New Student Overview

Next Steps After Your Admission

• Review the required items in your application portal. New requirements may be posted here, so be sure to check the portal regularly. 
• Accept your admission in your application portal. 
• Pay the $200 International Student Processing Fee. 
• Get your I-20 (or DS-2019) and apply for a visa.   
• Set up your ePantherID. Use your ePantherID to login to all UWM systems. Use your Campus ID (991-xx-xxxx) from your official admission letter to activate your ePantherID. 
• Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a dual-authentication system required to keep your data secure. Set up MFA and read the information under FAQ > International Students. Bring the device with MFA with you to the U.S. to prevent problems logging in later. 
• Access your UWM email. All important information from UWM will be sent to your UWM email address. Check it frequently. Go to the UWM main website > Quicklinks > Email. Log in with your ePantherID@uwm.edu and password, and open Outlook.
• Access your PAWS account. You’ll use your PAWS account to enroll in classes, update your personal information, and view and pay your tuition. Go to the UWM main website > Quicklinks > PAWS. Log in with your ePantherID and password.
• Join us on social media to connect with other UWM international students.
  • WhatsApp – Connect with other new international students and get important information from UWM leading up to your arrival on campus: 
    • Fall 2026 groups: Undergraduate Group, Graduate Group
  • Facebook – Connect with new and current international students for guidance, meet other students from your home country or academic program, look for roommates, and more: UWM International Students Facebook Group.
  • Instagram – Follow UWM’s Center for International Education Instagram page to learn about campus events, programs and resources. 
• Explore scholarships and funding opportunities.

Planning Your Arrival

• Determine which orientations you will need to attend: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or Graduate (Master’s or PhD) 
• Register for classes. 
• Make your housing arrangements.  
• Consider your initial and ongoing expenses upon arrival to the U.S. View additional considerations for students with assistantships. 
• Plan transportation to UWM’s campus.
• Prepare your final transcripts.
• Download the I-20 (or DS-2019), print a hard copy, and sign and date it. A digital copy is not sufficient. You will need the hard copy I-20 (or DS-2019) for passport control when you get to the U.S. port of entry. 
• Upload a photo for your PantherCard (student ID card).  
• Pack for your arrival, understand what to expect at the airport and check the local weather forecast.

After You Arrive at UWM

• Complete arrival check-in.
• Pick up your PantherCard (student ID card) and activate your bus pass.
• Set up a U.S. bank account.
• Pay your tuition by the first day of classes.
• Understand important information about your health insurance and medical records.
• Find food and other essentials near campus.
• Purchase your textbooks.
• Get a U.S. cell phone plan. Visit a cellphone provider in-person to get service to your cell phone from home or purchase a new one. Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile, T-Mobile and Verizon don’t require a Social Security number. Or, set up an eSIM via Mint Mobile prior to your arrival.
• Get an on-campus job.
• Apply for a social security number.
• Get a Wisconsin state ID or driver’s license.

Students Who Are Unable to Arrive

International students planning to attend UWM in-person must be on campus by the first day of classes. If you cannot be here on that date, you must request to defer your admission through your application portal.

DEADLINE: The deadline to request a deferral is the first day of classes for your currently admitted term. Priority processing will be given in the order requests are received, and to those who already have I-20s.