General Information for
International Students
Index
- Why Choose the University of New Orleans?
- What is New Orleans like?
- How to Apply
- Approximate Breakdown of Fees
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Immigration Information for Undergraduate and Graduate Applications
- Health Services
- Office of International Students and Scholars
- Research Facilities
- Housing
- Questions and Answers
- List of Undergraduate Programs
- List of Graduate Programs
- Intensive English Language Program (IELP)
- Application Order and Checklist
- Quick Reference
- Important UNO Numbers
Why Choose the University of New Orleans?
Your first objective as an international student is to acquire an outstanding education. You want to learn at a University known for its excellent professors and its interesting, challenging classes. The University of New Orleans is such a place. UNO is part of the Louisiana State University System and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
UNO offers well-developed undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, sciences, education and liberal arts, and urban and public affairs. Programs designed to provide college training for admission to professional schools are also offered.
What is New Orleans like?
One of the largest ports in the United States, the New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of about 1,000,000. New Orleans is a unique and exciting city especially famous for its European atmosphere, French Quarter, Mardi Gras, iron grillwork, creole cooking, Dixieland Jazz, and a bustling tourism industry that continuously hosts visitors from around the world. New Orleans hosts many major athletic and entertainment events in the world renowned Louisiana Superdome, the largest indoor sports arena in the world. The city also houses numerous museums, performing arts theatres, fine arts galleries, parks, orchestras, an opera, and shopping opportunities.
The climate is subtropical with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) in June, July and August, and 8 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) in December, January and February. Freezing temperatures and snow are very rare. In the spring, summer and fall, lightweight clothing is most comfortable, with an umbrella and raincoat necessary throughout the year. During the winter months heavier clothing is advisable.
For more information concerning the city of New Orleans, please write:
The New Orleans Metropolitan Conventional and Visitor Bureau
1520 Sugar Bowl Drive
New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
www.neworleanscvb.com
How to Apply
Completed application and other materials should be submitted to:
The University of New Orleans
Office of Admissions
103 Administration Building
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
On-line International Undergraduate and Graduate Application for Admission
Application for Admission - you should place a pound sign (#) by the name on your application which your home government considers most important in identifying their records. It is important to include your date of birth on all documents, as many applicants may have similar names.
A non-refundable application fee of $40.00 (U.S. currency only) is required with the application. If a friend or relative submits the fee for you, be sure to instruct him/her to include your name on the check or money order so that your application can be credited. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNTIL THIS FEE IS PAID.
Complete, official, academic records fromshould be mailed directly to us from the school, the examining board or the Ministry of Education. These records must be authenticated by an appropriate school officer. Academic records should include the dates of attendance, titles of courses, credits earned, detailed marks and an explanation of the marks or grading system used.
PHOTOCOPIES OF ORIGINAL RECORDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AS TRUE AND CORRECT IN ORIGINAL INK BY YOUR COLLEGE REGISTRAR. DO NOT SEND PHOTOCOPIES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CERTIFIED AS OFFICIAL. A catalog or syllabus from each college or university attended, including course descriptions, would be of great help in the evaluation of college records and may be required in certain cases.
All applicants who are from countries other than the United Kingdom, Australia,
Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Ireland, Belize and certain Caribbean
Islands, must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
For graduate applicants, a minimum score of 550 is required on
the paper based test or a minimum composite score of 225 on the computer baed test or a minimum score
of 79 on the internet based test.
For undergraduate applicants, the minimum
required scores are 525 on
the paper based test or 195 on the computer baed test or 71 on the internet based test.
TOEFL is administered in the U.S. six times a year, and in some locations twelve times a year by the Educational Testing Services, Princeton, NJ, 08540, U.S.A. (UNO is a TOEFL test center.) Information can also be obtained overseas at the United States Educational Foundation offices in New Delhi, India; Institute of International Education in Hong Kong; the American Korean Foundation in Seoul, Korea; the Language Center, Taipei, Taiwan; and many U.S. embassies and consulates.
Graduate Students Only
Please note that some graduate departments require a higher TOEFL score. For example, Financial Economics and Chemistry requires 600 (250 computer based).Satisfactory evidence of financial support must be submitted before an I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued by the University of New Orleans. Your Statement of Financial Support must be signed by a bank official and/or your financial sponsor, verifying that your sponsor has adequate funds to support your studies. You will be required to show original financial support documents to the U.S. Consular official when you obtain your visa, or to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if you are already in the United States, so have two sets made. If you will be receiving a scholarship from a private source, please submit an original statement from the sponsoring agency indicating the period of time for the scholarship and the amount awarded per year. The statement must indicate that the scholarship is valid for UNO. Please see below for an approximate breakdown of fees (subject to change without notice). NOTE: In some cases, the University of New Orleans may require a tuition deposit before issuing an I-20 form.
An I-20 or DS-2019 form will be mailed when you are determined admissible, only after all admission credentials have been received and evaluated, and all financial information has been satisfactorily provided. In general, no international student will be admitted as a non-degree student and no international student will be admitted on probation.
Deadline dates for filing applications are June 1st for the Fall Semester; October 1st for the Spring Semester; and March 1st for the Summer Session.
Approximate Breakdown of Fees
| Subject to change without notice. | |
|---|---|
| Fall and Spring | |
| Tuition and Fees | $11,080 |
| Books and Insurance | $ 1,470 |
| Room and Board | $ 8,100 |
|
|
|
| Total Fall and Spring: | $20,650 |
Undergraduate Admissions
- Admission Tests
- SAT, P.O. Box 6200, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6200, USA
- ACT Registration, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243-0414, USA
All freshman applicants are strongly urged, and in some cases may be required, to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). Applications will be considered without these tests, but strong test results will enhance your chances for admission.
Applications and information about these tests are available by contacting the following:
- Transfer students from U.S. colleges and universities take note:
You must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 as calculated on UNO's grade scale and have earned 18 credits of non-developmental coursework from an accredited institution to be admitted into any program at UNO.
Graduate Admissions
All applicants are required to submit admission test scores. The General Test scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required for all programs except Biology, which requires both the General Test and the Subject test scores. Please note:
- The MPA and Arts Administration programs will accept either the GRE [General Test] or GMAT scores.
- Only the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores will be accepted for the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting programs.
Applications for taking the GRE and GMAT tests can be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA.
Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available in all areas in which degrees are offered, but they are limited and competitive. Most assistantships do not cover the complete cost of attending the University of New Orleans and supplementary funds are necessary. Often assistantships are not available until after the first semester of study. Applications should be made directly to the major department prior to March 15 for the following Fall semester.
Immigration Information for Undergraduate and Graduate Applications
Once you have been admitted to the University, you will receive an I-20 (F-1 status) or an DS-2019 (J-1 status) form. You must take this document, your letter of acceptance to UNO, and evidence of financial support to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consultant to apply for a student visa. The majority of students will apply for an F-1 visa. The J-1 visa is intended for students who are participating in one of UNO's exchange programs or who are funded by a government agency. To locate the nearest embassy or consulate and for detailed information on applying for your visa, please visit the following webpages:
For information on what you can expect when arriving at the port of entry please visit the webpage of the Immigration Customs and Enforcement.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expects you to be responsible for maintaining your legal status while in the U.S. During orientation, the Office of International Students and Scholars will provide you with information to assist you in maintaining your status. Since DHS regulations affect every aspect of your life, you should be sure that you understand your rights and your responsibilities for maintaining your status. When in doubt, always consult the staff of OISS at (504) 280-6021.
If you are applying for an F-1 visa, you must read page 2 of the I-20 form before signing it. Similarly, if you are applying for a J-1 visa, you must read the page 2 of the DS-2019 form before signing it. In general, the DHS expects you to be pursuing the objectives that are stated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form within the time limits specified on those forms. Additionally, undergraduate students must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours and graduate students must enroll for a minimum of 9 credit hours. All students must refrain from working on- or off-campus without proper authorization.
Transfer Students: If you are coming to UNO from another U.S. institution (high school or college), you are required to check-in with your I-20 or DS-2019 form to an OISS staff member within 15 days of the start of classes. This is necessary so that the Immigration Service can be properly notified of your new school.
Students Changing Degree Levels: If you are moving from one degree to another (i.e., undergraduate to graduate, intensive English language to undergraduate, etc.), you must check with an OISS staff member within 15 days of the start of classes. This is necessary so that the Immigration Service can be informed of your new program of study.
Health Services
The Office of Student Health Services offers general medical and nursing care for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. There is no charge for this service. For a small fee, some diagnostic testing is provided at the clinic. Routine health care check-ups are also provided free of charge to students.
Louisiana law requires that new UNO students provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus. If you were born before 1957 you need only satisfy the diphtheria-tetanus requirement. This information must be submitted to the Office of Student Health Services before registering for classes.
The following is a summary of the guidelines of the Louisiana State Health Department:
- Diphtheria-Tetanus (DT) immunizations in the last ten years.
- If you were born on or after January 1, 1957, two measles-mumps-rubella immunizations are needed.
- The first of these immunizations must be given after 1967, after your first birthday, and given without gamma globulin. The second must be given at least 30 days later.
- If you had the disease, one of two proofs necessary:
- A blood test, called a titer, which shows immunity to the disease;
- The signature of the physician who attended you when you were ill with the disease.
- If you were born before 1957, there is no measles-mumps-rubella requirement.
- If you were born before 1957, the diphtheria-tetanus requirement still applies.
- Please have the compliance form completed and returned to the Office of Student Health Services prior to registration.
Copies of records will be accepted. Failure to do so will result in your registration being delayed or denied. The information may be faxed, mailed, or returned in person.
The University of New Orleans will require proof of negative tuberculin skin test within the past six months (PPD or sometimes-called Mantoux). If no proof can be provided, then a tuberculin skin test must be performed at the Student Health Services, Room 244 University Center. The cost of this test is $3.00. A negative test at 48 to 72 hours requires no further investigation. A positive test requires a follow-up.
UNO also provides pharmaceutical services to full- and part-time students with a validated UNO identification card. Pharmaceutical services include the sale of prescription drugs and a limited variety of over-the-counter medicines.
International students at UNO are required to purchase health insurance, unless adequate proof of coverage is presented to the satisfaction of the Health Service Office. A brochure describing the benefits provided in the policy offered by UNO may be obtained by writing:
Student Health Services
University of New Orleans
244 University Center
Lakefront Campus
New Orleans, LA 70148
U.S.A.
(504) 280-6387
Office of International Students and Scholars
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is dedicated to furthering the goals and interests of international educational exchange at the University of New Orleans by providing quality support and service to international students, faculty, and staff. Specifically, OISS assists international students with maintaining lawful immigration status and adjusting to life in the U.S. Currently, there are approximately 750 international students (representing 90 countries) attending UNO.
OISS provides social, cultural, and educational programming for the international community as well as the University community. Important programs offered by OISS include mandatory orientation prior to registration, immigration workshops, cultural excursions to nearby cities, international festivals, and welcome receptions for new students. OISS produces a regular newsletter to inform the international community about pertinent issues and co-sponsor activities with more than 15 international student organizations.
Research Facilities
As a University of New Orleans student, you will use the excellent Earl K. Long Library for both research and leisure reading. The Library is located at the center of the main campus and has a collection of nearly two million items, both bound and microfilm. The Library also offers access to a number of on-line databases and is linked with other university libraries across Louisiana.
The Computer Research Center provides state-of-the-art computing services to the UNO community. In addition, a number of other computer laboratories are available for students' class work and research.
UNO also maintains up-to-date labs for individual disciplines. Modern scientific laboratories, an advanced technology engineering work space, and a state-of-the-art television production studio are a few of the excellent facilities you may use during your time at UNO.
Choosing your American university is a major decision which will affect your future dramatically. We sincerely hope to have the chance to serve you as you pursue studies in one of the many outstanding academic programs of the University of New Orleans.
Housing
Where Can I Live While Attending UNO?
To meet your needs as a student at the University of New Orleans, we offer you several choices in
on-campus accommodations.
Pontchartrain Hall is a brand new residence hall, featuring 4 bedroom and 2 bedroom & 1 bath Suite Style living. All bedrooms are private and fully furnished. Teh residence hall includes a convenience store and laundry facilities. Contact the Office of Student Housing at (504) 280-6585 or their website http://housing.uno.edu for more details and an application for on-campus housing.
Privateer Place is an apartment-style community located on campus. Privateer Place offers the following accommodations and amenities in nine-month (August - May) and 12 month (August - August) leases. Leases are based on the academic calendar.
Privateer Place offers 4 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and efficiency models. Only the efficiency model is unfurnished.
Privateer Place does not close during academic breaks and you are able to stay in your apartment throughout the lease term.
For more information about housing at Privateer Place, call (504)282-5670.
All housing accommodations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply now!
For more information about housing at Pontchartrain Hall contact the the UNO Student Housing Office at (504)280-6402 or 280-6585.
Questions and Answers
Q. Are students required to live on campus?
A. No, you are not required to live on campus. We encourage you to live on campus in order to
be conveniently located near all classes and dining facilities. Campus living affords you the
opportunity to form new friendships and participate in a variety of residence hall programs. If
you wish to live on campus, please note that housing is limited and the rooms in Pontchartrain Hall
or Privateer Place are assigned on a first-come, first-served
basis. It is important to reserve your room early.
Q. What is UNO's academic calendar?
A. UNO divides the academic calendar into semesters. The Fall semester begins in late August and
ends in early December; the Spring semester begins mid-January and ends mid-May. The Summer session
begins in June and runs through July. Two intensive three-week mini sessions also operate during the summer.
Q. Are all international students required to buy health insurance?
A. All non-immigrant international students attending UNO are required to purchase student sickness
and accident insurance. Spouse and dependent coverage must also be purchased for accompanying family
members. However, students who present adequate proof of insurance to the Student Health Services
Office (Government, private company, etc.) may have this fee waived during registration.
Q. Who is required to show proof of immunization?
A. Louisiana law requires new UNO students to provide proof of immunization against measles,
mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus. If you were born before 1957 you need only satisfy the
diphtheria-tetanus requirement. Although this information is not required for admission to UNO,
it must be submitted to the Office of Student Health Services before registering for classes.
Q. Are financial aid programs or scholarships available to international students?
A. For information on scholarships for undergraduate students click here
Q. Do I need to submit a course syllabus or school catalog describing the content of my course
work and examinations?
A. A catalog or syllabus would be of great help in the evaluation of college records and may be
required in certain cases.
Q. Must I be enrolled in full-time study?
A. Yes, you must be enrolled full-time to remain in status with the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS). (See Immigration Information.)
Q. What is the grading system at UNO?
A. At the end of each semester your instructor will evaluate your work and award a letter
grade of A (excellent), B (good), C (fair), D (minimally passing) or F (fail).
Q. Can I work while I attend school?
A. Yes, students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week. However, campus employment is difficult
to find. Permission to work off campus must be granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and is given in only specific situations.
Q. Will the Admissions Office know how to evaluate my credentials?
A. Yes, UNO is experienced in evaluating foreign credentials.
Q. Once I arrive on campus, will there be someone to address my questions and concerns?
A. Absolutely!! Experienced staff from the Office of International Students and Scholars are ready
and eager to assist you in becoming familiar with the city, campus and American way of life. They will
also assist you with any immigration questions or problems and offer support in cross-cultural adjustment,
family and financial concerns, academic matters, and other personal concerns.
Q. Will I be able to establish a checking and savings account in New Orleans?
A. Yes. There are a number of local banks which provide these services as well as a credit union on campus.
Q. When will I receive my I-20 or DS-2019 student visa application?
A. All students who meet UNO's admission requirements and have completed, to our satisfaction, the Statement
of Financial Support will be mailed an I-20 or DS-2019 with their admission letter.
Q. Are there organizations specifically designed for International Students?
A. Yes, there are both campus and local community organizations.
Q. Are there extracurricular activities available on campus?
A. There are always a wide range of activities, from intramural sports to guest speakers, available
on-campus. The Campus Activities Office offers current listings. There are also a number of community
publications which discuss what is going on in the city and surrounding areas.
Q. Is there an on-campus library?
A. Yes, UNO's Earl K. Long Library is the heart of the academic community. It's collection of scholarly
and professional books and periodicals now total over 550,000 cataloged printed volumes, 250,000 uncataloged
governmental documents, and over one million pieces of microformat.
Q. Are computers available for student use?
A. In the 1997 session, the Louisiana Legislature gave the Louisiana State University System the right to
implement a fee designed to increase and enhance technology use by students.
Implementation of the fee was contingent upon a 2/3 vote by the student governing body on each campus. In early July, 1997 the UNO Student Government Senate authorized the University to implement a $5 per semester hour fee (not to exceed $75 per semester). This fee is effective with the 1997 Fall Semester.
Funds generated by the fee are used to:
In implementing this fee, the University has eliminated ALL computer lab fees.
Q. Does UNO offer English as a Second Language (ESL)?
A. Yes, all students admitted to degree programs are required to take an English placement test before
registering for classes. Semi-intensive credit classes are offered for those who require additional
English preparation. Or a full-time non-credit intensive program is available for those who need to
sharpen their skills before commencing a degree program. Information about the non-credit Intensive
English Language Program (IELP).
Q. Do I have to purchase a meal plan if I live in Pontchartrain Hall?
A. Yes. (A meal plan purchase is not required if you live in Privateer Place.)
Q. When are the University fees paid?
A. In general, fees are paid after registering for classes. In some cases, UNO may require a tuition
deposit prior to a student arriving on campus.
List of Undergraduate Programs
All baccalaureate degree programs require a minimum of 128 semester hours earned with a quality point ratio of 2.0 (C) or better on (1) all work attempted, (2) all UNO work, (3) all work completed within the major college, (4) all work completed within the major, and (5) all work completed in the last 60 semester hours. Degree candidates must also complete the following course work: second semester English composition with a C or better and a passing grade on the English proficiency examination; 6 semester hours of literature in any department; 6 semester hours of college-level math and a passing grade on a math competency exam; 11 semester hours of science; 3 semester hours of fine arts, drama, communications, or music; 3 semester hours of humanities; 6 semester hours of social sciences; and successful completion of an approved course demonstrating computer literacy. Other course requirements vary according to program. Programs leading to degrees with honors are offered in most academic majors.
College of Business AdministrationAccountingCollege of Education
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Business Administration
Business Administration (Computer Science Option)
Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration
Management
Marketing
Early Childhood EducationCollege of Engineering
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
English, Mathematics, Music
(Instrumental and Vocal), Social Studies
Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science
Civil and EnvironmentalCollege of Liberal Arts
Electrical
Mechanical
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
AnthropologyCollege of Sciences
Economics (B.A. Degree)
English
Film, Theatre & Communication Arts
Fine Arts - History
Fine Arts - Studio
French
Geography
History
International Studies
Music
Philosophy
Political Science
Sociology
Spanish
Urban Studies
Woman's Studies
Bachelor of General StudiesBiological Sciences
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth & Environmental Science
Mathematics (B.A. or B.S. Degree)
Physics
Psychology (B.A. or B.S. Degree)Pre-Professional Programs:
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
List of Graduate Programs
Intensive English Language Program (IELP)
If you are an international student considering attending the University of New Orleans, you should know about our Intensive English Language Program (IELP). This excellent non-credit program will help you sharpen your English language skills, as well as teach you about American culture before you ever start attending classes. As a result, you'll feel more comfortable and prepared for your courses.
Curriculum
UNO offers six seven-week sessions in IELP throughout the year. You may enter the program at a time convenient
for you. Instruction and activities will consist of 25 hours each week. Classes are purposely kept small so
you can receive the individual attention that is needed to rapidly improve your English language skills.
Requirements for Admission
To be admitted to IELP, you must be at least 17 years of age. While a high school diploma is not required
for IELP non-credit admission, please be advised that a high school diploma or equivalent is required for
credit admission to the University of New Orleans. Also, you must show that you or your sponsor are able
to pay for all living expenses and tuition in the United States. Admission into the IELP does not guarantee
admission to the University of New Orleans; however, we have designed IELP to provide you with a smooth
transition into the regular university curriculum upon your successful completion of this program. TOEFL
scores are not needed to enter IELP.
For more information contact:
Intensive English Language Program
Division of International Education
Metropolitan College ED 110
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148-2571 USA
Telephone: (504) 280-5530 or (504) 280-5531
FAX: (504) 280-7317
Web: http://ielp.uno.edu
E-Mail: IELP@UNO.EDU
Application Order and Checklist
To help expedite the reviewing of academic credentials, we request that you submit all application materials in the following order:
Checklist:
- Completed admission application
- Non-refundable $40.00 application fee (U.S. currency only)
- Statement of Financial Support
- Summary of Educational Experiences form
- Official academic records (in original language with certified English translations)
- Required admission test results (please note photocopies are considered unofficial)
- Personal Statement (graduate students)
- Recommendation letters (graduate students)
- Housing application and deposit ($300.00)
- Certified true copy of both sides of I-94 and Transfer Form
(required only for students transferring from schools within the U.S.)
Quick Reference
We appreciate your interest in the University of New Orleans. If you have additional questions not answered in this service, please write to the following addresses:
University of New Orleans
Office of Admissions
103 Administration Building
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: (504) 280-6595 or 1-800-256-5-UNO
Fax: (504) 280-5522
University of New Orleans
Office of International Students and Scholars
260 University Center
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: (504) 280-6021
Fax: (504) 280-3975
Email: oiss@uno.edu
Important UNO Numbers:
| Office of Admissions | 504.280.6595 or 1.800.256.5.UNO |
| Office of Financial Aid | 504.280.6603 |
| finaid@uno.edu | |
| Bursar | 504.280.6489 |
| BursarInfo@uno.edu | Office of the Registrar | 504.280.6216 |
| registrar@uno.edu | |
| Student Housing | 504.280.6402 or 504.282.5670 |
| studenthousing@uno.edu | |
| Graduate School | 504.280.1155 |
| www.grad.uno.edu | |
| Student Life | 504.280.6222 |
| www.uno.edu/studentlife.cfm | |
| Student Support Services | 504.280.7036 |
| www.studentaffairs.uno.edu | |
| Career Development | 504.280.6225 |
| www.career.uno.edu | |
| IELP - Intensive English Language Program | 504.280.5530 |
| www.ielp.uno.edu |
The University of New Orleans welcomes international students. If you have further questions about UNO, please call or write to:
University of New Orleans
Office of Admissions
103 Administration Building
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: (504) 280-6595 or 1-800-256-5-UNO
Fax: (504) 280-5522
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