Admission of International Students

Qualified students from other countries are welcome to apply for admission to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  UNK prides itself on our safety, prestige of academic quality, and a community of support that helps all students be successful both in and out of the classroom.

Inquiries concerning international student admission may be directed to International Admissions (undergraduate students) or Graduate Admissions (graduate students), University of Nebraska at Kearney.

International students must complete the below steps at least four months prior to anticipated enrollment date in order to allow for adequate processing time:

  1. Complete the online Application form.
  2. Demonstrate competency in the English language.  Students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit one of the following:
    • TOEFL Internet Based   61
    • IELTS                              5.5
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English)  Overall Score of 51
    • Common European Framework (CEFR)  B2 or higher
    • Cambridge English Language Assessment     B2 or higher
    • Duolingo                        100
    • ACT                                20
    • SAT                                1030
      • Exemptions from the English Language Proficiency policy are described here.
  4. Submit an original certificate of completion/graduation or a diploma from a high school indicating the date of graduation and a transcript showing classes taken to achieve the diploma.  The transcripts must show courses taken, dates of attendance, and be translated into English.   
  5. Students who have attended a foreign university/college must provide an official transcript from the institution reflecting all courses attempted and grades received.  
    1. Any student who has earned credits at a foreign college or university and wish to have their credits considered for transfer must follow these procedures. 
  6. Students currently attending a U.S. college or university and wish to transfer to UNK must submit a transfer authorization from their current U.S. institution in addition to the above requirements.

Issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20, or Form DS-2019, will be made only upon completion of all admission requirements and submission of official, original verification of finances reflecting liquid funds to equal or exceed the cost of one year of study at UNK.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to make all necessary arrangements through official channels for entrance into the United States.

International students at UNK are required by federal and state laws to maintain health insurance while studying in the U.S.

  • F-1 eligible international students who are enrolled and actively engaged in a program of study are required to purchase the UNK student health care plan.   F-1 international students are automatically enrolled for student coverage each semester that they are enrolled.  The cost for the insurance will be added to the student’s tuition bill for the semester.
  • J-1 international students must enroll in the UNK student health care plan or purchase insurance through a preferred provider for the University of Nebraska.   Please contact International Student Services for additional information concerning preferred providers at iss@unk.edu.

USCIS regulations require all international students to enroll full-time while pursuing a degree at the University. Undergraduate students must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must enroll for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. No more than 3 on-line credit hours per semester may count toward full-time enrollment.  Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of legal student status.