If You Attended High School Outside the United States
You must meet the following requirements for admission:
- A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on academic courses (a U.S. grade of "B" or better where an "A" = 4.0).
- Must present three years of completed secondary (high school) coursework.
- Completion of secondary school (generally representing 12-13 years of education).
- Upon completing secondary school, provide academic records (transcripts) that reflect a graduation date or a separate secondary school diploma/certificate.
- Complete our Minimum High School Course Requirements, which vary depending on whether you are applying to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business, or Nursing.
- Meet our English Proficiency Requirements
In addition:
- If you are applying to the College of Nursing, see the additional International Nursing Requirements.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required of international applicants who completed secondary school outside the United States; however, SAT or ACT scores are required of first-year applicants who wish to be considered for academic scholarships, Direct Admission to the Tippie College of Business, or for the University of Iowa Honors Program.
- SAT and ACT scores can be used to satisfy the university’s English proficiency requirements.
- The university encourages all applicants to take either exam, as strong results could favorably affect the decision regarding your application.
If You Attended High School Inside the United States
You must meet the following requirements for admission:
- A 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
- Must present three years of completed high school coursework.
- Upon completing secondary school, provide a transcript that reflects a graduation date.
Admission requirements will vary depending on your area of study; matching the requirements for first-year applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Review the list of Undergraduate Areas of Study or our Minimum High School Course Requirements for more details.
If you Attended High Schools both Inside and Outside the United States
You must meet the following requirements for admission:
- A 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
- Must present three years of high school coursework.
- Upon completing secondary school, provide academic records (transcripts) that reflect a graduation date or a separate secondary school diploma/certificate.
- Meet our English Proficiency Requirement.
Admission will be based on a review of both the international record and U.S. high school transcript.
College-Specific Admission Requirements
First-year students at Iowa enroll in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, Public Health, or Education. See below for specific requirements for these and other UI colleges that admit undergraduates.
