J-1 Exchange Student: Application to Study at UWM
Application Deadlines
The following dates are recommended UWM application deadlines for exchange students. Meeting these deadlines is important in order to ensure that exchange students have sufficient time to process immigration paperwork, obtain housing, and register for courses.
- March 1: Fall Semester for one semester (August-December) or for an academic year (August-May)
- August 1: Spring Semester (January-May)
Application Process
Once your home institution has selected you for an exchange, you may apply to UWM's exchange program using the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the University of Wisconsin System online admissions application.Use this helpful info sheet as a guide for answering some of the questions asked. PLEASE NOTE: the University of Wisconsin System application is free to undergraduate students, but charges a $15 fee for graduate students. Please follow the application instructions on the info sheet above!!
Step 2: Complete the UWM Student Exchange Application.
Step 2(a): If you have any difficulty opening the UWM Student Exchange Application above, please click here for a pdf form.
Step 3: Gather each of the following documents:
- Statement from your International Office nominating you for the exchange;
- Statement from you about why you chose UWM for the exchange;
- Proof of TOEFL or IELTS scores (from countries where English is not the first language). UWM does not accept TOEIC or institutional TOEFL (ITP) scores (UWM English proficiency requirements);
- Copy of your valid passport (used for exact spelling of your full name for immigration documents);
- Official transcript of courses taken and a listing of courses in-progress at the time of application;
- A copy of your degree certificate, if you have completed your degree (needed to determine graduate admission status)
- Financial Verification form (included with exchange application) - Students must prove that they have access to $6,400 for a semester exchange or $12,800 for an academic year exchange. These sums must be available through personal savings or a sponsoring family member or friend. This financial guarantee is required to obtain a student visa. For a breakdown of potential costs see "Costs" section below.
These documents may be first scanned and sent via email and then mailed to UWM. They may be sent individually as they are completed or sent altogether.
Please mail all documents to the following address:
Sue Conway, Incoming Exchange Student Coordinator
Center for International Education - Study Abroad Office
UW-Milwaukee/ Pearse Hall 166
2513 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
U.S.A
E-mail: conways@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-5182
UWM cannot begin the admissions process on your behalf until BOTH of your applications are complete. This could take between four and six weeks for processing. When that is complete you will receive a package containing a welcome letter and your DS-2019 immigration document, as well as a housing contract if you chose the university housing option.
FAQ
Q: Am I an exchange student?
You are an exchange student if your university has an official and active exchange agreement with UWM and you have been nominated by your home International Office and you are coming as a non-degree student for only one or two semesters of study.
Q: What can I do to avoid delays in the processing of my application?
- Make sure that all application materials are completely and accurately completed.
- Submit a complete and valid financial guarantee.
- Schedule your TOEFL or IELTS exam as early as possible. Note: An application cannot be reviewed without a TOEFL or IELTS score report.
Q: What is required for the financial verification?
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to be a full time student by submitting one of the following:
- A filled out financial verification form, signed and stamped by your bank.
- An account statement noting the balance available to you, on bank letterhead. Internet account printouts are not acceptable.
- An official letter from your bank on bank letterhead stating that you have the required balance available to you.
If a family member or friend will be financially sponsoring your exchange, you must both fill out and sign the financial guarantee form.
Q: How long will it take to review my application?
Applications take approximately four to six weeks to be reviewed and to have students' immigration documents produced.
Q: What happens if I am admitted?
Once admitted you will need to apply for your J-1 exchange student visa. You will receive a package containing a welcome letter with your student identification number, your DS-2019 immigration document, as well as a housing contract if you chose the university housing option, date for arrival and mandatory orientation, and other university information.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
Please email Sue Conway at conways@uwm.edu or overseas@uwm.edu
