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International Undergraduate Student Application Checklist
Applications are accepted throughout the year and students are encouraged to contact OISS admissions staff at iap@unr.nevada.edu with questions regarding the application process.
To apply to University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), international students need to submit the following:
- International Student Application with $95.00 non-refundable application fee. The fee can be paid by check, international postal order, money order, or cashiers check payable to the “Board of Regents.” To pay by credit card, students should complete the application fee section on the application or apply on-line at: http://www.applyweb.com/aw?unr .
- Official high school transcripts showing dates of enrollment, subjects taken, grades received, graduation date and/or certificate of graduation and official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions attended to the address below:
University of Nevada, Reno
Admissions and Records
Mail Stop 120
Reno, Nevada 89557
USA
- Verification of having met the English requirement through one of the following options:
- Signed Financial Data Form accompanied by original bank statement showing a minimum of $26,000 for Fall 2008/ Spring 2009 semesters. Original financial documents must be dated within the previous 12 months of application submission and may come from any dependable source, including scholarships, personal funds, or funds from the student's family. Financial documentation should be on bank letterhead.
- Copy of passport biographical page, previous school(s) I-20(s) or DS-2019(s), visa(s), and I-94 card.
- If you are transferring to UNR from another school within the U.S., please submit documents listed on the Transfer Student Checklist.
International Graduate Student Application Checklist
Applications are accepted throughout the year but graduate students should contact the department they are applying to for specific departmental deadlines and additional application requirements. Students are encouraged to contact OISS Admissions Staff at iap@unr.nevada.edu and Graduate School at loliveto@unr.edu with questions regarding the application and visa issues.
To apply to University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), international graduate students need to submit the following:
- International Student Application with $95.00 non-refundable application fee. If applying to more than one graduate program, a fee for each additional application is $40.00. The fee can be paid by check, international postal order, money order, or cashiers check payable to the “Board of Regents.” To pay by credit card, students should complete the application fee section on the application or apply on-line at: http://www.applyweb.com/aw?unr .
- Official high school transcripts showing dates of enrollment, subjects taken, grades received, graduation date and/or certificate of graduation and official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions attended to the address below:
University of Nevada, Reno
Graduate School
Mail Stop 326
Reno, NV 89557
USA
- Verification of having met the English requirement through one of the following options:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 61 (iBT-Internet-Based Test), 500 (paper-based test) or 173 (computer-based test). Students applying for Graduate Assistantships are required to score a minimum of 79 (iBT-Internet-Based Test), 550 (paper-based test), or 213 (computer-based test) unless departments indicate a higher minimum score. Please indicate institution code 4844 and department code 00 to Educational Testing Service (ETS) to ensure that the scores are sent to the University of Nevada, Reno.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS- must be academic version) with an equivalency score of 6. Graduate assistants are required to score a minimum of 7 unless departments indicate higher minimum score.
- Graduation from an accredited American university.
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores sent directly from ETS to UNR if required by your department. Please indicate institution code 4844 and department code 00 to ETS to ensure that the scores are sent to the University of Nevada, Reno.
- Signed Financial Data Form accompanied by original bank statement showing a minimum of $26,000 for Fall 2008/ Spring 2009 semesters. Original financial documents must be dated within the previous 12 months of application submission and may come from any dependable source, including scholarships, personal funds, or funds from the student's family. Financial documentation should be on bank letterhead.
- Contact your Graduate Program to inquire about any additional documents such as a written statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, and/or test scores that may be required. If you are seeking a graduate assistantship, teaching or research, you should contact the intended academic department directly.
- Copy of passport biographical page, previous school(s) I-20(s) or DS-2019(s), visa(s), and I-94 card.
- If you are transferring to UNR from another U.S. higher education institution, please submit a completed Transfer Verification Form.
International Transfer Student Application Checklist
Transfer student applications are accepted throughout the year. Students attending a U.S. higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and with 24 or more transferable credits will be considered as “transfer” students to UNR.
Students are encouraged to contact OISS admissions staff at iap@unr.nevada.edu with questions regarding the application process. UNR Transfer Center has transfer agreements set up with many community colleges in Nevada, California, Washington and other states, which students can view at: http://www.unr.edu/stsv/trcenter/how/transfer_agreements.asp for specific major and school information.
To apply to University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), transfer students need to submit the following:
- International Student Application with $95.00 non-refundable application fee. The fee can be paid by check, international postal order, money order, or cashiers check payable to the “Board of Regents.” To pay by credit card, students should complete the application fee section on the application or apply on-line at: http://www.applyweb.com/aw?unr .
- Official high school transcripts showing dates of enrollment, subjects taken, grades received, graduation date and/or certificate of graduation and official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions attended to the address below:
University of Nevada, Reno
Admissions and Records
Mail Stop 120
Reno, Nevada 89557
USA
- Verification of having met the English requirement through one of the following options:
- Signed original Financial Data Form accompanied by original bank statement showing a minimum of $26,000 for Fall 2008/ Spring 2009 semesters. Original financial documents must be dated within the previous 12 months of application submission and may come from any dependable source, including scholarships, personal funds, or funds from the student's family. Financial documentation should be on bank letterhead.
- Copy of passport biographical page, previous school(s) I-20(s) or DS-2019(s), visa(s), and I-94 card.
Application Form - Apply Online
Estimated Expenses
All fees are due and payable in U.S. currency at the time of registration. Note that fees are estimated and subject to change. Please check the Controller's Office website for the most recent registration fees: http://www.unr.edu/vpaf/controller/cashier/fees.html.
*If your spouse and child are accompanying you to UNR, please provide additional financial documentation in the amount of $7,000 for your spouse and $3,000 for each child.
** We recommend that international undergraduate students arrive at least one week before school starts. International graduate students need to check on the arrival date with their academic departments which may require an earlier arrival. Students can arrive 30 days prior to the start date indicated on the I-20/ DS0219 form.
Fall 2008 Semester: August 25 to December 19, 2008
Spring 2009 Semester: January 19 to May 22, 2009
Expense Type
|
Estimated Expenses for Academic Year (9 Months) |
Tuition and Credit Fees |
$14,434.00 |
Health Insurance, Health Center, and other fees
(required for F-1/J-1 students) |
$2,566.00 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,000.00 |
Room & Board |
$8,000.00 |
Total |
$26,000.00 |
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Nevada provides high quality education at competitive price with a variety of funding opportunities. Approximately 80% of international graduate students receive graduate assistantships from academic departments.
- International Awards valued at over $1,000 are offered to International Undergraduate Students; competitive application process is directed at students currently enrolled.
- Tuition discounts for Children of Alumni- Students whose parents graduated with a bachelor’s degree and who reside outside of the state of Nevada, are eligible for reduced nonresident tuition upon application when enrolling in undergraduate studies at the University.
- Kayoko Okumoto Scholarship offered to Japanese students majoring in Business and History.
- Wilter Ocampo Scholarship offered to undergraduate and graduate Bolivian students.
- Graduate Assistantships (Teaching and Research) are valued at over $27,600 and include a monthly stipend of $1,400, a per credit grant-in-aid, health insurance, and in-state resident status for tuition purposes. The academic departments make decisions on awarding the graduate assistantships and students should contact the intended academic department directly. For more information about graduate assistantships, please click here.
- The Graduate Student Association (GSA) offers $500 travel grants for conferences in the US, Mexico, and Canada or a maximum of $750 in travel assistance for all other international travel per year to attend conferences and complete field work. Research grants of up to $2,500, computer loans up to $1,500, and emergency loans for $500 are also available to International Graduate Students.
For more information about the scholarship application processes and deadlines, please visit the OISS Grants and Scholarships webpage.
PRE-ARRIVAL AND ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Nevada, Reno!
Established in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has a long tradition of internationalism where over 900 students and scholars from 73 nations pursue studies and conduct research.
The staff of the Office of International Students and Scholars would like to extend warm welcome to you and offer some tips for planning your trip to Reno, Nevada. These instructions are provided to help you in arranging your travel to the United States and planning your educational career at the University of Nevada, Reno; please read it carefully. As a student at UNR you will experience an academic life and we want to make your transition to the new cultural environment as smooth as possible by helping you develop independence and self-sufficiency.
Pre-Arrival Information:
Visa:
If you are coming to the University of Nevada, Reno on an F-1or J-1 student visa, you cannot enter the country more than 30 days before the start date of your program. Please refer to #5 on the I-20 form or #3 on the DS-2019 form. International students need to contact the nearest U.S. Consular Post to arrange a visa appointment. Beginning September 1, 2004 the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires F1 and J1 visa applicants to pay a one-time Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee of $100. This is an additional fee besides the visa application fee and must be paid at least 3 business days prior to applying for a visa. For more information on how to pay the SEVIS fee, please visit the following website: https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml .
To be granted a visa to enter the United States, you will need to take the following items to your appointment:
- The documents from this packet and a proof of financial support for your first year of study including Graduate Assistantship offer letter if applicable. The I-20 or DS-2019 form must be signed in an appropriate place by the student and then submitted to the U.S. Consulate.
- Documents indicating an intention to return to your home country (letters showing strong family ties, property ownership, bank accounts, employment).
- Any previous I-20s or DS-2019s that you may have had.
- Documentation for family dependents listed on the I-20 (F-2 dependents) or DS-2019 (J-2 dependents).
For more information on visa procedures and consulates, please go to: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
Please note that citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa requirement but they must pay the SEVIS fee prior to crossing the port of entry to the U.S. They apply for admission to the U.S. at the port of entry by presenting an I-20 form, proof of funding, payment of SEVIS I-901 fee, and passport or citizenship card to the immigration officer.
The I-20 or DS-2019 form together with a passport must be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry to be admitted to the U.S. Do NOT enter the U.S. on another school’s I-20 or DS-2019.
Arrival Information:
We recommend that international undergraduate students arrive at least one week before school starts. International graduate students need to check on the arrival date with their academic departments which may require an earlier arrival.
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM all year long. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Flying to Reno/Tahoe International Airport:
The Reno/ Tahoe International Airport is only 10 minutes from the university campus and downtown. Reno can be reached very easily via San Francisco or Los Angeles. Most commonly, connecting flights are arranged through San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other major cities. To see a map from the airport to the university, click here.
Note: I-94 Form: When you arrive in the United States, you will receive a small, white I-94 card, which proves that you entered the United States legally. This small form (about the size of a business card) will be stapled into your passport at the immigration counter at your port of entry (if you are flying, your first arriving airport in the United States). If it is not stapled into the passport, please do it yourself. Please be very careful not to lose this I-94 card because if you do, it must be replaced immediately when you get to Reno.
Airport Reception:
We encourage you to find someone to pick you up at the airport. With prior notification of at least two weeks we can arrange to have someone meet you at the airport to transport you to temporary housing. Please fill out and submit a Request for Airport Pickup Form to OISS through mail or fax at (775) 327-5845, or email us at: oiss@unr.edu with your arrival information. Taxis are also available 24-hours a day throughout Reno. From the Reno/Tahoe International Airport to the University Inn, a taxi costs from $15 including tip. Please note that volunteers who receive you at the airport do not provide temporary housing. It is your responsibility to arrange a place to stay. Ask only one person to pick you up!
Graduate Students ONLY:
Graduate students who have been granted an assistantship will not receive their first payment from the university for approximately one month after arrival. In addition, assistantships do not include the following fees: counseling, health center, or the international student fee. Assistantships do not include the cost of textbooks (approximately $500 per semester). Finally, students who receive graduate assistantships will be required to pay estimated $55.00 per credit, which will generally amount to estimated $330.00 per semester. Therefore, you should be prepared to bring approximately $2500 to cover initial costs upon arrival. For questions about the graduate assistantship award, please contact your specific department.
Temporary Housing:
If you arrive before the residence halls open, or if you plan to live off campus and have not found an apartment, you may need to reserve temporary lodging in advance. Please visit the Reno-Tahoe lodging website at http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/lodging/ to select an accommodation right for you based on the location and type of lodging. The Circus Circus Reno Hotel (for current rates and reservations go to: www.circusreno.com or call 775-329-0711; toll free- 1-800-648-5010) and Super 8 Motel- University Area (for current rates and reservations call 775-329-3464; toll free- 1-888-511-7366) are located within walking distance from the University. The general rates vary from $50 to $70 per night. Please note that neither Office of International Students and Scholars nor the University of Nevada, Reno endorse any of the lodging options listed above.
Permanent Housing:
If you want residence hall information, please contact UNR Residential Life, Housing, & Food Service/ MS 060, Reno, NV 89557 at housing@unr.edu ; tel. 775-784-1113; fax. 775-784-1149; http://www.reslife.unr.edu . Residence halls will be open for general check-in to students who have previously signed contracts on Wednesday, August 22nd (after 10am). There is no early check-in period at the UNR residence halls for the spring semester. If you live on campus, basic furniture is provided in residence halls, but bed linens, blankets, pillows, and towels are not. If possible bring a bed sheet, a light blanket and a towel with you from home or purchase them before moving into the residence hall. If you plan to live off campus you should arrange for temporary lodging as it often takes several days to find accommodation. Plan on the cost of at least $300 per month for rent if you share an apartment. Individual apartments cost from $400-$650 per month. You can begin looking for housing on the following websites: http://www.reslife.unr.edu/och/info.asp or http://www.unr.edu/oiss/general/index.htm
For directions go to: http://www.mapquest.com
Life if Reno:
THE AREA: Reno is a safe and beautiful city with a population of approximately 450,000, with a mild, dry climate where the sun shines 300 days a year. The region is alpine and semiarid. Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range; there are numerous outdoor opportunities, including rock-climbing, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, camping, hiking, fishing, and mountain-biking. Amazing Lake Tahoe is only a 40 minute drive from Reno, and there are numerous ski areas within an hour’s drive – including Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics!
WEATHER: Summers (June through mid-September) are usually hot, dry and sunny. Winters (mid-December through March) are usually cold, but clear and sunny as well. Occasional winter snow storms occur (the main source of precipitation for the mountains) and day time temperatures often remain above freezing throughout the winter season. In the summer season, temperatures range from 35°C during the days to 10°C at night (90° to 50°F), while in winter season, temperatures range from 7°C to –7°C (45°F to 20°F). Students arriving in winter should have a warm coat. Students arriving in the fall or spring should have a light jacket and a sweater.
CLOTHING: In the United States, especially on college campuses, most students dress comfortable and casual for classes. T-shirts and jeans or shorts are common attire. Professors and staff may dress more formally, although many dress as casually as the students. There may be occasions which require a dressier look such as a formal dinner, professional meetings, or a music recital. For such occasions, men usually wear slacks with a jackets and ties and women wear dresses or suits. The native dress of your country could be appropriate for many occasions
FOOD: It is quite likely that you will have to make some adjustments in the diet to which you are accustomed. There are several supermarkets and restaurants within walking distance of campus. Citifare buses serve the campus and have many convenient stops to local stores and restaurants. Whether you live on or off campus, you are eligible to purchase a meal card for food service at the dining facilities on-campus.
Cultural Sharing:
International students at this university are usually involved in sharing their culture with members of the campus and local community, during events such as at the Night of All Nations. We encourage you to bring along DVD’s, pictures, traditional clothing, or videotapes about life in your country. We anticipate that you will add an important dimension to our increasingly international campus and local community.
We look forward to welcoming you to Reno, Nevada!
Arrival Checklist
- Sign up and attend a Check-in and Pre-Registration Clearance Meeting at the OISS. Bring your passport and SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form.
[ ] Complete the Pre-Enrollment form (blue form in the new student folder). Get signatures in any order:
- Signature from International Student Advisor at Check-in Meeting
- Signature at IELC to take English Placement Test or have waiver of requirement
- Signature at Student Health Center to prove immunizations (bring health records)
- Signature from an Academic Advisor in your department for course selection
[ ] Take the Pre-Enrollment form to Admissions and Records, Student Services Building, 2nd Floor.
[ ] Get Net ID from the Computer Helpdesk in the Main Library. You will need your R# (student id number) and passport to verify your student status.
[ ] Register for classes. Using your Student ID Number or Social Security Number, register for classes using ePAWS (http://www.unr.edu/epaws / on the Internet). ePAWS is available on weekdays, 8am – 7pm, and weekends, 12pm – 5pm. You will need the class “call numbers” from the Semester Class Schedule. Please note the Office of Admissions & Records is only open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm.
[ ] Pay fees at the Cashier’s office (Student Services Building, 3rd Floor). For credit card payments, you may use ePAWS.
[ ] Get a Student ID card at the information counter on the main floor of the Jot Travis Student Union. After you receive your ID, you must go to the Main Library and sign up for your UNR e-mail account.
[ ] Attend the Undergraduate Orientation program, Graduate School Orientation, International Student Orientation and/or department orientation program, as appropriate.
[ ] Apply for a Social Security Number at the Social Security office if (1) you have been given an offer for a graduate assistantship or fellowship or (2) when you receive an offer of employment from an on campus department or office. You must present a letter to Social Security from OISS and a Social Security Application (in your check-in folder), as well as your passport, I-94 and SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 documents.
[ ] Provide the Office of Admissions and Records and OISS with new information on your mailing address, phone number or e-mail address throughout your stay. You can e-mail OISS at oiss@unr.edu.
[ ] We recommend that international graduate students visit the office of Graduate Student Association (GSA) within their first few days at UNR. These offices are in the Jot Travis Student Union Rooms 218,221 and 222. Here you will have the opportunity to meet fellow graduate students, and can obtain information about housing, and the GSA programs that can help you settle into your new life in Reno.
[ ] Optional (Not Required):
* Get a State ID/Nevada driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (directions are at OISS). You will need a DMV letter from OISS to obtain a driver’s license. You will also need to take a written test. Go to http://www.dmvnv.com/nvdl.htm for an online Driver’s Handbook.
* Get a Post Office Box at University Station Post Office (1674 N. Virginia St.).
* Open a bank account. You will need a street address or PO Box number to open a bank account. Be sure to take a passport, your I-20, and any other form of ID you may have, to all of these places.
For more information, check out the OISS website at http://www.unr.edu/oiss. This may save you a trip to OISS. Advisors have walk-in hours from 11 am to 1 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You may also make an appointment with an international student advisor by calling 784-6874.
Check-in Meeting
All new international F-1 or J-1 students must attend a check-in meeting (approximately 1 1/2 hours) upon arrival in Reno in order to be cleared for class registration. Please schedule a check-in meeting with an International Student Advisor at the Office of International Students and Scholars located in the Student Service Building, Room 120 as soon as they arrive at the University. Check-in meetings are offered three times each week. It is necessary to attend a check-in meeting, even if a student is transferring from another U.S. institution or has been in Reno for some time in another visa status. As these meetings offer a great deal of information about registration, health insurance, the city of Reno, etc., international students who will be studying on other types of visas, such as J-2 or H-4, are also welcome to attend the first part of the meeting to receive more information about the university and city at large. Students must bring all immigration documents to these meetings (passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019 form).
After your OISS check-in meeting, you will be required to comply with the following PRE-REGISTRATION PROCEDURES:
- Visit the Intensive English Language Center (IELC) to register for the English bridge placement test. All new international students must take the English Bridge Test to determine if English as a Second Language (IELC) course work is needed during their first semester at the university UNLESS they meet one of the following conditions (be prepared to show evidence of this when you check in at OISS):
- Score of 100 (internet-Based Test), 250 (Computer-Based Test), 600 (Paper-Based Test) or higher on the TOEFL.
- Degree from an American university or college.
- Transfer of English 101, 102, or the equivalent from an American institution.
- TOEFL requirement waived for university admission for students coming from English speaking countries.
The Bridge Test measures skills in academic reading, listening, writing, and speaking. It is scored at the IELC on the day of the test and students are then given a result sheet indicating their scores. Students are automatically enrolled in recommended courses by the IELC. The results of the test will also be forwarded to the student’s advisor. Students take Bridge English classes concurrently with academic classes during their first semester at the University to gain academic English skills.
All Bridge classes are graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory. Please note that these credits may not be used towards graduation, but are counted toward your full time enrollment. Students will be advised of the sign-up location upon arrival at UNR.
- Attend the Undergraduate or Graduate Student Orientation, International Student Orientation in fall semester, and Intercultural Plunge; Plunge is offered only before the fall semester. The Orientations are mandatory for ALL undergraduate students.
The Intercultural Plunge is optional and a great way to meet new friends.
- Visit the University Student Health Center with immunization documents. You will be required to have been recently immunized for mumps, measles and rubella (MMR), and tetanus and diphtheria. You will also need evidence of a recent TB test. This can be done after your arrival for a nominal fee, but you can also do this before leaving home (if you do, remember to bring a letter from your doctor attesting this). If you have an immunization record from your home country, please bring it with you to the UNR Health Center for verification. You may be required to have the immunizations upon arrival at the University for a nominal fee.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor in your department to discuss your course schedule. If you do not have an assigned advisor or do not know who to contact, you can select a professor in your department from the following list: http://www.ss.unr.edu/records/advisor.asp. It is important that you build a coherent program of studies with an advisor who knows about your academic options and regulations.
Transfer credits: Courses taken at another institution must be evaluated by a faculty advisor before academic credit can be transferred to UNR.
Register for at least 12 credits (as an undergraduate student) and 9 credits (as a graduate student) to maintain full-time student-status. Generally most classes are 3 credits. Undergraduate students who intend to take mathematics courses must take a Placement Exam. Transfer students and those with ACT or SAT scores should contact the Independent Learning Center at 775-784-4652 or Math Center at 775-784-4433; web: http://www.unr.edu/mathcenter/placement/
After you have completed these steps and have received signatures verifying that these steps have been completed, you will present a Pre-Enrollment Approval Form with the signatures at the Admissions and Records office in the Student Services Building, 2nd Floor and you will be cleared to register. After you register, you may go to the Cashier's Office to either obtain a copy of your bill and/or pay your bill.
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