International Students
International Special Student Options
University Special students enroll in regularly scheduled UW–Madison courses for academic credit, but do not earn a degree. If you are a prospective international student, learn more about your nondegree options for studying at UW–Madison.
Visiting International Student Program
Visiting International Students study at UW–Madison at the undergraduate, graduate, or dissertator level for one or more semesters. This program is for students not participating in a formal university exchange program.
Formal Exchange Program
This classification is for students studying at UW–Madison as part of a formal exchange program organized through their home university’s exchange/study abroad office.
Capstone Certificates
UW–Madison offers a variety of graduate-level Capstone Certificates. These certificates enable students to obtain professional skills in a format tailored for nontraditional students and working professionals. Capstones offered online are also open to International Students if you do not plan to travel to the United States.
For Capstones offered only on the UW–Madison campus, the ability for international students to receive an F-1 visa varies depending on the Capstone. We encourage you to look at the specific Capstone to determine if F-1 visa sponsorship is available.
Online Only
UNOL students are not currently in a degree program at UW–Madison, living anywhere in the world, and taking only online classes that are not affiliated with existing university programs.
Formal exchange at UW–Madison
Thank you for your interest in becoming an exchange student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
UW–Madison works with universities around the world on exchange programs. You will work directly with your home university’s exchange/study abroad office to learn more about admission and enrollment procedures. That office will directly coordinate with one of the four exchange offices at UW–Madison regarding your admission and visa paperwork.
All formal exchange students, with the exception of Law students, apply and are admitted by University Special Student Services as nondegree Special students in our UNIS (exchange student) classification.
If you are not a part of a formal exchange program but would like to study at UW–Madison for a semester or summer term, check out the fee-paying Visiting International Student Program (VISP).