International Students
If you require an F-1 visa to study in the US, you are considered an international student. You will follow the process outlined below to apply to UNLV.
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
First-Year
3.0 cumulative GPA OR 1120* SAT (evidenced-based reading & writing and math) OR 22 ACT (composite score). *1040 for exams taken prior to March 2016.
Transfer
2.5 GPA in 24 or more transferable college-level credits. Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college-level credits must meet the first-year student admission requirements.
ADMISSION DEADLINES
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Fall first-year application | June 1 |
| Fall transfer application | July 1 |
| Spring application | Dec. 1 |
| I-20 processing (for initial F-1 visa applicants only) | 6 weeks prior to start of the semester |
APPLICATION FEES
You will be required to pay the application fee by credit or debit card. Application fees are nonrefundable.
| Who | Cost |
|---|---|
| International students | $95 |
After You’ve Applied
Step 1: Required Documents for Admission
Transcripts
Please see the Materials Submission section at the bottom of the page for acceptable methods of sending transcripts and other application-related documents.
- High School Transcript –
- Submit your high school transcript (includes all high school coursework and grades).
- A certified translation is required for any transcript not written in English.
- College/University Transcript(s)-
- Submit your official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities where college-level credits were earned (either while in high school or after graduating high school).
- A certified evaluation (course-by-course with GPA calculation) by a NACES member organization is required for all non-US college-level coursework.
Submit Proof of English Proficiency
For general admission to UNLV, international students must provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following ways. Please note that test scores must be less than two years old at the time of application.English Proficiency Exam Update
For international students affected by testing center closures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), UNLV has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English test in addition to the tests listed below. Duolingo English tests will be accepted for students seeking admission for the fall 2020 semester, and the spring and fall 2021 semesters.
The exam costs $49 (USD) and may be taken from any computer with a camera, audio, and reliable internet. For more information, please review the frequently asked questions.
| English Proficiency Test | UNLV – All Colleges |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Paper-Based Test | 13 Reading, 12 Listening, and 21 Writing. |
| TOEFL IBT Test | Overall score of 61. |
| MTELP Computer-Based Test | Level 3.Overall score of 100. |
| MTELP Paper-Based Test | Overall score of 76. |
| IELTS Academic | Overall band of 6.0. No band below 5.5. |
| PTE Academic Overall | Overall score of 44. |
| SAT | Minimum of 480 on reading/writing.*Minimum of 500 on critical reading for exam taken prior to March 2016. |
| ACT | Minimum of 18 on English. |
| Duolingo (temporarily accepted for fall 2020, spring 2021, and fall 2021 semesters) | A minimum score of 90 |
The proof of English proficiency requirement can also be satisfied through completion of ENG 113 (Composition I for International Students) at UNLV, which is strongly recommended, or any course articulated as equivalent to ENG 101 (Composition I) with a grade of C or better, taken at any accredited institution.
Applicants who are from the following nations are exempt from the proof of English proficiency requirement:
Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Dominica, Fiji, Irish Republic, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitt & Nevis, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland), U.S. Virgin Islands.
ESL Bridge Program
If you do not meet the above-outlined English proficiency requirements, UNLV has a program to help you meet these criteria in a timely fashion! Our ESL Bridge Program is designed specifically to immerse you in English language study so that you are prepared for your chosen UNLV major as soon as possible (generally within 2-3 semesters) – at significant savings, and without having to re-submit passing English proficiency test scores. However, you may choose to re-test and submit new test scores at any time in lieu of completing the program -the choice is yours.
In order to enroll in this program, you must first apply for general UNLV Admission and meet university GPA criteria. Be sure to submit an official transcript as well as a certified evaluation, as indicated above.
For more information, please visit the ESL Bridge Program page.
Step 2: Supplemental Documents after Application Submission
ACT/SAT Test Scores
ACT/SAT test scores are not required for international students. However, if you are applying as a first-year student and have taken either test, it is recommended that you submit your official test scores.
Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid
Complete this form by November 15, 2021, in order to be considered for need-based aid as a non-FAFSA eligible student.Alternate Need Form
Step 4: Check your Application Status in MyUNLV
After submitting your application, you will receive two emails, one with your user ID and another with your temporary password. Check your account regularly.
Step 5: Accept Admission
Accept your admission in MyUNLV and complete any checklist items on your to-do list.
Step 6: Submit I-20 Documents
Once admitted, you will receive an invite from International Admissions to log into the OISS Student Portal where you can upload to the required I-20 documents. Please note that failure to submit required documents will result in delays issuing your I-20.
All admitted international students are required to upload the following documents:
- Confidential Financial Certification (CFC) form
- Please be sure to fill out all required sections on the CFC form.
- Bank Letter
- Bank Letter should not be older than one year from the program start date, and must include: bank logo, date issued, account holder name(s), type of account, and must be stamped by a certified bank official. The bank letter must show the required amount listed on the 2021-2022 CFC form.
If you are currently attending a U.S. high school/college, UNLV will need to receive your SEVIS record. In order to complete the transfer-in process to UNLV, please have the DSO at your current institution fill out the Transfer-In form.
Additional Admissions Steps
- Begin the process of securing your visa interview at your nearest embassy (if currently outside of the US) OR begin the process of transferring your SEVIS record from your current institution to UNLV (if already studying on an F-1 in the US).
- Activate your student email account, Rebelmail.
- Check out our admitted student webpage.
- Register and attend New Student Orientation. Registration details will be emailed to your Rebelmail account in March.
- Learn about on-campus housing opportunities.
Materials Submission
Hard copies of official transcripts and test scores must be in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution or testing agency and may be mailed to the following address:
UNLV Office of Admissions
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Box 451021
Las Vegas, NV 89154-1021
Institutions sending transcripts through a secure email method may use the following address:ugdocuments@unlv.edu
ACT and SAT test scores may be sent electronically from the testing agency using the following codes:
- ACT: 2496
- SAT: 4861