Frequently Asked Questions

You can find your admissions counselor on our International Admissions Staff webpage.

Reach out to your admissions counselor. You can find contact information on our International Admissions Staff webpage.

If you are applying as a first-year student, and you attended a high school outside of the United States, you or your school can email a PDF copy of your documents to international.admissions@uc.edu.

If you are applying as a first-year student, and you attended all four years of high school in the United States, there are two ways to submit transcripts.

• The transcript can be submitted on the Common Application
• OR a counselor or school administrator can email your transcripts from their school account to admissproc@ucmail.uc.edu

If you are applying as a first-year student, and you attended high schools in the United States AND outside of the United States, and your grades from all high schools are all indicated on your U.S. transcript, there are two ways to submit transcripts.

• The transcript can be submitted on the Common Application
• OR a counselor or school administrator can email your transcripts from their school account to admissproc@ucmail.uc.edu
• If you have attended any of your high school outside of the United States and these credits are not shown on your U.S. transcript with grades, rather only listed as "P" for Pass. A separate Official high school transcript from your former international institution must also be submitted.

View International Admissions First-Year Application Requirements

Yes, if your transcripts or diplomas are not in English, you’ll need to submit a translated version along with the original. The translation should be clear, complete, and professional, but it does not need to be completed by an official government agency.

The University of Cincinnati recognizes IB Diploma, Cambridge International A/AS Levels, AP courses, GAC exams, and CLEP credits may award college credits based on successful completion of these programs.

UC is SAT/ACT optional. However, we do require test of English scores for admission. View UC International Admissions Requirements.

Undergraduate application fee waivers are offered at certain times throughout the year. Start your application to UC to be notified of when our application fee waivers will be available.

Visit our English Language Requirement Exemptions Page, and if you believe you are eligible, contact your international admissions counselor.

View the Conditional Admissions Website for more details, and note that this is a separate application from direct admission.

Visit the UC Registrar website to view transfer credit eligibility.

Students that apply before the early action deadline will receive their admissions decision on the early decision release date. Students that apply after the early action deadline will be admitted on a rolling basis following the early decision release date.

Main Campus, also known as Uptown Campus, is the largest of UC’s three campuses. The majority of international students who are coming from outside of the United States study at Main Campus due to the majors/degrees offered there, and the convenience of amenities such as on-campus housing. Talk with your admissions counselor for more details.

If you graduated high school outside of the U.S. you must submit your final official high school transcript before the first day of classes. Final transcripts may be delivered in one of two ways:

• A counselor or school administrator can email your transcripts from their school account to international.admissions@uc.edu
• Or a sealed copy can be brought directly to the International Admissions, University Pavilion 3rd floor

If you graduated high school in the U.S., final U.S. transcripts may be delivered in one of three ways:

• Secure electronic submission by your counselor is the preferred and fastest method. Online vendors such as Common App, Scoir, and Parchment are the primary preferred methods. However, if your school does not use those vendors, your counselor can email the transcript to admissproc@ucmail.uc.edu. It must be sent directly from a school official.
• Mail directly from the high school to: Office of Admissions, Attn: Final Transcript P.O. Box 210091 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091
• In-person to our visitor center desk>> in University Pavilion (open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in a sealed and signed envelope from your high school. Opened transcripts will not be accepted.

You will need to reference the Closed Programs list to make sure your desired major is still available for applicants. There is an option to change your major within the UC Bearcat Portal. Or you can reach out to your admissions counselor. Please carefully consider changing majors prior to doing so. It is recommended to contact your admissions counselor prior to changing your major.

Students who have attended a college or university after secondary school are considered transfer students. Please visit the UC international transfer student website for more information or contact a UC Transfer advisor for more assistance.

No Graduate application fee waivers are offered.

Graduate applications vary by program. To view some of our more popular programs, visit the links below.

• College of Engineering & Applied Science
• Lindner College of Business
• College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, & Information Technology

To apply, visit the Graduate College Website to access the application.

Visit the UC International Services website to see a cost breakdown of costs.

Global Nomads are traditionally defined as persons of any age or nationality who have lived a significant part of their developmental years in one or more countries outside their passport country. Global Nomads will often have a mix of immigration and educational backgrounds, often both foreign and domestic.

Students’ residency status is separate from their immigration status. UC cannot change or alter a student’s immigration status, as this requires a formal federal immigration change of status process. Learn more about in-state residency international student eligibility.

All students use the same application. The University of Cincinnati is comprised of three campuses that offer different programs. Please do not submit applications for multiple Cincinnati campuses. If you are unsure which campus to choose, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance. Apply>>

If you are in the US on a visa or pending status (not officially a US citizen or Permanent Resident), you would be defined as an international student by immigration definitions. If all your high school education is from the United States, a school counselor or admin can email a PDF copy of your documents to admissproc@ucmail.uc.edu or upload your most recent transcripts, final school report, official final transcripts, examination results, and proof of graduation via the Common App Counselors website.

If you have a mix of foreign and domestic education and your foreign credits are not listed on your domestic transcript, you would follow the international student transcript requirement listed by country here.

View International Admissions First-Year Application Requirements

Depending on what coursework you took in the U.S, you might be eligible for a test of English waiver. View the English Language Requirements Exemptions website to see if you quality and email your admissions counselor to help get the waiver applied.

Students who have completed a full year of high school in the U.S.A. and earned a C grade (or better) in one year of standard English (not ESL) could be granted a waiver. This must be shown in your transcript. View the full list of English Test Exemptions here. Final exemption will be determined by the International Admissions Office and the academic departments.

The English proficiency requirement is not tied to a student’s immigration status, but rather where the education took place. View the English Language Requirements Exemptions website for more information. Questions about determining final language requirements? Please email your admissions counselor to assist.

The University of Cincinnati is proud to recognize in-state tuition rates to eligible international students residing in Ohio. To qualify for Ohio residency rates, students must meet all requirements for residency as defined by the Ohio Legislature and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Once a student is admitted to UC, an online residency application is needed in addition to the UC admissions application. Learn more about how to qualify and apply!

Residency and Reciprocity FAQ >>

University of Cincinnati is proud to recognize Metro/Reciprocity to eligible international students residing in Kentucky and Indiana. Learn more about how to qualify and apply!

Residency and Reciprocity FAQ >>

Once a student is admitted to UC, an online residency reclassification application is required. If you are a “Forever Buckeye graduate” (C8), graduating from an Ohio high school) , you can wait to apply for a reclassification until after you receive your final high school diploma. Submit your Residency Application here.

Residency and Reciprocity FAQ >>

If awarded the International Outreach scholarship, this award will be eliminated, as it only covers out of state surcharges and cannot be applied to your bill. For other UC award types, please check with Enrollment Services for guidance.

Students are responsible for maintaining proper legal status. For questions about immigration/visa related issues, students should engage an immigration attorney for legal advice. For issues specifically related to your F-1 or J-1 visa status, you can contact UC International Services. 

Yes, all US citizens/ Permanent residents regardless of geographical location are eligible to apply for FAFSA. View the official FAFSA website.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is U.S. government funding, and therefore eligibility is limited to United States citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible noncitizens. To determine if you are an eligible noncitizen, more information can be found at studentaid.gov.

UC International Admissions is pleased to offer merit-based scholarships for exceptional students ranging from $1,000 - $15,000 USD per year, and our average international student was awarded $10,000 USD per year. Please note that while we do our best to offer a competitive scholarship package. UC does not offer any full-tuition or need-based scholarships for international students.

View UC International Scholarships website for more information.

F-1 and J-1 students may work under certain circumstances with authorization from UC International. If you are in the US on a different visa or pending status, students are responsible for maintaining proper legal status. For questions about work authorization and other immigration/visa related issues, students should engage an immigration attorney for legal advice. For issues specifically related to your student visa status at UC, you can contact UC International Services.

You qualify for the grant, if you:

• Have a total annual household income of $75,000 USD or less.
• Are an Ohio resident. The University of Cincinnati is proud to recognize in-state tuition rates to eligible international students residing in Ohio. This initiative reflects our commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable for all students. It is important to note that a separate application for residency is required after you have been admitted to UC. Learn more about how to qualify. Have questions? Residency and Reciprocity FAQ
• Submit a FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is U.S. government funding, and therefore eligibility is limited to United States citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible noncitizens. To determine if you are an eligible noncitizen, more information can be found here.
• Are admitted for fall semester 2026 or later.
• Are admitted to an undergraduate degree program.
• Begin at UC as a first-time, first-year student (freshmen student).
• Are awarded a Federal Pell Grant based on the FAFSA.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, once you're enrolled.

Please refer to the Conditional Admissions Application Requirements.

Students living outside of a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius of Cincinnati must provide proof of English proficiency at least ten weeks prior to the first day of the term. Students living inside of a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius of Cincinnati must provide proof of English proficiency at least one month prior to the first day of the term. Please contact your admissions counselor or international.admissions@uc.edu for an exact date.

Almost all majors offer conditional admissions, please refer to Program Offerings. Please note there are limited seats available per major. Please contact your admissions counselor or international.admissions@uc.edu for more information.

There is no additional fee.

UC Housing may be available if you provide proof of English proficiency and transition from conditional to full admissions at least ten weeks prior to the first day of the term. Please contact your admissions counselor or international.admissions@uc.edu for more information.

Please contact your admissions counselor or international.admissions@uc.edu to review options for updating your application.

Test scores can be sent to international.admissions@uc.edu.

ELS provides intensive and semi-intensive English education on the University of Cincinnati campus for a fee. ELS can also issue I-20s for education in the English language.

UC Aspire provides free English classes for adult learners in the Cincinnati area.

The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library provides free ESOL classes at library branches throughout the city.

Deferral approval is major and term dependent. Please contact your admissions counselor or international.admissions@uc.edu for more information.

Conditionally admitted students will be reviewed for scholarships after receiving full admission. Please note that not all scholarships may be available at the time of full admission. There are no scholarships exclusively for conditionally admitted students.

Visit the UC International Services website to see a cost breakdown for international students coming from outside of the United States.

If you live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, other rates might apply (see global nomad section below).

UC International Admissions is pleased to offer merit-based scholarships for qualifying students who have completed the application by the Early Action Deadline of November 1. These scholarship amounts range from $1,000 - $15,000 USD per academic year which is applied to the out-of-state surcharge, and our average international student was awarded $10,000 USD per year.

Please note that while we do our best to offer a competitive scholarship package, UC does not offer any full-tuition or need-based scholarships for international students.

No additional application is required, students will automatically be considered for scholarship with their admissions application.

View UC International Scholarships website for more information.

Please note that while we do our best to offer a competitive scholarship package, UC does not offer any full-tuition or fully-funded scholarships for international students. View the UC International Scholarships website for more information.

CPT and OPT are work authorizations for F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. Check if your major is STEM-designated or reach out to your admissions counselor.

Loans are typically very difficult for international students to receive in the US. Very few lenders offer student loans to international students, and if they do, they often require that a US citizen co-signs the loan with you. The International Services Office has a resource for UC students that allows you to populate a list of possible loan vendors. You can also view FAFSA information for eligible non-US citizens.

F-1 and J-1 students may work under certain circumstances with authorization from UC International. The opportunities available to you also vary by your visa type. Each type has restrictions on the types of work you can do. Visit the UC International Student Employment website for more information. You can search for student jobs using the website Handshake.

For more information on work study, visit the global nomad section below.

Tuition is paid per semester, and the bill is available approximately 30 days prior to classes starting in your UC Bearcat Portal. UC has partnered with Flywire to support international payments. View the Office of the Bursar website for Flywire payment instructions.

The University of Cincinnati partners with Transact to offer a Semester Payment Plan that allows students and their delegates to divide the cost of tuition, housing, and fees into three equal monthly installments. Each semester that a student chooses to participate, they will need to complete Semester Payment Plan enrollment in Transact and pay a $35 non-refundable enrollment fee.

Tuition payments are only accepted with card or via wire transfer.

International students are always required to submit tax documents. Check the UC International Services website for more information.

International Outreach Scholarships will only be shown on the bill on Catalyst 30 business days prior to the start of classes. Please note that your Bearcat Portal will reflect a cost estimate, but will not include your scholarship. For scholarship(s) to be applied to your bill, make sure to complete form “Authorized to use Financial Aid” task in your Bearcat Portal.

You can reach our bursar by email at Enrollmentservices@uc.edu.

DUO app must be installed on your phone in order to access your UC student account. Follow the instructions listed here for setting up DUO.

When you log in for the first time, use the default password Uc!mmddyyyy (replace mmddyyyy with your full date of birth). Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to change your password. If you do not change your password, you may be locked out of the portal as the default password can only be used up to six times.

If you have issues accessing the Bearcat Portal, please contact the IT Service Desk and submit an IT ticket. You may be asked to verify your identity over a Zoom call. Please read all your emails and follow instructions carefully.

F-1 and J-1 students may work under certain circumstances with authorization from UC International. The opportunities available to you also vary by your visa type. Each type has restrictions on the types of work you can do. Please contact UC International Services at international.services@uc.edu.

Starting sophomore year, students alternate between academic and co-op semesters for a maximum of five co-op experiences. After the first year, summers are treated as full-length semesters.

A co-op is a fixed-length, employment experience with a company in the professional field; otherwise known as experiential learning. Co-ops are full time, paid, always directly related to the student’s major, and more rigorous than a traditional internship. Rather than simply shadow an employer, students directly apply what they’ve learned in class to positively influence the success of the company, agency or research firm where they work.

• You will consult with a co-op adviser from the Department of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education.
• You will take a “Introduction to Co-op” course your first year, which provides professional development, gives you access to the online database of employers, and prepares you through mock job interviews and resume building workshops.
• UC offers on-campus career fairs. There is one per year specifically for each college’s students.
• You can do research to find your own approved co-op experience.
• The University database can match you with potential co-op employers.

No, but there is a small fee to remain a full-time student. Typically, students do not take classes during their co-op semesters. We encourage students to be fully focused on their co-op.

It varies. However, most students make around $10,000 per semester, or $15-$25 per hour. View UC’s Career Education website for average hourly wages by major. Some students are able to pay for a significant amount of their tuition and fees with their co-op earnings.

The Student Co-op Stories and Alumni Co-op Stories highlight a variety of co-op experiences. Many of our students discuss how they apply their learnings from the classroom on co-op and eventually begin applying their learnings on co-op in class!

The number of required co-ops is major-specific ranging from 0 to 5. Most students start sophomore year, with students alternating between academic and co-op semesters. After the first-year, summers are treated as full-length semesters.

More than 1,500 companies have hired co-op students including: Amazon, BMW, BP, Dell, Delta, Disney, Hasbro, Hyatt, IBM, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, Macy’s, Marathon, Nike, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, Reebok, Tesla, T.Rowe Price, Toyota, and many more. Students typically choose between research-based and industry-based experiences.

Most companies provide living arrangements or a housing stipend if your co-op is outside of the Cincinnati area. It is typically handled by the company in the offer negotiations. You should speak with your co-op adviser to better understand which companies are able to offer those resources.

If you do not co-op in the Cincinnati area, you do not have to pay for a residence hall room that semester. Many students who co-op in the Cincinnati area live in residence halls, or off-campus housing, or they commute from home.

Yes, international students can study abroad while attending the University of Cincinnati. The University of Cincinnati offers various study abroad programs, including exchange programs, faculty-led programs, and international co-op programs, to help students gain international experience.

The University of Cincinnati proudly hosts one of the most prestigious NCAA Division I athletics programs in the USA, renowned for nurturing athletes who excel in their respective fields. If you are a top athlete in your sport and interested in competing in the Big 12 Conference, Cincinnati could be the perfect fit for your ambitions.

To explore the opportunities available for your sport, we recommend visiting our Athletics Directory. There, you can find the contact information of assistant coaches dedicated to your sport. When reaching out, kindly refrain from emailing the head coach directly. Feel free to include a video or additional information showcasing your achievements in your message to the assistant coach. However, please understand that due to the high volume of emails they receive, it might not always be possible to respond to every inquiry.

Cincinnati has four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are generally mild and pleasant, with rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year. The city’s natural topography is hilly and forested, adding to its scenic charm year-round.

Students are required to have United States based health insurance in order to enroll at the University of Cincinnati. Students are recommended to enroll in the UC student health insurance plan. Students can apply for a health insurance waiver if they have a UC-approved healthcare provider. If not, then they are required to purchase the University of Cincinnati health insurance.

UC is proud to offer more than 600 student organizations, ranging from student government, to international student clubs, to robotics clubs, and more! Visit the Center for Student Involvement website to learn more.

The sooner the better! The housing application will open after Decision Release Day. Check your UC Bearcat Portal for instructions. Assignments are made based on the week the housing application is completed.

That really is up to you! UC has several different types of on-campus housing and they vary in style, amenities, and costs. To view more details and to discover what works best for you, view the Housing website.

If you know someone who will be starting at UC with you, there is the option to request who your roommate is. View the step-by-step to apply for Housing.

Students currently living outside of a 50 mile (approximately 80 km) radius of Cincinnati are required to live in on-campus housing for the first year only. Starting the second year, students have the option to live off-campus. Read UC’s Housing Policy for more information.

View the UC Housing website for requirements and policies for requesting a housing exemption.

University Housing releases first-year room assignments starting in June and continuously throughout the summer. Assignments are made based on the week the housing application is completed. Check your UC student email for housing assignments. Visit the Room Assignments section of the Housing website for more information on room assignments.

Each semester, typically beginning the third week of classes, University Housing offers students the option to swap or change their rooms. You can read more about room change and room swap policies here.

View the UC Food Services website for more information on dining halls. Vegan and vegetarian options are always available.

It is recommended for students to arrive 7-10 days before their program starts as temporary accommodation cannot be provided by the University if students arrive earlier. Visit the UC International Services website for more information.

Families can stay in off-campus hotels next to the university such as the Graduate, Celare, Fairfield, and Hampton Inn. If they are looking for a high-quality, lower-cost option, they can consider neighborhoods such as Oakley, Mason, and Northern Kentucky.

Students will need to pay extra to stay on campus during Winter Break and Summer Break, but do not need to pay extra during Spring Break or Fall Break. Visit the housing website for more information.

Uchousing@uc.edu

Login to the Bearcat portal to view your decision and accept your offer. View more detailed instructions on the admissions website.

Complete the scholarship acceptance form in the application portal after receiving your admissions and scholarship decisions. This is located under the forms section of your application checklist. Failure to complete and submit the form will result in the cancellation of your scholarship.

Please visit the UC International Services website for more information.

After you are admitted, login to your iBearcatsGlobal portal. You will receive instructions in an email for how to login, and you must follow those instructions very carefully. Submit all required documents to this portal. If all documents have been received and approved, I-20s are typically processed within 7-10 business days. However, this processing period may be longer during certain times of the year.

For questions on what documents are accepted or required, visit the UC International Services website. If you have questions about the iBearcatsGlobal portal, email International Services at international.services@uc.edu.

It is better to take the earliest available appointment, even if it is after the start date of classes. You can then apply for an expedited visa request, but you cannot apply for this without a scheduled appointment. Check with your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy to find out how to request an expedited or emergency visa appointment. Also, please reach out to UC International Services to obtain an emergency visa request letter. Email them at international.services@uc.edu.

Login to your UC student portal to request a deferral, or contact your admissions counselor to assist with your deferral request. UC International Services has information on their website about how to have a successful visa interview here: https://www.uc.edu/about/international/admissions/enroll.html#visa

Please contact your admissions counselor to discuss this option.

Log back in to your iBearcatsGlobal account and upload your visa to the Planning Your Arrival eForm located in your New Student Checklist.

An Access Denied message means you are logging in to iBearcatsGlobal the wrong way. You need to use the "New Student/Scholar Log In" link located below the large log in button to access your New Student Checklist. You will continue to use the "New Student/Scholar Log In" link to access iBearcatsGlobal until you are a student enrolled at UC.

F-1 students can arrive in the US a maximum of 30 days in advance of their I-20 or DS-2019 start date. Visit the UC International Services website for complete arrival information.

All new international students attending UC are provided with one complimentary ride to UC’s main campus (zip codes 45219, 45220, 45221) from CVG airport via Executive Transportation, a private shuttle service. To reserve a ride, use the instructions that you received in the Immigration Documents approval email from International Services.

If you need a ride to another zip code, the standard rate charged by Executive Transportation will be discounted by $30 and you will be responsible for paying the difference.

Family members and guests are charged a fee of $30 per person, to be paid at the time of service.

If you experience a delay on your way to the CVG airport, provide your name and M# to the Executive Transportation Information Desk, located near luggage carousel #4 in Baggage Claim, to still utilize the service.

DUO app must be installed on your phone in order to access your UC student account. Follow the instructions listed here for setting up DUO. When you log in for the first time, use the default password Uc!mmddyyyy (replace mmddyyyy with your full date of birth). Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to change your password. If you do not change your password, you may be locked out of the portal as the default password can only be used up to six times.

If you have issues accessing the Bearcat Portal, please contact the IT Service Desk and submit an IT ticket. You may be asked to verify your identity over a Zoom call. Please read all your emails and follow instructions carefully.

For more information such as in-person orientation dates, helpful travel tips and more, visit UC International Services website. You are also required to attend virtual pre-orientation before you arrive.

During pre-orientation, students will either register for classes or schedule a meeting with their academic advisor to register for classes in the future. Students can register for pre-orientation through the Bearcat Portal following confirmation.

If you graduated high school outside of the U.S. you must submit your final official high school transcript before the first day of classes. Final transcripts may be delivered in one of two ways:

• A counselor or school administrator can email your transcripts from their school account to international.admissions@uc.edu
• Or a sealed copy can be brought directly to the International Admissions, University Pavilion 3rd floor

If you graduated high school in the U.S., final U.S. transcripts may be delivered in one of three ways:

• Secure electronic submission by your counselor is the preferred and fastest method. Online vendors such as Common App, Scoir, and Parchment are the primary preferred methods. However, if your school does not use those vendors, your counselor can email the transcript to admissproc@ucmail.uc.edu. It must be sent directly from a school official.
• Mail directly from the high school to: Office of Admissions, Attn: Final Transcript P.O. Box 210091 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091
• In-person to our visitor center desk in University Pavilion (open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in a sealed and signed envelope from your high school. Opened transcripts will not be accepted.

The UC International Services Office supports administrative processing for UC admitted students. However, they cannot provide any legal guidance. For immigration law related questions, it is recommended that you connect with a personal immigration lawyer. Visit www.uc.edu/about/international/admissions/enroll.html for more information.

international.services@uc.edu