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Upper Iowa University is home to students from countries around the world. Come join our extended global family.  It is as easy as completing our admissions requirements. Click below to select which type of international student you would be.

All documentation should be sent to:

Upper Iowa University
Office of International Admissions
PO Box 1857
Fayette, IA 52142 USA

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us
at +1 (563) 425-5993, or via e-mail, at [email protected].

Find Your Next Steps in Your Application Process

Freshman Students

To apply as a freshman student, please submit the following documents:

1.) Complete the online application 

2.) Submit OFFICIAL transcripts

Submit OFFICIAL transcripts for secondary schools and any university/college(s) that you have attended. All transcripts must be in English.

For West African Examination Council (WAEC)/West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Students Only: In lieu of official secondary transcripts, you must provide us with your official WAEC/WASSCE scratch card or your information to check your results including examination number (index number), examination year, card serial number and pin.

Please note that all transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education ServicesEducational Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

3.) Submit proof of English proficiency

If you are transferring from a US institution or have been educated in one of the waiver countries, the English proficiency requirement is waived.

Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement include:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; institution code 6885)
    • Internet-based score: 61 or higher
    • Paper-based score: 500 or higher
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Overall band score: 5.0 or higher
    • Writing band score: 5.0 or higher
  • Duolingo: 83 or higher
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 69 or higher
  • Malaysian University English Test (MUET): 4.0 or higher
  • Cambridge O Level English Language Exam: D or higher
  • International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) (English Subject): D or higher
  • HKCEE English Language (Syllabus B): D or higher
  • HKALE English Language (AS Level): E or higher
  • HKDSE: 3 or higher
  • ELS® Language Center: 112 or higher
  • SAT (institution code 6885): minimum critical reading sub-score of 430 or higher
  • ACT (institution code 1360): minimum English sub-score of 18 or higher
  • Oxford Online Placement Test: 70 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 44 or higher

* Note: Test scores must be within the last two calendar years.

UIU reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or conduct interviews when it is appropriate in order to make an admissions decision.

To expedite your immigration paperwork, please provide the following along with your application materials:

  • Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
  • Submit financial documents. International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months. Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show. If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support.
  • Pay the deposit. To find the deposit, you will need to click on this link, find the “Office of International Admissions” and make the payment under the “Non-Refundable International Enrollment Deposit.”

Once ready, please mail all of the original documents (no copies).

Conditionally Admitted Students

International students can be conditionally admitted when the student meets all admissions requirements except for the English Proficiency requirement. UIU will admit the student provided that he or she successfully completes the UIU Intensive English program prior to beginning academic classes.

Note: If you are applying for conditional admissions, you will be required to complete at least one level (semester) of our Intensive English Program. You are not able to test out of this program upon arrival. 

To be conditionally admitted, please submit the following documents:

1.) Submit an online application.

2.) Submit OFFICIAL transcripts

Please submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope for all colleges/universities that you have attended. These transcripts must show that you have completed an undergraduate program (baccalaureate degree) and your cumulative GPA (or the foreign equivalent).

Please note that all transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

UIU reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or conduct interviews when it is appropriate in order to make an admissions decision.

To expedite your immigration paperwork, please provide the following along with your application materials:

  • Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
  • Submit financial documents. International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months. Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show. If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support.
  • Pay the deposit. To find the deposit, you will need to click on this link, find the “Office of International Admissions” and make the payment under the “Non-Refundable International Enrollment Deposit”.

Once ready, please mail all of the original documents (no copies).

Transfer Students to/from Fayette, UIU Hong Kong and Other US Centers

In order to transfer to/from UIU Fayette, UIU Hong Kong and other US Centers, please submit the following documents:

1) Submit the Change of Location form.

2) Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.

3) Submit financial documents.

International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months. Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show.

If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support.

Once ready, please mail or drop off all of the original documents listed above (no copies) to the appropriate contact:

Internships

Only students who will be attending the Fayette campus for more than one (1) year are eligible to pursue an internship.

Scholarships

UIU has two scholarships available for students transferring to the Fayette campus from UIU Hong Kong:

  • International Ambassador Scholarship ($14,000): Awarded to students who have 3.0 CGPA or above at the time of application.*
  • International Peacock Scholarship ($10,000): Awarded to students who have a 2.00-2.99 CGPA at the time of application.*

UIU reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or conduct interviews when appropriate in order to make an admissions decision.

Transfer Students from Another College or University

To apply as a transfer student from another university or college, please submit the following documents: 

1.) Submit an online application 

2.) Submit OFFICIAL transcripts

Submit OFFICIAL transcripts for all university/college(s) that you have attended. Transfer students who have earned less than 24 or more college credits from an accredited institution will need to submit all secondary transcripts as well.

For West African Examination Council (WAEC)/West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Students Only If Needed: In lieu of official secondary transcripts, you must provide us with your official WAEC/WASSCE scratch card or your information to check your results including examination number (index number), examination year, card serial number and pin.

Please note that all transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education ServicesEducational Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

3.) Submit proof of English proficiency

If you are transferring from a US institution or have been educated in one of the waiver countries, the English proficiency requirement is waived.

Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement include:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; institution code 6885)
    • Internet-based score: 61 or higher
    • Paper-based score: 500 or higher
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Overall band score: 5.0 or higher
    • Writing band score: 5.0 or higher
  • Duolingo: 83 or higher
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 69 or higher
  • Malaysian University English Test (MUET): 4.0 or higher
  • Cambridge O Level English Language Exam: D or higher
  • International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) (English Subject): D or higher
  • HKCEE English Language (Syllabus B): D or higher
  • HKALE English Language (AS Level): E or higher
  • HKDSE: 3 or higher
  • ELS® Language Center: 112 or higher
  • SAT (institution code 6885): minimum critical reading sub-score of 430 or higher
  • ACT (institution code 1360): minimum English sub-score of 18 or higher
  • Oxford Online Placement Test: 70 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 44 or higher

* Note: Test scores must be within the last two calendar years.

UIU reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or conduct interviews when it is appropriate in order to make an admissions decision.

To expedite your immigration paperwork, please provide the following along with your application materials:

  • Submit a copy of your passport biographical page. 
  • If you are transferring from a U.S. university or college, submit a Transfer-In Request Form. Complete the first section of the form and then turn in to the international student advisor at your current school. Follow any other instructions given by your current school’s international student advisor.
  • Submit financial documents. International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months. Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show. If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support.
  • Pay the deposit. To find the deposit, you will need to click on this link, find the “Office of International Admissions” and make the payment under the “Non-Refundable International Enrollment Deposit.”

Once ready, please mail all of the original documents (no copies).

Exchange (ISEP) Students

Exchange students coming through an ISEP program should contact their ISEP coordinator at their school in order to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Exchange (non-ISEP) Students

In order to apply as an exchange student, please submit the following documents:

1) Complete the online application 

2) Send an unofficial copy of your transcripts to [email protected] 

Please submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope for all colleges/universities that you have attended. These transcripts must show your cumulative GPA (or the foreign equivalent).

Please note that all transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

3) Send a copy of your passport biographical page to [email protected] 

4) Provide us with Proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • Come from a UIU-approved English speaking country
  • A signed letter from your current institution indicating your level of English proficiency
  • Copy of the results from an English test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
  • Schedule a Skype meeting with us by emailing [email protected] 

5) Fill out the Exchange Student Advisor Recommendation Form and send it to [email protected] 

6) Fill out the Exchange Student Class Registration Form and send it to [email protected] 

7) Submit financial documents

International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months.

Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show. If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support. Your original financial documents must be mailed to us.

UIU reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or conduct interviews when appropriate in order to make an admissions decision.

Master of Business Administration Graduate Students

If you are interested in applying for our Graduate program, please follow the steps below (all documents must be submitted in English):

1.) Complete the online application 

2.) Submit OFFICIAL transcripts

Please submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope for all colleges/universities that you have attended. These transcripts must show that you have completed an undergraduate program (baccalaureate degree) and your cumulative GPA (or the foreign equivalent).

Please note that all transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English, you must then get your transcript evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

3.) Submit proof of English proficiency

If you are transferring from a US institution or have been educated in one of the English proficiency waiver countries, the English proficiency requirement is waived.

Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement include:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; institution code 6885)
    • Internet-based score: 79 or higher
    • Paper-based score: 550 or higher
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Overall band score: 6.0 or higher
    • Writing band score: 6.0 or higher
  • Duolingo: 97 or higher
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 77 or higher
  • Malaysian University English Test (MUET): 5.0 or higher
  • Oxford Online Placement Test: 75 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 48 or higher
  • Graduate Test of English Comprehension (GTEC): 1150 or higher

* Test scores must be within the last two calendar years

To expedite your immigration paperwork, please provide the following along with your application materials:

  • Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
  • Submit financial documents. International students must submit financial documents as evidence of the ability to pay all fees and expenses for one full year. All financial documents must be originals (no faxes, scans or copies will be accepted), in English and no older than six months. Please see the Financial Requirements Form to determine how much the financial statements must show. If you will be supported by a family member or another person, you must also submit the Affidavit of Support.
  • Pay the deposit. To find the deposit, you will need to click on this link, find the “Office of International Admissions” and make the payment under the “Non-Refundable International Enrollment Deposit”.

Once ready, please mail all of the original documents (no copies).