least 16 years old before the first day of class in any semester OR they have completed at least half the high school graduation requirements (generally high school juniors and seniors).

To apply for the dual credit program, students must submit the online application for Dual Credit admission and complete the U of I "Dual Credit Registration for High School" form, available from the Office of Dual Credit (208-885-6237) or online at http://dualcredit.uidaho.edu/students/. The completed registration form must be signed by the student's parent/guardian and high school principal or counselor. Students under age 16 must also obtain permission from the course instructor. Written notice of acceptance to the dual credit program and confirmation of registration will be provided to the student. Dual credit students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid programs.

Non-Degree Admission Requirements

This category is for applicants who wish to enroll in courses pertaining to their personal interest and who do not want to work toward a formal degree at the University of Idaho. Application forms are available online at www.uidaho.edu/admissions.

A person admitted as a non-degree student who wants to take undergraduate courses must:

1. be a high school graduate or have completed the GED;
2. understand that acceptance in this category does not constitute acceptance to a degree-granting program;
3. have sufficient educational background to qualify for the course or courses in which enrollment is sought;
4. accept personal responsibility for the applicability of credits earned while registered in this category; and
5. understand that students in this non-degree category cannot be considered for federal or state financial aid.

A student who has not yet graduated from high school or obtained a GED may be admitted as a non-degree student based on the dual credit policies of the University of Idaho (see Dual Credit).

A person admitted as a non-degree student who wants to take graduate-level courses must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Strict limitations exist for use of non-degree credits toward a graduate degree. Please refer to the College of Graduate Studies section.

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.

A non-degree student may register for no more than 7 credits each semester and may complete a maximum of 32 semester credits. Students on official UI exchange programs and those in the dual credit program are not limited to 7 credits each semester. International exchange students must take 12 or more credits. Upon completion of 32 semester credits, the student must either be admitted as a degree-seeking student at the University of Idaho or submit a letter of appeal to continue as a non-degree student. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in courses numbered 500-600. Permission from the dean of the College of Law is required to enroll in courses numbered 8000-9999.

A non-degree student seeking admission as an undergraduate student or as a graduate student will remain classified as a non-degree student and will not be admitted to a program until all admission requirements have been met. Total credits and the U of I GPA will be considered when applying for admission. Credit earned as a non-degree student will be moved to the undergraduate transcript upon admission as an undergraduate student unless the student specifically requests in writing to the Registrar’s Office that all credits earned remain on the non-degree transcript.

Any deviations to the admission policy or credit limits will be acted on by the Director of Admissions and/or the Admissions Committee if the student wishes to enroll for undergraduate credit. Any deviations to the admission policy or credit limits will be acted on by the associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies and director of graduate admissions and/or the Graduate Petitions Committee if the student wishes to enroll for graduate credit.

International Admission

The University of Idaho encourages the application of qualified students from other nations to join its student community. Admission is dependent upon credentials which demonstrate a capacity to succeed academically at the university level. Application forms are available online at www.uidaho.edu/admissions.

In some instances, individual departmental requirements may be more rigorous than the general U of I admission requirements. In those situations, final admission is based on the department’s decision.

All international students who hold nonresident alien visas and who are pursuing a degree (i.e., matriculated) must hold a valid visa status which allows them to study full-time. Some of these visa categories include, but are not limited to, F-1, J-1, or H-4. The immigration status of international students must comply with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. Individuals holding a U.S. tourist visa (VWP, B1, B2) cannot engage in a course of study in the U.S.

Priority dates for international applicants are as follows:

International Admission Deadlines

Deadline	Application
May 1	Fall semester application
October 1	Spring semester application
March 1	Summer term application
Application Fee	$50.00 (non-refundable)

International student applicants must submit the following:

1. Official transcripts or certified copies of certificate(s), diploma(s), or government examination report(s) received from any educational institution (high school, college, or university). These documents must be translated into English and must be sent by the certifying agency directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Please note: If you are applying after the above priority dates, a professional credential evaluation of your academic transcript(s) may be required. Please contact the Admissions Office or visit our website at www.uidaho.edu/admissions for a list of approved credential evaluation agencies.
2. Proof of English language proficiency. UI requires all applicants whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Because most applicants report the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, UI bases its minimum English language proficiency requirements on the TOEFL. UI requires a minimum TOEFL score of 70. Equivalent measures of proficiency acceptable to UI include SAT evidence-based reading and writing with a minimum score of 550; Cambridge International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0; Duolingo English test with a minimum score of 100; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) with a pass; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a pass;  Cambridge International "O" Levels with a pass; or Pearson (PTE) Academic with a minimum score of 48. Exceptions to the minimum TOEFL requirement are made for:
   1. those from official English-speaking countries;
   2. those who have earned a degree from either a U.S. institution or an institution in another official English-speaking country;
   3. those who successfully complete the American Language and Culture Program at the University of Idaho; or
   4. based on the judgment of the Undergraduate Admissions Office, those who have successfully completed English courses at U.S. institutions. If required, the TOEFL score or an approved equivalent must be on file before the application for admission will be processed. 
3. A completed "Certificate of Financial Responsibility" and all required supporting documentation as required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). International students must present to the Undergraduate Admissions Office satisfactory statements of finances and adequate proof of financial responsibility or sponsorship for all financial obligations while attending the university.
4. If the student is transferring to the University of Idaho from another U.S. college or university, the student must request that their SEVIS record be transferred to the University of Idaho before an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued.

Undergraduate applicants who have had no previous work at the post-secondary level must have at least a 2.50 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) from a secondary school and must also meet the criteria for being admitted to a university level institution in the applicant’s home country in order to be considered for admission to the University of Idaho.

Undergraduate applicants who have attended a post-secondary-level institution must have completed at least 14 transferable semester credits at an accredited/recognized institution and must present a minimum grade-point average of 2.00 for all post-secondary work attempted. For admission into the College of Engineering, transfer students must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.80. Other departments may have additional requirements.

Students who have completed fewer than 14 transferable semester credits (post-secondary) must meet the secondary school GPA requirements in addition to the post-secondary transfer requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum university admission requirements may apply to the Admissions Committee. Those applicants must submit an application for admission, all required official transcripts and official translations, test scores, three signed letters of recommendation, and a signed written statement of their educational objectives. All materials supporting the applicant’s appeal must be submitted in English. This information should be received in the Undergraduate Admissions Office by May 1 in order to be considered for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.

International Application Priority Dates

To provide time for evaluation, notice of admission status to reach the applicant, and DHS requirements to be met for issuance of a student visa, applications and credentials should be received by the Undergraduate Admissions Office no later than the following dates: May 1 for the fall semester, October 1 for the spring semester, and March 1 for the summer session. Please note: If you are applying after the above deadlines, a professional credential evaluation of your academic transcript(s) may be required. Contact the admissions office or visit www.uidaho.edu/admissions for a list of approved credential evaluation agencies.

International Student Concurrent Enrollment

Students enrolled in the Advanced Level of ALCP may, in consultation with the coordinator of ALCP (to determine appropriate courses) and the course instructor, obtain approval to enroll as non-degree students for up to seven credits per semester of academic courses in addition to their ALCP courses. Students whose proficiency levels later prove inadequate for success in the academic courses may be withdrawn at the discretion of the academic course instructor and the ALCP coordinator. Once students achieve the necessary language qualification and pursue full admission to the university, they may apply credits of academic courses completed while in non-degree seeking status toward U of I degree programs (other university restrictions may apply).

International Student Health and Accident Insurance

Supplemental health and accident insurance is mandatory for international students who hold nonresident alien visas and all accompanying dependents. Students must purchase and maintain the UI Student Health Insurance policy (SHIP) or document coverage of an equivalent policy with the International Programs Office before classes begin. Failure to obtain and maintain the required insurance may subject students to sanctions, up to and including disenrollment. For more information, visit https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/student-health-services/insurance.

Visa Status

In order to pursue a degree, international students must be authorized in their current visa status. Immigration regulations require that international students holding F-1 (non-sponsored student) or J-1 (exchange visitor, student classification) visas be certified as full-time students during the academic year. Graduate students are thus required to take a minimum of nine credit hours. For all other visa holders, contact the International Programs Office for rules governing taking courses while in the U.S.

International Student Advisors

The international student advisors (ISAs) are involved with an international student's progress at every stage of the educational process. Once a student has been admitted, the ISAs provide general information about cultural adjustment and the educational system, as well as specific details regarding immigration regulations. Interested students may be paired with local host families for cultural activities through the university’s International Friendship Association. All matters pertaining to a student's non-immigrant status are handled through the International Programs Office. A mandatory orientation before registration provides new students with assistance on initial questions. After this orientation, students are invited to visit the ISAs at any time with questions or concerns relating to immigration matters, education, finances, and cultural adjustment. The ISAs also serve as official liaisons between students and their consular offices or sponsoring agencies and the Department of Homeland Security.

International Student Fees

The University of Idaho’s International Services strives to provide international students with the best possible support and assistance throughout their time at U of I. Each semester, International Services provides immigration advising, regular programming, cross-cultural activities, and academic support to ensure students feel they have a home away from home. New students complete pre-departure and in-person orientation that cover mandatory immigration compliance information. There is a one-time $100 International Student Orientation fee as well as a $100 International Student fee each semester that support programs dedicated to international students.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Upon application to the University of Idaho (U of I) and receipt of all official transcripts, all college-level coursework completed at institutions accredited by approved accreditation agencies is evaluated by the Registrar's Office. All accepted credits must be from U.S. institutions accredited by one of the U of I approved accrediting associations or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. After an official transcript has been evaluated, an email confirming all transferred courses will be sent to the student.

Courses not equivalent to a U of I course will be articulated to an elective course, denoted by subject code and a course number 000. The U of I maintains a list of transfer course equivalencies from accredited colleges and universities on the Registrar’s web page: http://www.uidaho.edu/registrar/transfer.

Courses Receiving No Credit

The U of I reserves the right to deny credit for courses that are not compatible with those offered in its baccalaureate degree programs. Courses that receive no credit include the following:

• Courses considered below college-level that are categorized as developmental or remedial.
• Coursework earned at an institution that is not accredited by an approved accreditation agency.
• Courses that provide instruction in a particular religious doctrine. 

Quarter Credit Conversion

Credits transferred to the U of I from quarter system schools are converted to semester system credits. One quarter credit is equal to 2/3 (0.667) of one semester credit.  

Quarter credits are recorded as follows:

• 1.00 quarter credit = 0.66 semester credits
• 2.00 quarter credits = 1.33 semester credits
• 3.00 quarter credits = 2.00 semester credits
• 4.00 quarter credits = 2.66 semester credits
• 5.00 quarter credits = 3.33 semester credits

Degree Applicability

The U of I degree audit details the applicability of the transfer courses to the student's program of study and general education requirements. The student's major department may further evaluate the applicability of the transfer courses to the student's selected program of study. Determination of how transfer courses may apply to the student’s major requirements is the sole discretion of the department.

Transfer GPA

As per regulation E-4, transfer credits are not included in the computation of a student's grade point average at the University of Idaho. 

Transfer Course Repeat

See regulation E-5-b.

Challenging an Articulation

A course articulation may be challenged by providing additional information regarding course content, i.e. course syllabus, course outline, etc., to the Registrar’s Office. The additional information provided will be reviewed by the corresponding U of I department for a final articulation decision.

Credit Review Process

Students with courses from educational sources that do not have approved accreditation may request to have the courses reviewed by the U of I University Curriculum Committee (UCC) for credit. Should a student wish to have their courses reviewed by the UCC, they must submit the following to the Office of the Registrar:

• A letter indicating the specific courses they want to have reviewed
• An official transcript from the institution
• Course descriptions and syllabi for each course to be reviewed

The Office of the Registrar will then forward the course information to the corresponding academic department for their review. After the Office of the Registrar has received the recommendations from the corresponding department(s), the information will be presented to the UCC. At that time, the UCC may request additional information from the student.

Upon approval by the UCC, the decision on each course will be sent to the Office of the Registrar, who in-turn will notify the student and record the approved courses on the transfer portion of the student's transcript.

Credits earned at an institution that is a suspected diploma/degree mill will not be acceptable to the University of Idaho.

Credit Based on Test Scores

Academic credit may be granted to specific students who meet minimum score requirements on some of the following tests:  ACT, SAT, COMPASS, DSST, College Board Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Global Assessment Certificate (GAC), and General Certificate of Education Examinations (A-Level). (See regulation I.)

Credit for Military Service

Prior credits earned will be reviewed for all VA Beneficiaries. Credit may be given for military courses according to recommendations in the American Council on Education (ACE) Service Guide. Credit is not awarded for the military occupation specialties or basic training courses. Credits awarded for military service are recorded with a grade of pass or fail only and will appear on U of I transcripts after the student is officially admitted. Official documentation is necessary and may include official DD214 papers, official certificates showing completion of courses, and/or an official DD295 Form. Official documents should be sent to the Office of the Registrar, PO Box 444260, Moscow, ID 83844-4260. (See regulation J-5-b for credit limitations.)

International Transfer

Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar. An evaluation by an independent academic credential evaluation service may be required for some transcripts. Transfer credit from non-U.S. institutions are recorded with grades of pass or fail only. Accepted transfer credits are recorded on the student's permanent record after officially being admitted. 

Graduate Transfer

Graduate transfer credits from an approved accredited institution may be used towards a U of I graduate degree upon approval from the student's major professor and the College of Graduate Studies. All graduate level transfer credit is recorded with grades of Pass or Fail only.

Graduate transfer credits from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by an academic credential service prior to credits being applied to student's transcript.

For more information regarding graduate transfers, please see the general requirements for Master's Degrees, Education Specialist's Degrees, or Doctoral Degrees.

Law Transfer

See the College of Law Admission Requirements.

General Education Requirements for Transfer Students

One of the requirements for a University of Idaho (U of I) baccalaureate degree is the fulfillment of the general education requirements.

Students who earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from a regionally accredited institution will be considered as satisfying the general education requirements. Students who have completed the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at a regionally-accredited California community college will be considered as satisfying the general education requirements.

Students who have completed the 36-credit general education requirements, as defined in Idaho State Board Policy III.N, without an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree and transfer from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution in Idaho will not be required to complete additional general education requirements at U of I.

Students who enter U of I without having completed an A.A. or A.S. or are not certified as having completed the equivalent of Idaho's State Board of Education general-education core have two options for fulfilling the general-education requirement:

1. Satisfy the requirement as outlined in regulation J-3. In this case, transfer credits are evaluated on a course-by-course basis for equivalency to courses specified in J-3, and deficiencies are made up by completing the necessary additional credits in non-duplicating courses listed in J-3.
2. The second option is to satisfy the general education requirements established by the Idaho State Board of Education as set forth immediately below. In this case, transfer credits are evaluated by subject matter, rather than on a course-by-course basis, and deficiencies are made up by completing the necessary additional credits in non-duplicating courses listed in J-3. Courses that are approved to satisfy a core requirement can be used to satisfy those requirements even if the course is completed prior to being approved as a core course.

Alternative General Education Requirements for Transfer Students

A minimum of 36 credits is required from the following categories. Additional courses may be completed in any of the below categories to complete the required 36 credits.

1. Written Communication: 3-6 credits (Depending on initial placement)
2. Oral Communication: 2 credits
3. Mathematical Ways of Knowing: 3 credits
4. Scientific Ways of Knowing: 7 credits (From two different disciplines with at least one laboratory or field experience)
5. Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing: 6 credits (From two different disciplines)
6. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing: 6 credits (From two different disciplines)

Graduate Admission

Graduate programs are offered through one or more of the following locations: Moscow; the U of I's Centers in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, or Idaho Falls; or the Engineering Outreach or other distance learning opportunities. Please see www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate to determine where graduate programs are delivered.

More than 600 faculty members participate in teaching and research. In addition to the accreditation of some individual programs, the University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Academic Requirements for Graduate Admission

Students who satisfy all criteria listed below will be considered for graduate admission to the University of Idaho:

1. Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or recognized international institution. If the degree is not from a regionally accredited institution, the application may be reviewed by the department and by the College of Graduate Studies.

   Or
   Have completed three years of undergraduate study in an international accredited institution which has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the University of Idaho for a cooperative 3+2 program leading to a graduate degree. Cooperative 3+2 programs may have higher entrance requirements (see COGS website for a list of 3+2 programs).

2. Have an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or higher or an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 or higher for the last 60 semester credits (or 90 quarter credits),
3. Have maintained at least a 3.00 grade-point average in subsequent academic work (if any).
4. Have met any additional requirements set forth by the department or program which may be required. Please review the graduate admissions website for specific departmental/program requirements at www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate.
5. Have been reviewed and recommended for acceptance by the academic unit administering the program in which the student seeks to enroll. For individual academic unit admission requirements, please refer to individual department sections of this catalog or consult the Graduate Admissions website at www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate.

The College of Graduate Studies requires all applicants to provide a one to two-page statement of career objectives, a curriculum resume, and transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Recommendation letters or other type of references to support the application may be required by departments. Please see the individual program or department web page for reference requirements. A list of programs can be found at www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-programs.

Students planning to apply for work leading to a graduate degree should contact the academic unit in which they wish to major before applying for graduate admission. All admission recommendations are made at the academic unit level with final admission decisions made by the College of Graduate Studies. Admission is granted only to a specific degree and program, and initial admission is granted for a specific semester.

English Language Proficiency for Graduate Admissions

U of I requires all applicants whose primary language is not English to demonstrate English language proficiency. Because most applicants report the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, U of I bases its minimum English language proficiency requirements on the TOEFL. U of I College of Graduate Studies requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79. Equivalent measures of proficiency and minimum scores acceptable to U of I include the Cambridge IELTS (6.5) and the PTE Academic (58). Official scores must be sent directly from the test administering agency at the point of admission and cannot be more than two years old at the date of application. 

It is important to verify the departmental minimum language score requirement as some departments require a score higher than the university minimum. Exceptions to the minimum language score requirement are made for the following:

1. Those from official English-speaking countries,
2. Those who have earned a bachelor degree or higher from another U.S. institution, or
3. Those who have completed the University of Idaho American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) level 6.

Priority Deadlines and Application Fees for Graduate Students

Priority Deadlines

Domestic Applicants	International Applicants
Fall-February 1	Fall-February 1
Spring-September 1	Spring-September 1
Summer-February 1	Summer-February 1
Non-refundable application fee $60	Non-refundable application fee $70

By meeting the priority deadline, the student will receive full consideration for College of Graduate Studies tuition waivers. Individual academic units may have earlier admission deadlines, especially for applicants seeking financial assistance or assistantships.

The academic unit will determine which terms they will admit students. Check the Graduate Admission Department Requirements website for applicable admission terms (www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-programs).

Applications received after the above deadlines but before the official start of the semester for which the applicant is seeking entry will be accepted only if additional students can be accommodated.

Please consult the graduate admissions website at www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate for more information regarding academic departments’ requirements and deadlines.

The Graduate Admissions Office is not authorized to release application information to anyone other than the applicant without written authorization. To grant authorization to give information to another individual, submit a Student Consent for Release Form.

Deadline for International Application for Admission

To provide time for evaluation, notice of admission status to reach the applicant, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) requirements to be met for issuance of a student visa, applications and credential should be received by the Graduate Admissions Office no later than the following dates: May 1 for fall semester, October 1 for spring semester, or March 15 for summer session.

Graduate Record Examination

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a College of Graduate Studies requirement but is required by some academic units. Official GRE results must come from the Educational Testing Service. In rare cases, if the examination is beyond 5 years old, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) may allow students to provide unofficial results of the examination with their admission application to facilitate evaluation and acceptance. 

Transcripts and Application for Graduate Admission

Students wishing to enter the College of Graduate Studies must submit a University of Idaho application for admission, a one to two page statement of career objectives, a curriculum vitae/resume, and transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Recommendation letters or other types of references to support the application may be required by departments. Please see the individual program or department web page for material requirements. A list of programs can be found at www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-programs

A copy of the official transcript (and English translation for all foreign language documents) for every college and university the applicant attended is acceptable for the application review process. Applicants may upload copies of official transcripts and translations via the online application. Uploaded transcripts must be legible; illegible transcripts will not be processed. The College of Graduate Studies recommends scanning at 600 dpi resolution.

Official transcripts of all college work will be required at the point of admission and must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants who have already earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution that are seeking a graduate degree at Idaho will only need to submit official transcripts from the graduate degree granting institution. All documents received as part of the application process become part of the official Graduate Admissions application file.

Official Academic Credentials for Graduate Students

Transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, or examination results, along with degree certificates from all higher education institutions attended, will be required to complete acceptance. Graduate admissions accepts electronic transcripts from the National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, and eSCRIPT-SAFE. When sending official transcripts from schools located in non-English-speaking countries, each institution must submit both the English translation plus an original language record.

Academic credentials should be sent Express Mail through FedEx, UPS, or DHL to the following address: University of Idaho Graduate Admissions Office, 820 Idaho Ave. Morrill Hall 205 Moscow, ID 83844-3019. Transcripts sent through U.S. Mail should be sent to University of Idaho Graduate Admissions Office at 875 Perimeter Drive MS3019, Moscow Idaho, 83844-3019. Transcripts not sent directly from an institution or hand delivered in a sealed envelope, stamped and/or signed by the appropriate authority may be considered official upon evaluation. If transcripts are deemed unofficial, then official transcripts must be received before registration opens for subsequent terms, or a registration hold will be placed on the students’ registration. Any discrepancies later found between the student-provided/uploaded transcripts and official transcripts will be grounds for immediate dismissal. The College of Graduate Studies reserves the right to request a third-party, course-by-course, evaluation of transcripts at any time. The cost of the evaluation will be the responsibility of the student.

Acceptance to the College of Graduate Studies

When admitted to the College of Graduate Studies, a graduate applicant will be issued a letter of acceptance. Acceptance is granted for a specified term. If an applicant does not register for the term admitted but wishes to enroll in a future term, the applicant may request a deferment.

Graduate Admission Categories

Regular Enrollment

Regular enrollment for graduate study leading toward an advanced degree may be granted to a student who satisfies all of the following criteria:

1. Has a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a regionally accrediting association,
2. Has an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or higher or an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 or higher for the last 60 semester credits (or 90 quarter credits),
3. Has maintained at least a 3.00 grade-point average in subsequent academic work if any, and
4. Has been reviewed and recommended for acceptance by the department administering the program in which the student seeks to enroll.

Students who are part of a recognized 3+2 program will be considered to be regularly admitted when they have met the specific admission requirements of COGS and any enhanced requirements outlined by the department which is offering the 3+2 program.

Provisional Enrollment

A student who is not eligible for regular enrollment may be considered for provisional enrollment (on the master's level only) if approved by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and at least two of the following conditions are met:

1. The student's undergraduate GPA shows steady improvement,

2. The student has taken post-baccalaureate undergraduate level course work with A and/or B grades,

3. The student has achieved the 75th percentile on the relevant GRE or equivalent exam, and

4. The student has been out of school for five or more years and has been working for at least one year in the field of the proposed graduate major.

The academic unit specifies provisions that the student must fulfill to be advanced to regular enrollment at the time of their acceptance and should not be changed. Provisional enrollment is not available to international students who hold nonresident alien visas and students who are to be appointed to assistantships.

A student may not remain in provisional enrollment status for more than one academic year or after the completion of nine credits.

A student will be advanced from provisional to regular enrollment provided they maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 each semester (a higher GPA may be specified), fulfills the conditions that were specified at the time of initial enrollment, and receives no incomplete grades. A student who does not meet the stated conditions for advancement cannot continue in the College of Graduate Studies or enroll in 500-level courses and is subject to disqualification and reinstatement procedures. It is the student's responsibility to be in touch with the administrative unit regarding their progress toward meeting the conditions for regular admission.

The conditions specified for a student's advancement to regular enrollment are established at the time of their acceptance and must not be changed (i.e., either strengthened or relaxed) thereafter.

Academic units need not require a student to make up ALL of their academic deficiencies while in provisional enrollment. Performance on a limited selection of them should suffice to demonstrate whether or not the student has the ability to do satisfactory graduate work. Remaining deficiencies, if any, can be made up after the student is in regular enrollment. The academic unit must be sure that any courses the student is required to take while in provisional enrollment will, in fact, be offered during that period.

Deferred Admission

The College of Graduate Studies will, on the recommendation of the department/program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), allow a student to defer their admission for up to one year or for cohort programs to the start of the next admission cycle.

To defer admission to a new term, students must complete a deferred admission application. To gain access to the deferral application, students will need to email the Graduate Admissions Office (graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu) and request the active link. A non-refundable $30 processing fee will be required when the application to defer is submitted.

Note: Additional documents may be required to process the deferred admission application.

Conditional Admission

Non-degree Student

Refer to the "Non-Degree Admission Requirements" section above for a full description of this classification. Non-degree students are not admitted to the College of Graduate Studies. They may, however, take graduate courses with permission of the instructor and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies if they have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall 3.00 GPA. Non-degree students are not eligible for Title IV financial aid. If a non-degree student receives a grade of 'C,' 'D,' or 'F' in a 500-level course, they lose the privilege of taking more 500-level courses.

Application Requirements for Graduate Academic Certificates

Applicants must complete the online application for a Graduate Level Academic certificate ($30.00 application fee) and provide evidence of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (unofficial transcripts will be accepted for graduate certificate applications) in a generally related area with an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Students who have below a 3.0 cumulative GPA on their undergraduate record who wish to enroll in a graduate certificate program are encouraged to apply and may be admitted based on departmental review. Certificate only students will be classified as certificate seeking at the graduate level and are not eligible for financial aid.

International graduate certificate applicants must meet the University of Idaho language requirement. Due to the nature of this program, immigration regulations prohibit students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa admission to this program. Current graduate degree seeking University of Idaho students will be required to fill out a Change of Curriculum form to add the graduate certificate as an additional curriculum. Students should obtain the proper signatures from the department and return to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Current undergraduate students wishing to earn a graduate academic certificate must be eligible to participate in graduate level courses (minimum requirements: senior standing and a 3.0 U of I overall GPA). If the course is not being used for the undergraduate degree, the student should file a Course Reservation Request form to reserve the course for the GR transcript (maximum of 12 credits may be reserved for the graduate transcript). Once the student earns their bachelor’s degree, they may apply as a graduate certificate seeking student and complete the certificate program. 

Concurrent or Multiple Level Curricula for Graduate Students

A graduate student may simultaneously enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program. The "Credit Reservation Form" indicating course use (graduate, undergraduate or law) is available and must be filed each semester or session. Please note that students seeking a degree at more than one level will need to officially apply for admission at the appropriate level. Placing courses from the undergraduate level to the graduate level or graduate level to the undergraduate level, when no degree is sought, does not require admission to the level where the course will be placed. Student fees for the courses are determined by the student's primary level; however, an undergraduate may be charged graduate fees for any courses placed on the graduate transcript.

Seniors in 500-Level Courses

A senior who has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or higher may enroll in 500-level courses. The course(s) may be placed on either the undergraduate or the graduate transcript but will automatically be placed on the undergraduate transcript unless the student completes a “Credit Reservation Form” form indicating the appropriate transcript placement for the course. The placing of courses on a graduate transcript does not admit or guarantee subsequent admission of such students to the Graduate College. The student must submit the “Credit Reservation Form” to the College of Graduate Studies Office before the last day of the semester in which the Bachelor’s Degree is earned. Once a student graduates with their undergraduate degree, courses will not be moved to a graduate level transcript. Students may be assessed graduate fees for courses placed on a graduate transcript.

Returning Students

University of Idaho graduate students who have been absent for two or more years or who have completed one degree and wish to enroll in further courses must file an Application for Readmission. Readmission must be approved by the department in whose degree program returning graduate students wishes to enroll. 
 
A Returning Graduate Student wishing to return to the same degree/major:
Graduate Admissions will begin the approval process upon receipt of the online application for readmission (see B-1). The application must be completed for the program previously enrolled in. 
 
A Returning Graduate Student wishing to change to different degree/major:
Students who wish admission in a new degree/major option or want to change to different program must submit a Change of Curriculum form to College of Graduate Studies with all the appropriate departmental approvals. Returning students changing programs must complete an online Application for Re-Admission (indicating the new degree or program) with Graduate Admissions in addition to the Change of Curriculum form.

Additional Information for International Graduate Students

The College of Graduate Studies welcomes applications from qualified students from other countries. International applicants are expected to have qualifications equivalent to those required of other graduate students.

Prospective international students must have the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution. This is usually a minimum of four years of study beyond grade 12 or equivalent. The college or university must be recognized as a degree granting higher education institution by the Ministry of Education or its equivalent in the home country. 
 
For applicants who have completed their baccalaureate degree in a country that is a signatory of the Bologna Declaration, a Bologna compliant baccalaureate degree at a recognized college or university of at least three years duration may be acceptable if recommended by the academic program.

For other three-year Bachelor’s Degree holders: Not all three-year degrees are equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor Degree. A non-Bologna compliant baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration from a recognized university may be acceptable if recommended by the academic program and if approved by College of Graduate Studies. 

Please visit the graduate admissions website prior to application to determine if your degree is acceptable and/or equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Copy of Passport or National Identity Card for International Graduate Students

The applicant should submit a clear and readable copy of their passport, and if currently in the U.S., a copy of the applicant’s visa.

Financial Verification for International Graduate Students

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations require that every student verify the availability of funds to pay for educational and living expenses before an I-20 or DS-2019 form to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. can be issued. Applicants may submit application materials without financial verification. However, if the department is recommending admission into the graduate program, the student will be required to provide, regardless of the source of funding, a completed “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” and all supporting documentation before an I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued.

Please see www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-admissions-forms for financial responsibility forms.

Enrollment Requirements for International Graduate Students

In order to pursue a degree, international students must be authorized in their current visa status. Immigration regulations require that international students holding F-1 or J-1 student visas be certified as full-time students during the academic year. F-1 graduate students are required to be enrolled in 9 credit hours and are allowed to take up to 3 credits of online coursework towards this requirement. J-1 visa holders are also required to enroll in 9 credit hours, but are not allowed to take online classes toward the 9-credit requirement. Other visa categories may be eligible to study in the U.S. Students who do not hold an F-1 or J-1 student status should contact the International Programs Office for rules governing enrollment while in the U.S.

Health and Accident Insurance for International Graduate Students

Supplemental health and accident insurance is mandatory for international students who hold nonresident alien visas and all accompanying dependents. Students must purchase and maintain the UI health insurance (SHIP) policy or document coverage of an equivalent policy with the International Programs Office before they are allowed to register or attend classes. Failure to obtain and maintain the required insurance may subject students to sanctions, up to and including disenrollment. For more information, visit https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/student-health-services/insurance.

International Student Advisors

The international student advisors (ISAs) are involved with an international student's progress at every stage of the educational process. Once a student has been admitted, the ISAs provide general information about cultural adjustment and the educational system, as well as specific details regarding immigration regulations. Interested students may be paired with local host families for cultural activities through the university’s International Friendship Association. All matters pertaining to a student's non-immigrant status are handled through the International Programs Office. A mandatory orientation before registration provides new students with assistance on initial questions. After this orientation, students are invited to visit the ISAs at any time with questions or concerns relating to immigration matters, education, finances, and cultural adjustment. The ISAs also serve as official liaisons between students and their consular offices or sponsoring agencies and the Department of Homeland Security.

International Student Fees for International Graduate Students

The University of Idaho’s International Programs Office strives to provide new international students with the greatest assistance possible as they settle into their new homes in Moscow. As such, attendance at the multi-day international student orientation is required for all new students. This orientation will include a complete immigration workshop as well as offer several meals and other activities. There is a one-time cost of $65 for all new international students, which will be added to their student account after they have attended this event. Any student who does not attend this orientation will be charged an additional $100 and be required to attend a late orientation session for a total cost of $165. There will be a $50 per semester program cost to support international student programming at the university. Please note: these costs do not apply to students on UI exchange programs.

International Graduate Ambassador Program

The International Ambassador Program assists prospective international graduate students in learning about the University of Idaho community and culture by connecting them with current international graduate students from their home country. Ambassadors may also serve as a liaison between graduate programs and prospective international students by aiding the communication process associated with recruiting international students. The International Graduate Ambassador Program is housed within the College of Graduate Studies under the direction of the Graduate Recruitment Coordinator. Please email uigradstudies@uidaho.edu for additional information on the International Graduate Ambassador Program.