International students studying together in the LEC

Your Compass to UWM

Explore the list of resources for prospective and current international students below.


International Student Resources

Navigate the road to success as a UWM international student, from everything you need to know about applying to UWM to what life is like once you land in Milwaukee. 

Access info about tuition, living expenses, insurance and other fees associated with being an international student. Plus, review available scholarship and funding opportunities.

Learn about how to maintain your immigration status, options for working on campus, health insurance and other important information. Students can also meet with an immigration advisor. 

Review application requirements for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students. A form for more information on how to apply to UWM is also available. 

This center is your UWM home base, and ISSS staff are ready to help with visa services, immigration status and any other questions you may have. 

Admitted to UWM and ready for next steps? Explore a thorough checklist of everything you need to do before and after you arrive on campus, from what to pack to how to register for classes. 

Get information about housing on and off campus, grocery store options, how to set up a bank account, avoiding scams that target international students and more. 


Academic Resources

As a top-ranked research university, UWM has a wide range of resources available to help you make the most of your academic journey. 

Access the UWM academic calendar to see important dates, such as the start and end of each semester, holiday breaks, final exams and graduation. 

Explore the complete list of UWM academic programs, certificates and degrees. You’ll also find faculty rosters and course descriptions. 

Search the comprehensive schedule of classes and plan your semester. See when and where specific courses are being offered and any needed prerequisites. 

Refine your English language skills with the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. These courses also count for credit toward your degree. 

UWM offers a robust list of STEM-designated degrees, which are a requirement for 24-month OPT extension stays for F-1 status students. 

From small group and drop-in tutoring to course-specific supplemental instruction, undergraduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the many tutoring options UWM has available. 

Undergraduate and graduate students can meet one-on-one with a trained tutor for free writing help in any subject. Sessions are offered in person and online. 


Helpful UWM Resources

Make sure your path to a UWM degree goes smoothly when you access additional campus resources and guidance. 

Sometimes a student needs to add, drop or change a class in a specific semester. Use this resource to make sure you’re following the correct steps to do so. 

View your tuition and fees bill, see current tuition figures and important due dates, make payments and review additional information about UWM’s billing and financial aid process.

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students office for help resolving campus conflicts, accessing emergency resources and managing their academic future at UWM.

The graduate student experience at UWM consists of cutting-edge research and high-quality labs combined with personal mentorship from world-class faculty. 

International students who live in on-campus housing get the convenience of being close to their classes and having a built-in community. Learn more about on-campus housing and what to expect.

Learn how to find off-campus housing and roommates, how to navigate the rental process including signing a lease and receive support through the Off-Campus Resource Center.

Access free and low-cost services, such as physicals, immunizations and lab tests. Licensed counselors provide one-on-one and group counseling.

Get to know UWM’s campus from the convenience of home with the UWM virtual tour. See inside popular campus hubs, including the UWM Student Union and all four residence halls.