Direct Enroll Students

Thank you for your interest in attending The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) as a direct-enroll student. UT Dallas is a research-oriented university with emphasis on interdisciplinary and applied programs with a large international population.

See the Incoming Short-Term Student FAQ to see the answers for common short-term incoming student questions.

The direct-enroll option is available to students who currently attend another institution outside the United States and wish to study at UT Dallas for one or two semesters.  Direct-enroll students pay non-resident tuition and fees, the same as degree-seeking international students.  The direct-enroll option is right for you if:

  • Your home institution does not have an exchange agreement with UT Dallas, and you would like to attend for one or two semesters.
  • Your home institution has an exchange agreement with UT Dallas, but does not have enough exchange spots in the semester you would like to attend.  See the Portfolio of International Partnerships to find out if UT Dallas has an exchange agreement with your home institution.

Admission

International direct-enroll students coming to UT Dallas are required to complete the admissions application and submit required documents.

  • Complete the online application:
  • Undergraduate application: https://www.applytexas.org/
    • Choose 4 year university; application type: transient
    • Choose the relevant semester
    • School: undergraduate studies
    • Major: UG International Student Enrolled at Non-US Institution
    • Complete the rest of the application.  On the last page, select your specific major.
  • Graduate application: https://graduate-admissions.utdallas.edu/steps-to-admission/apply-now/
    • For level, choose “non-degree.”
  • Required Admission Documents:
  • Official Transcript (mailed directly from home university to UT Dallas)
  • Official Language Proficiency exam score (mailed directly from the testing site to UT Dallas)
  • Degree Certificate (graduate students only)

Immigration Documents

Once you are admitted, the International Student Services Office (ISSO) will contact you for more documentation that is required to issue your immigration documents needed for your student visa.

  • See more information about immigration requirements on the J-1 Students page.
  • Keep in mind that you are required to submit a financial affidavit to confirm your financial resources for tuition & fees, living expenses, books, and health insurance during the length of the exchange program.
  • You will be responsible for any immigration fee.
  • Other requirements are listed on the Checklist of important assignments you must complete as you prepare to register for classes.

Registration

Undergraduate students must to register for at least 12 credit hours during the fall or spring semester. Graduate students must to register for at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semester.

You cannot register for classes until holds on your account are removed. This includes: International Student Orientation hold, TB test hold, and Cannot Register Online hold.  These actions must be completed after arriving to the U.S. More details are available on the New International Student Checklist.

Transfer of Credits

Upon completion of your program at UT Dallas, you are responsible for requesting your transcript from the Registrar. In order to request your transcripts, ensure your UT Dallas account has zero dollar balance, and there are no holds on your account. For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar’s web site.  

The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of International Education
EducationAbroad@utdallas.edu
Phone: 972-883-4715