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 1, 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:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – score of 6.0 or above or above
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – score of 67 or above
- 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
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.
Important Dates for Fall 2025
- May 1, 2025: Fall Admissions Deadline
- August 12, 2025: New international and exchange student move-in
- August 13-14, 2025: Welcome to Wise Session for all new international and exchange students
Learn More about UVA Wise
- Explore campus through our virtual tour
- Learn about housing and dining
- Check out student clubs and organizations
- Learn more about our hometown, Wise, Virginia
Tuition & Scholarships
2025-2026 Tuition & Fees: $28,010
2025-2026 Room & Board: $13,196
Books, Supplies & Health Insurance (approx.): $3,000
International Merit Scholarships are available for students with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
*These amounts are based on the tuition and fees for one academic year and do not include miscellaneous personal expenses (travel, housing during College breaks, etc.), which can vary widely. Room rates are based on double occupancy. Costs may change from one academic year to the next.
