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Degree-seeking Student Requirements

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At the University of North Florida, we warmly welcome students from all over the world and encourage cultural exchange and diversity. Select a category below to find out which admission requirements you will need in order to be admitted to UNF.

These admissions guidelines are intended for applicants seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa. Applicants of other visa types and immigration statuses should refer to the UNF Admissions website for more information.

Note: When searching for programs, please keep in mind that per federal regulations, in order to issue the I-20 document to apply for the F-1 visa, international students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. We are not permitted to issue immigration documents for online, part-time, or certificate* programs (*Music Certificate is the only exception).

  • First Time in College (Freshman) Applicants

    Applicants who have graduated from high school and have no (or fewer than 12 transferable college credit hours) university or college credit are considered to be freshman or 'first time in college" applicants.

    Admission Requirements:

    Note: For freshman applicants, generally you must submit a foreign credential evaluation of your high school credit while your courses are in progress (before you graduate) and then once you graduate, you must submit another foreign credential evaluation proving that you graduated with an updated GPA. If you wait until after you graduate to apply and submit your documents for evaluation with the intention of attending UNF in the Fall, it usually too late to complete the steps necessary for the student visa in time.

  • Lower Level Transfer Applicants

    Applicants with less than 60 transferable credit hours (but more than 12) are considered lower level transfer students. In the United States, 60 credit hours is generally equivalent to two years of coursework, so if you have been at a college/university abroad for less than two years, you will likely be considered a lower level transfer. UNF Transfer Services will determine which credits are transferable. Keep in mind that generally English as a second language courses (such as EAP) and prep or remedial courses are not considered transferable.

    Admission Requirements:

    • Application
    • Application fee $30 USD
    • Course-by-Course Foreign Credential Evaluation (inclusive of high school transcripts with GPA and college/university transcripts) from an approved third-party credential evaluation agency as outlined by the Florida Department of Education
    • Official SAT or ACT Test Scores

    Note: If applicants have 30+ transferable credit hours completed including a college level math course (Algebra or higher) and English Composition/Writing course at the time of application, then the SAT/ACT and evaluation of high school transcripts will not be required for admission. If you meet this exception note you will still be required to prove English Language Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTs, etc.)

  • Upper Level Transfer Applicants

    Applicants with more than 60 transferable credit hours are considered upper level transfer students. In the United States, 60 credit hours is generally equivalent to two years of coursework, so if you have been at a college/university abroad for more than two years, you will likely be considered an upper level transfer. UNF Transfer Services will determine which credits are transferable. Keep in mind that generally English as a second language courses (such as EAP) and prep or remedial courses are not considered transferable.

    Admission Requirements:

  • Post-Baccalaureate (Second Bachelor's Degree) Applicants

    Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to pursue a second bachelor’s degree are considered post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) applicants.

    Admission Requirements:

  • Graduate Applicants

    Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking admission to a master’s or doctoral degree are considered graduate applicants.

    Admission Requirements:

    Note: If you have a scholarship that requires you to be enrolled in face-to-face (in-person) classes each semester, contact the Graduate Program Director for more information regarding availability of face-to-face (in-person) classes.

  • Application Deadlines

    Please note that the following deadlines are suggested deadlines set by the International Center in order to ensure proper time for the issuing of immigration documents and visa processing. Check visa appointment wait times in your country at the U.S. Department of State website. Certain programs, such as limited access majors, and graduate programs have separate deadlines that applicants are responsible to adhere to.

  • Fall

    May 1st

  • Spring
    October 1st
  • Summer
    February 1st
  • I missed the suggested deadline - can I still apply?
    The deadlines listed above are flexible deadlines. If you are seeking admission to UNF for Fall and it is May 2, you may still apply, just keep in mind the time required for visa processing. If the deadline for a limited access major or graduate program has passed, please contact the program to see if you may still apply after the posted deadline. 
  • Foreign Credential Evaluations

    The foreign credential evaluation from an approved third-party credential evaluation agency as outlined by the Florida Department of Education is a document that converts transcripts from abroad to a U.S. equivalent. For any evaluations of high school credit, be sure the evaluation includes a GPA calculation. If you have any college or university credit, be sure to select a course-by-course evaluation.

    For graduate (master's/doctoral) applicants, all applicants that have earned a baccalaureate (bachelor's) degree outside of the United States must provide evidence that the degree is equivalent to a US baccalaureate. Evaluations stating other degree equivalencies will not be accepted as proof of a baccalaureate. Please refer to the UNF Degree Equivalencies list. The evaluation must be evaluated course-by-course and include an overall academic GPA.

  • Technical or Vocational Certifications
    Please note that vocational or occupational courses are not transferable. For example, many medical technology courses, computer technology courses, business technology courses, automotive technology and repair courses, paralegal courses and secretarial courses are considered occupational or vocational and do not readily transfer to UNF.