Admissions information for undergraduate international students

We are here to help qualified students get admitted to the University of Nevada, Reno and earn their degree. Review the information below to learn about admission requirements, scholarships and tuition for international students.

Admission requirements

International students must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the University:

  • GPA: 3.0 academic GPA on a 4.0 scale
    • Academic GPA is calculated using the grades from the coursework below.
  • Completion of the following courses:
    • High school coursework:
      • 4 units of Native Language
      • 3 units of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)
      • 3 units of Natural Science
      • 3 units of Social Science
      • Exceptions or special admissions may be available for students on different academic paths or specialized programs.
  • English proficiency: See #4 below for all English proficiency options
  • SAT/ACT scores: We do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship consideration

Admission steps

  1. Complete your application and pay the application fee. Complete the simple International Student Application online and pay a $95.00 USD non-refundable application fee.
  2. Submit a copy of your passport biographical page. This can be attached to the application or emailed to OISS@unr.edu after submitting your application.
  3. Have official transcripts sent from your high school? Transcripts are considered official if they are received via regular mail/post in a sealed envelope, emailed to OISS@unr.edu directly from a school official as a password-protected attachment with the password sent in a separate email, or faxed to 1 (775) 327-5845 directly from the school with a cover letter on the school’s letterhead.

    Transcripts sent by mail should be addressed to:

    OISS Admissions Team
    University of Nevada, Reno
    1664 N. Virginia Street M/S 074
    Reno, Nevada 89557 USA

  4. Verify you have met English language requirements. Verification of having met the English requirement through one of the following options:
    1. TOEFL score 61+
    2. IELTS (must be academic version) with a score of 6.0+
    3. Duolingo English Exam score 95
    4. Cambridge English Language Assessment score of 169+
    5. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 46+
    6. Graduation from (or in the process of completing) a U.S. high school
    7. For students who have taken the SAT/ACT exam, we may be able to use your score to satisfy the English requirement

English language requirement exemption: Please note that students coming from the following English-speaking countries are exempt from the English language testing requirements: Antigua/Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Guyana, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except for Quebec), Dominica, Eswatini, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Tuition, costs and fees information

As an international undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, you may pay for tuition and fees, on-campus housing, health insurance and meals. Personal expenses, transportation costs and books vary by student, but should be factored into your budget planning.

Scholarships for international students

Unlike other universities, the University of Nevada, Reno does offer scholarships for international students, ranging from general university scholarships to department scholarships.

Live, virtual campus visits

Want to learn more about the University of Nevada, Reno campus and the Reno-Tahoe area prior to applying? We offer a variety of virtual and online tour options. Book yours today.

Ready to apply?