International Students

As an international student, we understand that you may have unique needs and questions as you embark on your educational journey with us. At the University of Arizona, we are committed to providing you with a supportive and inclusive environment to ensure your success. Here, you'll find important information and resources to help you navigate this exciting chapter.

Our International Student Services office manages your I20, Visa, and travel process. They have a page specifically for international graduate students that will help you navigate arriving in Tucson. Students should plan to arrive no later than a week before the start of their first class. 

Financial Guarantee and Visa Requirements

Students requesting non-immigrant visas (I-20 or DS-2019) must certify that they possess adequate financial resources to support themselves while in residence at the University of Arizona and must submit the Financial Guarantee Form.

  • Financial guarantee documents must be dated within 6 months of the term of admission, must be in English, and should be addressed to The University of Arizona Graduate College.
  • Departmental funding can serve as proof towards completion of the financial guarantee.
  • It is acceptable to combine various types of funding such as student's personal funds, family funds, sponsor funding, and/or departmental funding to meet the total guarantee requirement.
  • Family members (spouse or children) that accompany students to the United States require proof of additional funding. 

  • If a student is sponsored through an organization or government agency, the sponsor must provide the Graduate Admissions Office and the International Student Services office with the terms of support.
  • An official sponsorship letter must include specific information regarding the amount and duration of the financial award. 
  • Some sponsors require the University of Arizona to bill their organization for student tuition and fees. If so, details must be handled through an embassy, or an agency located within the United States.
  • Prior to registration, an official letter regarding billing information must be sent to:

International Student Services Office
University of Arizona
915 N. Tyndall Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0441

Health Insurance

Students on non-immigrant visas are required by the University of Arizona to carry student accident and illness insurance coverage for each term of enrollment. The cost of insurance is included in the amount of the financial guarantee and is incorporated into your semester fees automatically upon registration.

Students covered by their government or sponsoring agency may be exempted from the University of Arizona's insurance plan when their government or sponsoring agency has submitted accident and sickness insurance plans deemed acceptable by the University of Arizona. Contact Campus Health for more information regarding an insurance exemption. 

Students hired as Graduate Assistants in teaching or research will have their individual health insurance coverage paid by the University of Arizona. Additional information about this benefit will be sent to admitted international students who receive teaching or research assistant positions.

Tuition and Fees

For an estimated cost of attending the University of Arizona, please visit the Graduate College's Estimated Cost of a UA Education. Resources include Residency Classifications and the Official University of Arizona Tuition Calculator (look for "SBS College: School of Information")

Note: Master's students must pay program fees. Ph.D students do not pay program fees.  

F-1 student OPT after graduation

Optional Practical Training provides an opportunity for F-1 students to gain work experience in the United States. Students graduated with the M.A. degree may have 12-months OPT training period. Students graduated from the MS degree (CIP Code:11.0401:information science/studies) may have an additional extension of 17 months (a total of 29 months). For details see the official OPT regulations.

Questions?

International student advisors are available on Zoom for quick advising (5-10 minute sessions) to answer your questions.