International Students

UDC currently enrolls International Students from dozens of countries around the world, and is one of the most welcoming and affordable universities in the Region for international students.

 International students have additional requirements beyond the standard admissions requirements for each applicant type. Prospective students other than readmit and non-degree students must apply to UDC as an International Applicant, complete one of the online ”International” applications, and comply with all of the Steps below if they meet the following criteria:

• A Foreign national who holds, or intends to hold temporary, non-immigrant visa/status in the USA, such as F-1, H-4, L-2, G-4, etc. or
• A ‘pending’ permanent resident (application for permanent resident status to USCIS is submitted but not yet adjudicated) in the USA

US citizens (including dual citizens), US permanent residents, and asylees or refugees are NOT considered international applicants.

International applicants with an F-1 Visa must pursue a degree and are not eligible for non-degree seeking status. All other types of international applicants, depending upon visa status stipulations, are eligible for degree or non-degree status.

International Student Admission Process

In addition to the requirements specific to applicant type, all international students for undergraduate or graduate admissions must complete the following steps below:

• STEP 1: Complete an Application. Complete and submit an online application to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. There is a required $50 application fee.
   
• STEP 2: Submit Academic Credentials. ALL academic work completed outside of the U.S at the secondary or university levels must be evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Hand delivered originals or copies of academic credentials will not be accepted; documents requiring translation must be translated prior to sending your application to a NACES-member organization.

NOTE: F1 Transfer Students must submit official transcripts for course work completed abroad as well as in the U.S.

• STEP 3: Submit Evidence of English Proficiency.  International students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of English Proficiency. Please refer to the UDC Admissions Standards webpage for details. The University of the District of Columbia institutional code is #5929.
   
• STEP 4: Submit Financial Verification (only for F-1 Visa Holders): Sponsors of international students must complete and submit an Affidavit of Financial Support that indicates the sponsor’s ability to support the student with all applicable tuition and living expenses while in the U.S.; all funds must be indicated in U.S. currency. Correspondence from third parties indicating bank balances will not accepted in lieu of the notarized Affidavit of Financial Support. The Affidavit of Financial Support form is available on our website; this form may be faxed to the number indicated below.

NOTE: Students with non-immigrant U.S. visas desiring to change their Non-Immigrant Visa to F1 Visa status must submit an Affidavit of Financial Support prior to gaining admission to the University.

• STEP 5: Submit Immigration Documentation: Submit a photocopy of your passport photo/data page, U.S. visa and I-94 card.

NOTE: F1 Transfer Students must also submit a photocopy of their most recent form I-20. An F1 Transfer Certification Form, found on the University website, must be completed and submitted to the University. Your transfer I-20 will be issued to you once you have been admitted and registered for your classes. Please make sure that all copies are clear.

International Student Applicant Advising

International applicants with questions about their application should contact Admissions Counselor Tran Vu at tvu@udc.edu, 202.274.6158.

Applicants with specific questions about their Visa status, I-20, or enrollment procedures should contact Elizabeth Ongao, SEVIS Coordinator at eongao@udc.edu 202.274.6430. Students who have more substantial questions are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment via email.