To be successful at Iowa, international students must have completed a secondary school program that is university-preparatory in nature. In addition, the program should have included a curriculum similar to the one outlined below, depending on whether you are applying to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or the College of Engineering. Above-average achievement in mathematics and science subjects is especially critical, regardless of the subject you wish to study.
International undergraduate applicants should have completed the required amount of secondary school preparation in the following areas:
| Subject Area | For Applicants to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | For Applicants to the College of Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 3 Years (2 years of algebra, 1 year of geometry) | 4 years (2 years of algebra, 1 year of geometry, 1 year of higher math [i.e. trigonometry, calculus, etc.]) |
| Science | 3 years (including biology, chemistry, and physics)* | 3 years (including at least 1 year of chemistry and 1 year of physics)** |
| Social Studies | 3 years | 2 years |
| Native Language | 4 years | 4 years |
| Single World Language | 2 years | 2 years |
* You must take one full-year course each from two of these areas: biology, chemistry, or physics. The third course can be from any area including others not listed, such as general science, physical science, environmental science, and anatomy and physiology, etc. Integrated science courses are evaluated for this requirement based on course content.
** Includes one year of chemistry, one year of physics, and one year of study in another area of science, such as general science, physical science, environmental science, anatomy and physiology, etc. Integrated science courses are evaluated for this requirement based on course content.