If you want to enroll in undergraduate classes on campus, but you aren't seeking a bachelor's degree, apply as an undergraduate nondegree student.

Credit earned as a nondegree student may be applied at a later date toward an undergraduate degree. Should you decide to enroll at Iowa as a degree-seeking student, you'll need to submit the appropriate application at that time (for admission as a first-year or transfer student). You may enroll for a total of three consecutive sessions as a nondegree student before reapplication is necessary.

University of Iowa Distance and Online Education offers credit courses and degree-related course sequences. Applicants who plan to take only Distance and Online Education courses (Online, GIS, Off-Campus), but are not seeking admission to a degree program should apply as a Distance and Online Education Student.

Admission Requirements for Nondegree Applicants

  • Students still in high school who wish to apply to the university as a nondegree student must have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher.
    • Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) for students enrolled in an Iowa high school—If you have a high school grade-point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher, your school district may be willing to pay up to $250 toward the tuition for each course you take. Contact your high school guidance counselor to see whether you are eligible for this program.
  • Students who have taken coursework at another college must present a cumulative grade-point average of 2.50 or higher.
  • International applicants must meet the English Proficiency Requirement for admission to the university.

Application Process

  • Apply Now as an undergraduate nondegree student.
    • Most nondegree applicants will be charged a $40 application fee upon enrollment, which will appear on the student's first university bill.
    • There is no application fee for high school students, Regents Exchange students, and students who are already being charged a fee by a sponsoring department (such as a study abroad program).
  • If you are still in high school, have your high school send a transcript to Enrollment Management, 2900 University Capitol Centre, 201 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA 52242.
  • Current or former University of Iowa students do not need to submit UI transcripts, or re-submit transcripts previously submitted to UI from other institutions.
  • Your application and any supporting documents must be received at least two weeks before university classes begin.

After Admission

  • Receive your HawkID and access to MyUI—Admitted students will receive a HawkID and password to use the university's online student services portal.
    • If you forget your HawkID, contact Admissions at 319-335-3847 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you forget your password, request a Password Reset.
  • Prepare for class registration—Before you can register for classes, you must meet with an academic adviser, who will either give you a registration number or clear you for registration. Your Admissions Profile in MyUI will provide specific information about contacting your adviser.
    • High school nondegree students are advised by the Academic Advising Center (AAC). Other nondegree students are advised by the AAC or an academic department.
    • You will register for classes online using MyUI. Your registration date and time will be displayed when you log in.
  • Provide proof of immunization—Admitted students are required to show Proof of Vaccinations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella before registering for classes.
  • Investigate financial aid—Nondegree students at the University of Iowa may qualify for financial aid. For information about the federal regulations related to this, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  • Arrange for parking—If you will own or operate a motor vehicle in the Iowa City area, you must Register Your Vehicle with the university's parking department within 48 hours of bringing it to campus.