Key Dates

New Student Immigration Document Requests

New student immigration document requests are available for all incoming international students through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) Portal. To ensure students receive their F-1 or J-1 visa in time, please visit the OISS website for full details and the deadline.

Immunizations and Health Insurance

Northwestern students are required to submit proof of immunizations and enter their vaccine/lab dates via the Health Portal as soon as possible. The penalty deadline for completing all documents and meeting the requirements is 30 days after classes start, after which a non-refundable $100 late fee will be charged. Please note that it takes 2–3 weeks to process submissions.

Open enrollment for the Northwestern Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP) runs from Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, October 1. NU-SHIP provides coverage starting September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. International students (students with an F-1 or J-1 U.S. visa) are required to maintain enrollment in NU-SHIP for the entire time they are at Northwestern. Students are encouraged to confirm their enrollment via the online form in CAESAR by the last week of August to ensure timely access to benefits. Students also may enroll dependents during the open enrollment period (July 1 – October 1) after they have confirmed their own NU-SHIP enrollment in CAESAR. 

New to NU Graduate and PhD Students Q&A Session

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) New to NU Q& A Graduate and PhD students at 10:00 AM CT via Zoom as part of the New to NU Series. 

New Student Orientation

The Graduate School’s 2026 New Student Orientation will be a hybrid experience with an online, self-paced orientation course in Canvas that will launch on Monday, August 17, a series of virtual Q&A sessions in late August and early September (more details will be shared with incoming TGS students in August 2026), a webpage of TGS-affiliated student organizations and campus partners, and an in-person TGS Resource Fair at Norris University Center on the Evanston campus on Thursday, September 17 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All aspects of The Graduate School's orientation are suggested, not required.  

New to NU International Student Orientation Preview and On Campus Employment Webinar

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) hosts a New to NU: International Student Orientation Preview and On Campus Employment Webinar at 10:00 AM CT via Zoom as part of the New to NU Series. 

Receive Access to Graduate Student Process (GSP) System

New students (those admitted for Fall 2026) will have access to the Graduate Student Progress system. 

Versant Testing

Versant Testing takes place for international PhD/MFA students. Students within the testing pool will be contacted in July.  

Wildcard and U-Pass Access

New students can obtain a Wildcard/student ID card. All students are required to submit their ID photo online. Please review the guidelines and upload your photo on the Wildcard Photo Submission page. To obtain your Wildcard, appointments are recommended, but not required. You must present a government-issued photo ID (e.g., your driver’s license, state photo ID, or current passport) to claim your card.

All currently enrolled TGS students may opt in each quarter to receive a CTA University Pass (U-Pass) transit card at a discounted rate through the quarterly TGS U-Pass Transit Card Fee. Please submit your Wildcard photo electronically before Friday, August 28, to ensure your U-Pass will be ready for your arrival. U-Passes are not active until the first day of classes for new students. TGS is finalizing the pick-up details for the Fall Quarter; please check the U-Pass webpage in mid-August for details. 

Deadline to Complete the Foreign National Information System

Foreign nationals that have been within the U.S. for 31 days or more in 2026 must complete the Foreign National Information System. 

Official Transcript Deadline

Deadline for official transcripts to be received, reviewed, and verified by The Graduate School.

For Students Receiving a Stipend or Being Paid:

• Students need to enter their Federal W-4 and Direct Deposit details in myHR between Friday, September 11 – Thursday, September 24.
  
• Paper or electronic State W-4 forms need to be submitted to askHR between Friday, September 11 – Tuesday, September 22. 

Graduate International Student Orientation

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services’ (OISS) hosts a Graduate International Student Orientation (G-ISO).

TGS Resource Fair

TGS Resource Fair from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Norris University Center on the Evanston campus.

Class Registration

TGS students can begin to register for classes at 9:00 AM. Registration instructions can be found here.

F-1 and J-1 Tax Webinar

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will host a webinar on F-1 and J-1 tax obligations with Sprintax at 2:30 PM. Registration details may be found on the GISO website. 

Fall Classes Begin

Fall Quarter classes begin.

Graduate and Postdoctoral Success New Student Welcome Reception

TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS) New Student Welcome Reception from 4:00–6:00 PM in Guild Lounge at Scott Hall on the Evanston campus.

Last Day to Add a Class or Change a Section; Last Day for Tuition Adjustment/Refund

Last day to add a class or change a section. Last day to receive a tuition adjustment for a dropped class. (No reductions are made to bills for dropped or swapped classes after this date.) Last day for full tuition refund if withdrawing from the term. 

First Invoice Received

The first invoice for the academic year is generated for new TGS students. You will receive an email to review your account and pay any balance due by Sunday, November 1. Even if you are receiving a stipend and full tuition support, you will still need to pay the quarterly TGS U-Pass Transit Card Fee if you opted in to receive a U-Pass. 

Last Day to Drop a Full-Term Class

Last day to drop a full-term class for Fall in CAESAR. Any requests after this date result in a “W” on the transcript and must go through the course withdrawal process.