Admission Information for International Applicants

As nearly all undergraduate applicants who complete the application process must be interviewed as part of the selection process, the UAMS College of Health Professions encourages prospective international students residing outside the United States to apply first for admission to a general college or university in this country, complete any science and/or core curriculum prerequisite requirements that they lack, then apply for admission to the UAMS College of Health Professions. International students who meet the other requirements and who present themselves for an interview, if invited, will be considered for admission.

All applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens or for whom English is not their native language must meet the following admission requirements in addition to those stated in the admission requirements of the specific UAMS College of Health Professions program.

If an applicant is basing their eligibility on credits from an international university, the official transcript or copy must first be evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators Inc. or World Education Services. Refer to the page about Submission of Official Transcripts to the College for details.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to demonstrate fluency and literacy. Refer to the English Fluency and Literacy Requirement policy for more information.

There are currently no student aid funds available at UAMS to support international students. Completion of a financial affidavit and documentation indicating that the applicant has sufficient funding to pay for their educational and personal expenses while enrolled are required. The United States Department of Justice’s Immigration and Naturalization Service Affidavit of Support form must be used. It currently costs a student with no dependents approximately $33,000 in United States currency for each full calendar year (12 months) of study.

Because accidents and sickness can require expenses for which many persons are not prepared, all students are required to purchase health insurance through a program approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences or an equivalent coverage from a private source. Applicants who choose not to purchase appropriate insurance will not be allowed to register.

Those applicants selected for admission must arrange through the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice for the transfer of their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

In admissions reviews, first consideration is given to Arkansas residents. In recognition of the significant support of UAMS College of Health Professions programs by private and federal health care facilities, however, highly qualified applicants who are residents of another state or citizens of a foreign country may successfully compete for admission.

Under no circumstances will UAMS issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20 A-B) until the applicant has been admitted to the university.