The University of Arkansas is a public university situated in Arkansas, United States, and has a rich heritage of more than 150 years. The Carnegie Foundation recognizes Arkansas for its high research activity. The university has a vibrant campus with more than 350 student organizations defined by cultures, interests, and professions. The campus offers recreational facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, outdoor sports and courts, libraries, and a student health center. The university has a balanced student population with 54.5 per cent female and 45.5 per cent male students. Students at the University of Arkansas enjoy lectures delivered by esteemed personalities from all over the world. Dalai Lama, Jane Goodall, Anderson Cooper, and President George H.W. Bush have been some of the prominent speakers at the university over the years. The university has 1,443 faculty members with a 19:1 student/faculty ratio.
Courses Offered
What all courses are available to international students?
The University of Arkansas offers more than 200 academic programs to international students. Students can choose from over 99 undergraduate majors, 91 master’s degrees and 36 doctoral and specialist programs. It also has 33 graduate certificate courses.
Eligibility & Documents Required
What are the eligibility requirements?
The eligibility requirements for admission to the University of Arkansas are given below:
Undergraduate Admissions: International applicants with the equivalent of 12 years of schooling may be eligible for admission if their secondary school record shows above-average performance. The university recommends freshmen applicants to sit for the SAT or ACT exam, however, this is not mandatory. They are also expected to have completed a secondary school curriculum, including the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Natural and Physical Science
- Social Science
- Humanities
- A native language
Applicants also need to meet the English language proficiency by submitting any of these test scores:
| English Proficiency Test |
Minimum Score for Admission |
Minimum Score for Enrollment (based on subject level) |
|---|---|---|
| 79 |
Writing Score: 19-30 |
|
| 6.5 |
Writing Score: 5.5-6.5 |
|
| 58 |
Writing Score: 51-84 |
|
| 176 |
150-176 |
|
| Varies |
65-105 |
|
| SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing |
500 |
- |
| ACT English |
19 |
- |
*Preapproval is required for DET
Graduate Admissions: The successful completion of a four-year bachelor’s program after 12 years of high school or a three years bachelor’s degree and 2 years post-graduate diploma after high school is required. A master or doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees) from a regionally accredited institution is also accepted. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 credits taken by the applicant is required. Valid GRE or GMAT score may be required as per course.
Apart from academic credentials, any one of these scores is required as proof of English language proficiency:
| English Proficiency Test |
Minimum Score for Admission |
Minimum Score for Enrollment (based on subject level) |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT |
79 |
Writing Score: 19-30 |
| IELTS Academic |
6.5 |
Writing Score: 4.5-7 |
| Pearson (PTE) |
58 |
Writing Score: 51-84 |
| C1 Advanced |
176 |
150-185 |
| Duolingo (DET)* |
Varies |
70-115 |
| GRE General Test |
- |
Writing Score: 2.5-4.5 |
| GMAT |
|
Writing Score: 3.0-5.0 |
*Preapproval is required for DET
Note to applicants from Bangladesh, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka: A two or three-year bachelor's degree does not qualify an applicant for admission to the Graduate School. 16 years of formal education — 12 years of elementary and secondary education plus four years of post-secondary study is the benchmark used to evaluate foreign educational systems.
What all documents are needed for application?
Original secondary school or college transcripts need to be submitted to the university. These must include the original native language transcripts and its English language translation (if the original is not in English). Copies and English language translations must be stamped or embossed by the issuing institution to confirm they are literal translations. A certificate or diploma confirming graduation from a secondary education institution is also required. Apart from this, here is a checklist of documents that international applicants require at the time of application:
| UG Documents Checklist |
PG Documents Checklist |
|---|---|
| Official SAT/ACT scores Proof of English language proficiency A copy of passport Financial information such as bank statements Letters of Recommendation (LORs) |
Official GRE or GMAT scores Proof of English language proficiency A copy of passport Financial information such as bank statements |
Application & Tuition Fees
Is there any application fees?
International students need to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 60 for both undergraduate and graduate applications.
What is the fee structure of courses offered by the university?
The tuition fee for programs at the University of Arkansas is different for domestic and international students. The fee depends on the level of study and the program chosen by an applicant. The estimated cost of attending the University of Arkansas (2020-21) as a full-time international undergraduate student (12 credit hours per semester) is given below:
| Billed/Unbilled Expenses |
Fee Type |
Annual Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Billed |
Tuition & Fees |
23,135 |
| Housing & Fees |
10,514 |
|
| Unbilled |
Insurance |
2,103 |
| Books & Supplies |
1,200 |
|
| Personal Expenses |
2,250 |
|
| Total Amount |
39,202 |
|
Source: University of Arkansas
The estimated cost of attending the university as a full-time international graduate student (9 credit hours per semester) is given below (2020-21):
| Billed/Unbilled Expenses |
Fee Type |
Annual Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Billed |
Tuition & Fees |
24,523 |
| Housing & Fees |
10,115 |
|
| Unbilled |
Insurance |
2,103 |
| Books & Supplies |
900 |
|
| Personal Expenses |
2,250 |
|
| Total Amount |
39,891 |
|
Source: University of Arkansas
The tuition fees might be different for each program, and it also changes for every year or term. Therefore, the students must visit the official website for accurate details on tuition fees and other expenses.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?
The university offers a number of academic scholarships to incoming new freshman international students. These scholarships are very competitive and mostly available to students who plan to enter the university in the fall semester. Applicants must submit their admissions applications by November 1. The admissions application should include transcripts and SAT or ACT test scores. Scholarships require a separate application. Students can request the scholarship application on the general admissions application form. Submit this to the Academic Scholarship Office by November 15 for priority consideration. Do note that the final scholarship deadline is in the first week of February. The following new freshmen scholarships are available to international students:
- Chancellor's Scholarship
- Chancellor's Community Scholarship
- Silas Hunt Scholarship
- Honors College Academy Scholarship
- Razorback Bridge Scholarship
- Leadership Scholarship
International graduate applicants can avail department-specific Graduate Assistantship (GA) opportunities. However, there are only a limited number of GAs available at the university. Each department offers its own assistantships, which vary widely in availability and amount of funding, depending on each department's budget, teaching/research needs, the pool of qualified applicants, and more. GA students can work up to 20 hours per week for the department (in teaching positions, research, or other areas) in exchange for payment of tuition plus a living stipend paid directly to them. Some assistantships are sufficient to cover all costs of attendance and some cover only partial costs.
Admission Process
When do the admissions start?
The university has three intake sessions in Fall, Summer, and Spring. Some academic departments have separate application deadlines and may have additional application requirements. For graduate students seeking funding, departmental deadlines may vary. For departments with no deadlines, all application materials, including all transcripts and required test scores, should reach the university by the deadlines listed below.
| Intake |
UG Deadlines |
PG Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (August-December) |
First week of June |
Early June* |
| Spring (January-May) |
First week of October |
Early October |
| Summer (May-July) |
First week of March |
Early March |
*By applying in January, you may be considered for financial support (degree-seeking only)
Do note that applications received after these dates will be processed as per space availability.
What is the UG application process?
For admission to UG programs at the University of Arkansas, international students can apply through the Common App portal of the university application portal: applyundergrad.uark.edu/account/register/. Students applying via the university portal can follow these steps:
Step 1: Register as a new user and create an account.
Step 2: You will receive an email with a PIN to enter your account. Use these credentials to log in to your account and proceed with the application. Add personal information, including your name, phone number, and email address.
Step 3: Add further details such as your communication address, gender, citizenship, and native language.
Step 4: Add general information about your family and yourself.
Step 5: Enter university information about previous applications and degree-seeking options.
Step 6: Add academic details, such as your institute’s name, score or percentage, and the examination date.
Step 7: Add standardized test scores secured on SAT/ACT examinations.
Upload the required documents and verify your application. Pay the application fees and submit the application.
What is the PG application process?
International students can submit an application for undertaking a graduate program at the University of Arkansas through the official application portal: applygsie.uark.edu/apply/. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Create an account. Then, start a new application. You can select the appropriate application type from graduate school, business school, or non-degree graduate school applications.
Step 2: Upon registration, you will receive an email with a pin to enter and complete the registration. Then, set a strong password for your account. Next, click on 'Start a new application' from the graduate portal. Read the application instructions and agree to the terms and conditions to proceed.
Step 3: Add your personal background details, including your name, phone number, address, and citizenship.
Step 4: Enter academic details, such as the institute name, country, marks scored, and upload the transcripts.
Enter English proficiency test scores and details of the examination taken. Sign the application and pay the application fees. Then, verify all the information you have uploaded and submit the application.
When will I hear from the university after I submit my application?
The University of Arkansas takes about two to three weeks to process undergraduate applications after its complete submission i.e., including all the required documents and the application fee. For graduate programs, the processing time may vary as per program or department. You can directly contact the relevant department to know the status of your graduate application.
Student Diversity & Preferred Profile
What are the chances to get into this university?
The University of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of around 77 per cent. As of Fall 2020, the university received 19,777 applications, and around 15,361 students were granted admission. The freshmen admitted in 2020 had an average ACT of 26 and an average GPA of 3.75/4.
How many Indian/international students are studying at the university?
Every year, the university hosts over 1,200 international students from 110 countries. In Fall 2020, the university enrolled a total student body of 27,562 applicants, including 22,825 undergraduates and 4,737 graduate students. About 529 international students were enrolled in Fall 2020.
Part Time Work While Studying
Can I work while studying here?
The University of Arkansas allows international students to work part-time while studying. Students can take up work in the form of on-campus or off-campus jobs. International students with F-1 student visas can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours during sessions and full-time or 40 hours a week during official breaks and vacations. Students enrolled in graduate research programs can work as teaching assistants or research assistants in their department. These fellowships offer stipends, tuition fee payments, and housing fee payments in exchange for students’ services to the department.
Campuses & Accommodation
How many colleges and campuses does the university have?
The University of Arkansas has five campuses across Arkansas, which includes:
- Fayetteville
- Little Rock
- Monticello
- Pine Bluff
- Fort Smith
The university comprises ten colleges of study according to the academic fields they cover.
| Academic Colleges |
|
|---|---|
| Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences |
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design |
| J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences |
Sam M. Walton College of Business |
| College of Education and Health Professions |
College of Engineering |
| Honors College |
Global Campus |
| Graduate School and International Education |
School of Law |
Is on-campus housing available?
The university offers student housing in its Living and Learning Communities. More than 6,200 students live on campus across 19 residence halls and one apartment complex. Students are required to pay an advance fee of USD 200, which will be credited against spring semester charges. Rates presented below are for the current academic year (2021-22):
| Residential Hall |
Cost/Semester (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Adohi Pods |
4,379 to 5,473.50 |
| Founders |
4,411 to 5,275.50 |
| Futrall |
3,220 to 4,166 |
| Gibson |
3,406 to 4,207 |
| Gregson |
3,345.50 to 4,166 |
| Holcombe |
3,333.50 to 4,207 |
| Hotz Honors |
3,367.50 to 4,007.50 |
| Humphreys |
3,228 to 3,757.50 |
| Clark/ Gatewood/ Harding/ Morgan |
4,563.50 |
| Pomfret |
3,190.50 to 3,812.50 |
| Reid |
3,402.50 to 4,035.50 |
| Walton |
4,438.50 |
| Yocum |
3,387 to 3,912.50 |
Maple Hill
Room rates for Maple Hill residence for the 2021-2022 Fall and Spring semesters are:
| Room Type |
Rate/Semester (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Single room |
5,027.50 |
| Double room |
4,556.50 |
| Two-bedroom Suite |
4,547.50 |
| Premium suite |
4,987 |
Duncan Avenue Apartments
These are designated for upperclassmen housing, where four students occupy each apartment. Room rates for Duncan Avenue Apartments for the 2021-2022 Fall and Spring semesters are:
| Room Type |
Semester/Rate (in USD) |
|---|---|
| One bathroom |
3,456.50 |
| Two bathroom |
3,660.50 |
For more information on student housing, visit housing.uark.edu/.
University Contact Information
Whom should I contact in case of any doubts?
International students can contact the University of Arkansas through the following contact information:
Address: 340 N. Campus Drive, Gearhart Hall 213, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Telephone: +1-479-575-6246
E-mail: iss@uark.edu
Website: international-admissions.uark.edu/
Photos & Videos
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| University City | Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA |