Incoming Short-Term Student FAQ

Nomination & Application

Exchange: My school said they nominated me to UT Dallas. What do I do next?

Your nomination is currently under review. You will be contacted by email when your nomination is approved. You will then receive instructions to apply to UT Dallas.

I was notified by email of my NetID, but I need my UTD ID to set up my UTD computer account. How can I get it?

You were notified of your NetID when an admissions application was created for you. You will be notified and receive your UTD ID when you are admitted. Your UTD ID can be found at the bottom of your admission letter, which is the documents folder in your incoming exchange online application.

Fees

What fees will I need to pay at UT Dallas?

Direct-Enroll Students pay non-resident tuition and fees. Exchange students will not pay tuition at UT Dallas, but there are some fees that you will be charged. They include insurance (approximately $1200/semester), International Special Services Fee ($150/semester), International Orientation Fee ($50), plus housing fees. There is also a $10 charge for transcripts at the end of the semester.

How do I enroll in UTD’s insurance for international students? How can I pay for it?

You do not need to take any action to be enrolled in the insurance. You will automatically be enrolled and will be charged a fee on your UTD student account after you enroll in classes. You can pay this online or at the Bursar office along with your other fees.

I already have insurance from my home country. Can I waive the UTD insurance?

Most likely, no. Very few exchange students have been able to obtain a waiver of the UTD insurance. Most waivers are denied unless they come from a student’s home government, not a private insurance company. See the insurance waiver website for more information.

I paid my application fee already, but I was notified that it got cancelled and refunded. Why did this happen?

Please do not pay the application & foreign credential fee until after you are admitted. If you try to pay it before then, the admissions office may not have a record for you to attach the application fee payment to, and they will refund it.

Preparing for Arrival

When and how do I get my visa?

After you are admitted to UT Dallas, you will be contacted by the International Student Services Office with instructions on obtaining your DS-2019. After your DS-2019 is issued, you can make your visa appointment.

When and how do I apply for housing?

Exchange students have housing reserved in on-campus apartments. You will be able to apply for housing after you are admitted to UT Dallas. You will receive notification via email when you are admitted with instructions for next steps.

When should I arrive and move in?

You should move in before your intended orientation date. On-campus housing generally allows exchange students to move in approximately one week before the start of classes, just before the last orientation. Students may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of classes, but on-campus housing will not be open until the week before classes.

Can I get a ride from the airport to UT Dallas?

Big Howdy, a group of community volunteers, provides free airport pickup for international students. See their website to request a ride. Another good option is using Uber or Lyft.

What can I expect in my on-campus housing?

The on-campus housing accommodations offered to exchange students are furnished (bed, desk, sofa, large kitchen appliances, etc.). They, do not, however, have linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.) or small appliances and kitchen items (pans, utensils, kettle, toaster, etc.). You will be able to purchase these at local stores upon arrival.

One of the immigration requirements is to have a U.S. telephone number. How should I get it?

You will have a few weeks to obtain a U.S. phone number after arrival. Most students either buy a local SIM card, or buy a new phone with a pre-paid plan at Walmart or another local store.

During Semester

I plan to leave the U.S. on vacation and come back. What should I do to prepare?

Be sure to get a travel signature on your DS-2019 before departure to ensure you can come back in the U.S. See the J-1 travel webpage for other recommendations and requirements.

I have a form that my home university requires, and I need to get it signed by someone at UT Dallas. Who can sign it?

Please send it to EducationAbroad@utdallas.edu. Our staff will sign and return it by email. If you need a physical signature, please stop by SSB 3.600.

I love UT Dallas, and I want to stay for an additional semester. Can I extend my stay?

We can extend your exchange at UT Dallas if the balance with your home university will allow it, and if it is approved by your home university. Request permission from your home university to start the process. You will also need to extend your DS-2019, which will require you to provide additional proof of financial support for the additional semester.

After Semester

Do I need to do anything to check out from UTD?

Other than checking out from your housing, no, you do not need to formally check out from UTD. Be sure, however, that you do not have any outstanding fees or holds on your account. If any damage has been done to your apartment, be sure to pay for any damages before departing.

What is the last day of my semester?

The last day of your semester is the date of your last final exam. After you have finished final exams, you can depart from UT Dallas. The last day of your on-campus housing lease is the day after the last day of final exams, according to the Academic Calendar.

How do I get my transcript?

You do not need to be present on campus to request your transcript. You can request your transcript online in Galaxy or the Transcript Storefront.