UNF: International Admission FAQ

Where should I have my official materials sent?

Undergraduate applicants:

Office of Admissions
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

Graduate applicants:

Graduate School
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

Exchange students:

International Center

University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

How can I get an update about my application?

Please visit your applicant portal to check your application status.

I have a green card (U.S. permanent residency). Am I considered an international student? Am I required to submit TOEFL or prove English proficiency to apply to UNF?

International students are considered to be those on F-1 or J-1 visas. Green card holders would not be considered international students for admissions purposes and do not need to work with the International Center. Also, green card holders do not need to submit TOEFL scores or satisfy English language proficiency.

Does UNF offer conditional admission?

UNF does not offer conditional admission in terms of English language requirements. All international students must prove English Language Proficiency via one of the Indicators of Required English Language Proficiency for Foreign Applicants for admission to the university.

If you would like to work on improving your English language skills before applying to a degree program, you can enroll in the English Language Program (ELP) at UNF. Students may use their certificate of completion of level Pre-University in the UNF ELP with a minimum average grade of 3.0 to satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement for their university application. You can see the ELP option listed under point 1.F.

What rankings and recognitions has UNF received?

A Best College in the Southeast, Princeton Review
A Best Business School, Princeton Review
A Best Regional University, U.S. News and World Report
A Best College Value, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, INSIGHT into Diversity

See more at the UNF President's Office website.

Does UNF offer online programs?

Yes, UNF offers distance learning (online) programs. International students are welcome to pursue these programs from their home countries. However, if you are seeking an F-1 visa to study in Jacksonville, Florida at UNF, per federal regulations, in order to issue the I-20 document to apply for the F-1 visa, international students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. We are not permitted to issue immigration documents for online, part-time, or certificate* programs.

*Music Certificate is the only exception.

Does UNF have application fee waivers for international students?

UNF does not offer application waivers for international students. Applicants must pay an application fee of $30. You may pay the application fee once you have submitted your application in your applicant portal.

How do I pay the $30 USD application fee?

Applicants must pay an application fee of $30. You may pay the application fee once you have submitted your application in your applicant portal.

How do I get my Form I-20 for my F-1 visa?

In order to obtain the Form I-20 necessary to apply for the F-1 student visa you must first be fully admitted to the university. After you are admitted, you will receive an email from the International Center with the next steps to receive your I-20. These steps include submitting an affidavit of financial support and a copy of your passport bio page to your international student advisor.

Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?

Yes! The International Center offers scholarship for international students. You can find more information about scholarships at the Scholarships and Funding section of the International Center website.

How do I schedule a tour?

Schedule a tour via the UNF Welcome Center website to see our beautiful campus. If you would like to have an international student representative join you on your tour to volunteer as a translator or to share their experiences at UNF, contact us with your request and tour date/time to our email: intlctr@unf.edu.

Can I participate in an internship as an F-1 student?

Per visa regulations, F-1 international students may have an internship provided it is required as a part of their degree program and they receive prior authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through the UNF International Center.

Due to Jacksonville's great location, it is a hub for business, health administration, and transportation logistics and home to several Fortune 500 companies, allowing over 85% of students to take part in internships and other real-world experiences before they graduate.

Can I participate in an internship as a J-1 student?

Per visa regulations, J-1 international students may have an internship provided it is approved by their academic advisor and they receive prior authorization for Academic Training (AT) through the UNF International Center.

Due to Jacksonville's great location, it is a hub for business, health administration, and transportation logistics and home to several Fortune 500 companies, allowing over 85% of students to take part in internships and other real-world experiences before they graduate.

How can I get involved at UNF?

There are so many options! The UNF Campus Life website is a good place to start searching for interesting activities, clubs (we have over 200 different clubs!), and organizations to participate in. Cheer on one of our many NCAA Division I sports teams at a game or competition! Connect with one of many Student Affairs Departments on campus, including the Department of Diversity Initiatives and the LGBTQ Center. Check out the Department of Recreation and Wellness to take a group fitness class, rent a free kayak, or join an Eco Adventure trip to go rock climbing in the mountains or camping by the ocean. Donate your time and volunteer in Jacksonville through the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. You can also get involved in several ways through opportunities with the International Center.

What can I do in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is home to many natural wonders such as warm beaches, state parks, and ecological preserves. UNF campus is a 10-minute drive from Jacksonville Beach where students can surf, relax, or enjoy nightlife. Jacksonville consists of many different neighborhoods with unique subcultures. You will find riverfront streets lined with boutiques, vintage shopping and dining districts, live music venues, sidewalk cafes, and sleepy surfer towns. Find more information about our city at the Visit Jacksonville website.

Will I be able to contact my professor outside the scheduled class time if I need further assistance with course topics?

Yes. All faculty members have office hours for students to use outside of their scheduled class times. If you are unable to utilize office hours due to a conflict with another class, talk to your professor to find a time that is accessible for both. It is important to our faculty that you succeed, and they are dedicated to working with you to make that happen.

I am applying for a graduate program (master's/doctoral) and will be receiving a scholarship that requires me to be enrolled in face-to-face (in-person) classes. Which programs fir this requirement?

If you have a scholarship that requires you to be enrolled in face-to-face (in-person) classes each semester, contact the Graduate Program Director of your interested program for more information regarding availability of face-to-face (in-person) classes.