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For International Students

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The resources below will help you prepare for life in Evanston. 

Connect with Current Students

Want to learn more about life as an international student at Northwestern? The Global Wildcats are international student volunteers available to answer your questions. To connect with a Global Wildcat via email or to schedule an online meeting using Zoom or other conferencing platform, email globalwildcats@u.northwestern.edu. 

There are many ways for you to get involved in the campus community. Explore Northwestern's student organizations to get a feel for what’s going on at Northwestern.

Financial Assistance for Next Steps

International students who have received a financial aid award with their offer of admission may request assistance in obtaining financial support for plane tickets and SEVIS fees. Financial aid awards were extended only to those international students who were admitted and applied for financial aid at the point of application. Brian Drabik in the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid will send an email to those who qualify by the end of June. For international students who received a financial aid award, please reach out to our International Financial Aid Team if you have any additional questions or concerns about financing your next steps.

Arrive Early and Get Acquainted

International Wildcat Welcome 

New students should plan on arriving to Northwestern’s Evanston campus in time for  International Wildcat Welcome, a program specifically designed for new undergraduate international students F-1/J-1 visas.   

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will engage with you through email and virtual sessions before your arrival, beginning in June for Fall admits. Dates and details will be posted and shared when they become available. 

Wildcat Welcome 

International Wildcat Welcome will immediately precede Wildcat Welcome, Northwestern's mandatory weeklong orientation for all new students. Wildcat Welcome discusses college transition issues, advising and course registration for your first quarter and provides an opportunity to meet your entire class. Wildcat Welcome will be held the week prior to the start of classes. Do not plan to make any other arrangements during that time period, as you'll be in programming most of the time.  

Classes begin on September 24, 2024. Students will register for classes during Wildcat Welcome.  

Student Visa Information

Northwestern University’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is the main source for support and advising services to international students. Incoming students who do not hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or a visa status that allows full-time study will need to secure a student visa or transfer a current SEVIS record in order to study at Northwestern.

Visit the OISS website for instructions:

Helpful tips for required forms and documents

  • Before submitting your Undergraduate I-20 Request, please confirm that you plan to enroll at Northwestern by paying your nonrefundable $400 tuition deposit (due May 1) or using a designated fee waiver.
  • You will need your activated NetID to complete the Undergraduate I-20 Request.
  • To ensure the most efficient processing, Northwestern recommends submitting the Undergraduate I-20 Request by May 20. Forms will still be accepted after this date, but processing times may vary.
  • Please complete all Learning Content and Questionnaires, including uploading of all materials, and the I-20 Request statement of Understanding.
  • You do not need to complete all items at the same time. You can have multiple sessions. Use the same link to access the request.
  • You will use the Undergraduate Funding Requirements and Documentation Questionnaire to upload your financial documents. Please ensure you have a completed and signed Sponsor Statement of Support for any funds not in your name. This includes funds from parents.
  • You must SUBMIT the request when you have completed all elements of the request. The SUBMIT button is at the top of the page.
  • Please keep a copy of all documents you submit. You may be asked to present them when you apply for your visa or when you enter the United States.
  • A J Visa is allowed only in specific circumstances. If you are applying for a J visa, please contact intoff@northwestern.edu with your NetID and NU email account. We will guide you through the process.