International Admission Requirements

We carefully review each application for admission to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. We look for strong academic preparation (students who have taken challenging courses) with excellent student performance (good grades or examination scores). Our admissions specialist is knowledgeable about the educational systems of other countries and is prepared to evaluate your academic records and make an informed decision about your application.

International Freshman Students

We consider every application for admission on its individual merits and do not use formulas to make decisions. Students who have improved their performance while taking serious academic courses are strongly considered for admission. Students who may not be ready for UNL’s academic challenge are given several options to consider, including possible transfer to the University in the future.

What types of courses do I need to have?
Most entering freshmen admitted to UNL have completed the following course work:

• English, including courses in literature, grammar, and composition courses.
• Mathematics, including courses in algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus or trigonometry.
• Natural Sciences, including courses in biology, chemistry, or physics.
• Social Sciences, including courses in world history, economics, geography, or sociology.

What kind of grades do I need to have? In general, our students have the equivalent of a B average or higher in high school. You are given more serious consideration if your marks or grades have been consistently above average or steadily improving in a challenging academic program. On the other hand, low marks or grades in the most recent term or a less demanding academic program are often reasons to deny admission to UNL.

How do SAT or ACT scores affect my application? The SAT and ACT are not required for international students, however the SAT is highly recommended. Both testing programs maintain Web sites ( ACT or SAT ) that will tell you how to arrange to take their tests.

While admission to UNL is never based on standardized test scores alone, the SAT or the ACT gives an indication of a student's preparation for university work. Test scores are influential not only for admission but also for scholarship consideration.

International Transfer Students

Admission for transfer students (students who have already begun university-level work and wish to transfer to UNL to complete their degree) is selective. If you are thinking about transferring to UNL, you must establish a solid academic record in university-level work before applying.

Once we receive your application for admission, we will review it individually. We look at your cumulative and recent-term marks and grades and the breadth and depth of your previous university program. We are interested in good overall performance, as well as good performance in each individual subject or course completed. In addition, you should be in good standing at the institution you are attending or have previously attended.

As a prospective transfer student, you are given more serious consideration if your marks or grades have been consistently above average or steadily improving in a challenging academic program. Conversely, low marks or grades in the most recent term or a less demanding academic program are often factors that make an application less competitive and thus are reasons to deny admission.

UNL may be able to make an admission decision while you are in the process of completing the final term at your institution. However, if your performance in the final term falls below the admission standards for UNL, the Office of Admissions is very likely to withdraw the offer of admission.

If you wish to transfer with the equivalent of fewer than 26 semester hours or 39 quarter hours earned from your current institution, you will need to meet freshman admission standards as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress in your postsecondary studies. Please submit secondary school records along with your university records. Please review our Freshman Admission Requirements for information about freshman admissibility standards.

We invite you to apply as a transfer student if you meet the standards described above.