International Students at Milwaukee

Congratulations on choosing UWM – we’re thrilled to welcome you to the Panther Family!

  1. Complete your orientation modules

    Register to access your Orientation and Transition Canvas course. After you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with program details and directions on completing the required orientation online course. These modules cover:

    • Academic advising
    • Course enrollment
    • Resources to support your success
    • Campus technology
    • Student life

    The Orientation Requirement Hold will be removed from your PAWS account after completing these modules.

    If you have already registered for the course, you can access the course in Canvas.

  2. Ensure you have completed your admitted student next steps

    • Set up your ePantherID
    • Set up multi-factor Authentication
    • Access your UWM email
    • Access your PAWS account
    • Get your I-20 and apply for a visa
    • Make your on-campus or off-campus housing arrangements
    • Complete course placement
    • Submit your ID photo
    • Complete your University Terms and Conditions Agreement
    • Prepare your final transcripts
    Admitted International Student Next Steps

  3. Make and attend your academic advising appointment to enroll in courses

    Freshmen students: You are required to meet with your academic advisor before enrolling in classes. You can schedule a meeting using Navigate360. During this meeting, your academic advisor will support you in finding the best classes for you and your program. At the end of this meeting, your advisor will release the “New Student Advising” hold on your PAWS account, so you can enroll in classes.

    Transfer students: After completing orientation, we will release your Orientation Requirement hold and you can enroll in classes. We recommend that you schedule a meeting with your advisor through Navigate360, so they can support you in finding the best classes for you and your program. 

    If you have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Hold on your PAWS account, you will not be eligible to enroll in other courses until you have registered for the appropriate EAP courses. For further information or questions, contact English Language Academy at el-academy@uwm.edu or 414-229-5757.

  4. Participate in F-1/J-1 Student Orientation + the Panther Transition Experience

    Complete F-1/J-1 Student Orientation, an online Canvas course.

    • After you have arrived in the U.S. and completed arrival check-in, you will receive access to the F-1/J-1 Student Orientation, another online Canvas course. You must complete the course before September 8, 2025.

    Attend UWM’s in-person F-1/J-1 Student Orientation + Panther Transition Experience

    You are expected to attend UWM’s two-day in-person F-1/J-1 Student Orientation + Panther Transition Experience. Pre-registration is required and will open on August 3, 2025.

    • Day 1: Thursday, August 28, 2025 
      • This session will focus on topics unique to F-1/J-1 international students.
      • Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
      • Location: TBD; watch your email for details
    • Day 2: Friday, August 29, 2025
      • This session is for all new undergraduate students. Topics covered will include course enrollment, UWM technology tools, key campus resources and policies, UWM traditions, and more.
      • Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Check-in starts at 8 a.m.)
      • Location: Check-in at Spaights Plaza
New Student Fee
All students are charged a nonrefundable $250 fee upon completion of orientation which covers the cost of orientation materials, the student’s PantherCard, and operating costs of Orientation and Panther Transition Experience programs. The $250 fee will be posted to students’ PAWS account upon completion of orientation and is due on the first day of the semester, even if the student does not ultimately enroll in courses. You can find tuition bill posting dates on the Important Dates by Term website.