Apply/enroll as a University Special student

How to apply

  • Our priority application deadline is one month before the start of any term.
  • Most students learn their application status within two weeks.
  • Adult & Student Services Center (ASSC) mails an admissions letter and enrollment instructions.

Step 1: Select a course

If you haven’t already identified a class, please check the online Timetable to find a class of interest to you. (Some courses may offer limited enrollments for Special students.) Select the relevant semester, then browse classes by department or school/college. Once you have identified a class that you are interested in taking, the next step is to apply.

Step 2: Application and admission

To take a class(es), you must first apply online to become a University Special student. If you have problems accessing the online application, call 608-263-6960. Keep a record of your log-in and password as your application’s demographic entries will be saved indefinitely, and you only need to update and resubmit your application in the future if your student status becomes inactive.

We encourage you to apply at least one month before the beginning of any session. Within two weeks of submitting your application, you should receive a letter of admission by mail. This letter provides your 10-digit UW campus ID number and enrollment instructions. You will also receive an “Invitation to Enroll” by e-mail from the Office of the Registrar with your specific enrollment date and time. 

Step 3: Activate your NetID

Once you have received your letter of admission, go to MyUW. If you do not have a NetID, click on the Activate NetID link and follow instructions using the 10-digit Campus ID number listed in your admission letter and your birthdate.

If you have a WiscWorld e-mail address, your NetID is the name that appears to the left of @wisc.edu. Your password is the one used to check WiscMail. (If you are a UW employee, you will be able to access your “Student Center” through your existing MyUW account if you provided us with your Social Security number on your application.)

For assistance with your NetID or password, call the DoIT HELP Desk at 608-264-4357.

Step 4: Enrollment process

  • Most Special students pay the same tuition as undergraduates.
  • Special students can take up to 18 credits each fall or spring semester; in summer, one credit per week of instruction.
  • The earliest day that most University Special students are allowed to enroll in classes is approximately one week before the beginning of the term.

Course enrollment is done via the MyUW “Student Center.” The Office of the Registrar offers enrollment assistance at 21 N. Park Street and via phone at 608-262-0920, Monday-Friday, 7:45 am-4:25 pm.

To avoid a $25 late enrollment fee, you must enroll in your course before the enrollment deadline, typically the end of the second week of classes for regular session (semester-long) courses, or the end of the third day for short-term courses. If you have questions about this deadline, please call ASSC at 608-263-6960.

The Registrar’s home page offers this same information with helpful screen views of the process. They also operate a help line at 608-262-0920 during office hours (7:45 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday). The Adult and Student Services Center is also available to help you. Please call us at 608-263-6960 during office hours (7:45 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday and until 7 pm on Tuesdays).

Have questions about the enrollment process? See Enrollment FAQs

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