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 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. 

Test Scores for Students Applying Fall 2025: If a student does not provide an ACT or SAT test score at the time of application, they may be required to submit additional academic documents, transcripts, or a personal statement to receive an admission decision. Students will be contacted via email if any additional documents are required. Learn more about our guidelines for students not providing test scores.

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.

Engineering Workshop

College of Engineering

Marketing classroom

Tippie College of Business

College of Nursing

College of Nursing

Public Health volunteer day

College of Public Health

College of Education classroom experience

College of Education

Pharmacy student with instructors

College of Pharmacy

Microbiology classroom

Carver College of Medicine

Credit by Exam Options

Credit by exam allows you to earn college credit (AP, IB, CLEP, GCE) before you arrive on campus, which will free up time and money to pursue a double major, an additional minor, and/or a study abroad experience.

Earn credit by exam