Incoming Exchange and Study Abroad Students

The University of Wyoming welcomes students at the undergraduate and graduate level from partnered institutions abroad to study at UW for a semester, academic, or calendar year. Students participating in the program become fully integrated into life at UW and have the opportunity to access a variety of resources. 

Incoming international students should use their online handbook in conjunction with this page to assist the process*.  

*If you are beginning the process, you will start with the Application Process first.  Once you have been accepted and admitted to the University of Wyoming, you will begin with the Preparation and Arrival steps. 

UW Campus in the snow at sunset
Main Page

Incoming Student Resources

Important Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
Preparation & Arrival

 

Important Dates

Fall Semester 2025  

Application Deadline: March 15  

Registration Begins: Early May  

Arrival in Laramie: August 19 or 20 

Mandatory Orientation: August 21  

Classes Begin: August 25  

Examination Period Ends: December 12

Move-Out Date for Residence Halls: December 13 

  

Spring Semester 2026

Application Deadline: October 15  

Registration Begins: Early December

Arrival in Laramie: TBD

Mandatory Orientation: TBD 

Classes Begin: January 20

Examination Period Ends: May 15

Move-Out Date for Residence Halls: May 16

Student section at the War Memorial Stadium for Cowboy Football

Frequently Asked Questions 

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The University of Wyoming has specific entry requirements regarding English Language Proficiency and Grade Point Average (GPA). 

 

English Language Proficiency Requirements: 

To assess your proficiency in English, the University of Wyoming accepts the following test scores: 

  • TOEFL Internet-based minimum requirement is 71 for most majors 

  • TOEFL Internet-based minimum requirement for Engineering is 80 

  • IELTS minimum requirement is 6 for most majors and 6.5 for Engineering 

  • CET minimum requirement is 4 for undergraduates and 6 for graduates (Chinese speakers only) 

Proof of your English proficiency must be included with your application materials. Test results issued directly to students are not considered official and will not be accepted.  Only Official Score Reports can be accepted.  

 

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:  

Students applying to an Exchange or Partner Agreement program must have the equivalent of a 2.75 GPA or above. However, in some circumstances, specific UW programs require a 3.0 GPA for admission. 

Exchange Students

 

If you are coming to UW as an Exchange student, you will not be required to pay tuition or most fees. Exchange students are required to pay: 

  • Application Fee ($50) 

  • International Student Fee ($100) 

  • Housing 

  • Meals 

If you are studying at UW through ISEP, you will pay housing and meal expenses to your home university. 


Study Abroad Students

 

If you are coming to UW as a Study Abroad student, you will pay 150% of resident tuition and fees, in addition, you are required to pay: 

  • Application Fee ($50) 

  • International Student Fee ($100) 

  • Housing 

  • Meals 

* Please see the online handbook for guidance regarding student health insurance and the waiver process, if eligible. 


Important

 

When you register for classes, tuition and fees will automatically be charged to your student account. If you are an exchange student, these fees will be removed after the university’s registration drop/add period. This is not generally complete until the end of September for the fall semester, or late February for the spring semester. If you are an exchange student, do not be concerned if you see tuition and fee charges on your account; they will be removed eventually. 

Payment for charges can be made online via WyoWeb with a Visa or MasterCard, or with cash at the Cashier’s Office on campus in Knight Hall (the Cashier’s Office does not accept credit cards). It is not necessary for you to pay before you come to UW. Payment can be made when you arrive. If you pay at least 1/3 of your student bill when you arrive, you will be enrolled in a payment plan. You can then pay the balance due over the next two months (for a total of 3 payments). There is a charge to be enrolled in this payment plan. 

To see your charges, log in to WyoWeb. Go to Your Student Account, and Account Summary by Term. Your charges will be listed there. Payment can be made by bank transfer, free of charge, on Flywire. 


Books

 

Undergraduate students at the University of Wyoming are enrolled in the StartRight+ program for textbooks. StartRight+ is an equitable access (EA), digital-first book program designed to provide all undergraduate students with their required course materials at a flat rate of $275 per semester. For more information about textbooks and StartRight+, please visit the How it Works website.  Note that the $275 fee for StartRight+ is not waived as part of exchange (including ISEP) programs.  

One of the most surprising things for international students coming to the U.S. is the cost of textbooks. This cost can be quite high for some students ($200-$600), so it is important that you are prepared. The University Store has a list of books required for all classes online. You can use this site to compare the price of textbooks to determine whether StartRight+ is a savings. 

At UW there are five class levels. Class level is notified by the “Course Number” for example, 1050 Survey of Astronomy. The level of the class is given by the starting digit in the course number. 

Classes with course numbers starting with numbers 1 and 2 are considered lower division. Upper division classes are classes with Course Numbers which start with numbers 3 and 4. These classes are usually taken by students in their final 2 years of their Bachelor’s degree.
 

Graduate students should take classes with course numbers starting with the numbers 4 and 5. 

On campus classes are referred to as 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 level. 5000 Level classes are restricted to graduate student enrollment only. The University of Wyoming offers classes in over 180 different fields. You may use the University Catalog and Course Descriptions for information about class offerings. 

Now you understand how to tell which level each class is, you will be able to pick classes which you think match your level of study. Check out the class listings for specific semesters in our Class Schedules.  

Class availability varies by semester. Not all classes listed in the catalog are offered every semester. Please refer to the class schedule for available classes. 

Study Abroad and Exchange Students may take only 1 online course per semester. Attempting to take more than 1 will jeopardize the status of your visa. 

2000-level and higher classes may have prerequisites. If you can provide evidence that you have a pre-requisite equivalent from your home institution you may contact the professor and ask them to give you permission to enroll in their class. 

Exchange Students are limited to 15 credit hours per semester. 

Study Abroad and Exchange Students are not permitted to enroll in MBAM, MBAX, NURS, PHCY or Education classes. 

Enrollment in LAW classes is strictly limited. Permission must be granted by the College of Law, and if given, enrollment is limited to 1 class.

 

Section 50 classes are offered on campus in a different city, so exchange and study abroad students cannot enroll in these classes.