International Students

If you are interested in taking classes at UW-Madison, your visa status needs to allow you to study at this institution. With few exceptions—English as a Second Language (ESL) and formal exchange students—the Adult and Student Services Center is not authorized to issue the I-20 or DS-2019 for a student visa. Students who hold F-1 or J-1 student visas are not eligible to "transfer" this status to UW-Madison while holding a student visa issued from another school, except for the summer term.

If you do not need a student visa to remain legally in the U.S., you may be able to study as a Special or Guest student. International students who qualify for the UNIS or UNES classifications may be eligible for the I-20 or DS-2019.

Questions about visa options as a Special or Guest student should be directed to: Office of International Student Services; 608-262-2044; fax 608-262-2838.

Student Health Insurance Plan information Student health insurance is mandatory for all international students and dependents regardless of visa type. For information call 608-265-5232 or e-mail ship@www.uhs.wisc.edu

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Unless applying to the ESL program, students must obtain minimum TOEFL scores of 213 (computer-based), 550 (paper-based), or 80 (Internet-based). 

Madison Friends of International Students (MFIS) is a volunteer organization whose members are willing to provide temporary housing and assistance to international students upon arrival in Madison. The office is located at 223 Red Gym, 716 Langdon Street, phone 608-263-4010; fax 608-262-2838; e-mail mfis@odos.wisc.edu.

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