Prospective International Students

Founded in 1954, UVA Wise is the only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. Points of prestige:

A nationally ranked public liberal arts college. In fact, we’re part of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, which is a prestigious group of colleges across North America.
An affordable and accessible education. We have been honored by Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report for the return on investment students get from their UVA Wise degree.
Part of the University of Virginia, a public research university renowned around the world.

With a variety of majors and minors, UVA Wise offers many science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs that allow international students to take advantage of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships. These include:

Biochemistry and Biology
Chemistry, which is American Chemical Society-approved
Earth and Environmental Science
Mathematics
Computer Science and Software Engineering, which are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission and the Engineering Accreditation Commission (respectively) of ABET
Medical Technology

Pre-Professional Study

The College also offers pre-professional study tracks that prepare students for admissions to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, and physical therapy.

Peake Honors Program

International students may also apply for admission to the prestigious Peake Honors Program, which offers academically motivated students an array of opportunities to challenge and distinguish themselves by participating in intensive, interdisciplinary courses and enriching out-of-class activities. Note: an SAT score of 1350 and 3.5 GPA are required for admission to this program.

Get Ready to Apply

International students who are first-time freshman, transfer and exchange students are invited to apply for admission to UVA Wise by submitting the following items. Note that exchange students are those international students that are attending UVA Wise for a specified term(s) from sister schools and foreign exchange programs.

The fall semester deadline for completed applications is May 15, and I-20 issuance information will be provided by June 1.

The spring semester deadline for completed applications is November 1, and I-20 issuance information will be provided by November 15.

Application for admission
Scanned copies of official, translated academic transcripts from all secondary schools, colleges and universities attended.
Evidence of English language proficiency by submitting scores directly from one of the following:
1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – score of 6.0 or above or above
2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – score of 67 or above
3. Duolingo English Test (DET) – score of 100 or above
The appropriate Supplemental Financial Guarantee Form for international students or for exchange students.
The International Student Advisor’s Report (Visa transfer) for transfer students from another U.S. college or university

Apply Now

Start your application to UVA Wise.

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Directions and Airports

The campus is located at 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293. We’re accessible by Highway 23, and the nearest airport is Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, Tennessee (68 miles).

UVA Wise offers airport shuttles from Tri-Cities Airport to campus. Students must pre-register using the “Shuttle Ride Form” under Student Forms in the My.UVAWise.edu portal.

Other regional airports

Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, NC (148 miles)
McGhee Tyson Airport – Knoxville, TN (167 miles)

International airports with direct flights to Tri-Cities Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Charlotte, NC
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta, GA
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport – Dallas, TX

Banking and Cell Phones

Information about banking and cell phone providers will be available during the Welcome to Wise session and Expedition.

Student Health Insurance

UVA Wise does not currently provide health insurance for students to purchase, but UVA Wise does require students to have insurance. Although we do not recommend a specific policy, many students purchase International Student Insurance (ISI).

For more information on student health requirements, please review the UVA Wise Pre-Entrance Health requirements.