Admission to UNL

Estimating Expenses

Each applicant should estimate expenses according to the terms of the particular exchange arrangement and for the appropriate period of time (one or two semesters). Students should consult their home university coordinator for more information about the benefits covered by the exchange program. Students must show the ability to provide the additional costs not covered by the exchange program.

2022-2023 Semester Cost of Attendance Estimate 

Room and Board - $6,300.00

Books and Supplies - $560.00

Health Insurance - $1,402.74

Miscellaneous - $1,827.00

Tuition and Fees

With the exception of a few special circumstances, exchange students receive tuition and fee benefits for up to 15 undergraduate or 12 graduate credit hours per semester. Students will be charged at the non-resident tuition rate for classes that exceed the 15 (undergraduate) or 12 (graduate) credit limit. Certain classes may require “special fees.” If the intended course is integral to the student’s major or study plan, the exchange benefits will cover these fees. If the course is not integral to the student’s major or study plan, the student may be required to pay these fees. For example, a student who is studying engineering and decides to enroll in a photography class will need to pay for the special fees associated with the photography course. Special fees are typically listed in the “Schedule of Classes” which are followed by the notation “Special Fee” and the dollar amount.

Health and Accident Insurance

Health-related costs in the United States are very high. These expenses may be lessened if optional medical, dental, and optical work is completed before leaving home. The U.S. government requires that international students have adequate health and accident insurance while they are a student in the United States. Exchange students will be automatically enrolled in the United Healthcare Student Resources Plan. The United Healthcare Plan can be a good option for students that will be in the United States for a long period of time and/or have health concerns or a pre-existing condition. However, in addition to the United Healthcare plan, there are two other insurance options for J-1 short-term exchange students through International Student Health Insurance that you may consider. The plans "Elite" and "Select" have been reviewed by the University and meet the required J-1 student immigration regulations. Before students attend Nebraska, they are highly encouraged to review all three plans (United Healthcare and the Elite and Select plans through International Student Health Insurance) and make a decision based on your health needs. Should a student decide to enroll in an International Student Health Insurance plan, they will also need to submit a waiver to be released from the insurance plan with United Healthcare.

All UNL students are required to document measles (Rubela) immunization. International students must complete a Tuberculosis test AFTER arrival at UNL. Upon acceptance, further information will be provided.

Miscellaneous

The estimate includes local travel, toiletries, some recreation, vacation meals, and incidentals. The amount listed should be considered a minimum. Individual spending habits will greatly influence this figure.

Room and Board

The estimates listed are based on double-occupancy in Selleck residence hall and include meals 7 days per week. If you choose another residence hall, please note that the costs may be different than those listed here. Single rooms are assigned on a space-available basis. The additional cost of a single room is not covered by exchange benefits. Selleck, Knoll, University Suites, Eastside and Fedde Halls are open during UNL Breaks (closedown) periods, but no food is served. Interim university housing during the orientation period is approximately $35 per night/ double room, not including food. (Interim housing during orientation and UNL Break periods is covered in the exchange benefits in exchange programs in which room and board are included.)

Academics

Once admitted, exchange students must personally enroll themselves in UNL classes via Myred online registration.  Advice and assistance is available, but only the student can perform the necessary steps to be enrolled in suitable classes.  It is highly recommended that students meet an advisor from their home institution to determine which classes will best fit the student's academic plan.

Visa Information

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) will issue Form DS-2019, a Certificate of Eligibility for the Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) for all incoming exchange students. As a J-1 visa holder, students are obligated to pursue a full-time academic program at UNL. A minimum full-time academic program, which students must maintain for immigration regulations, is considered to be 12-15 undergraduate hours or 9-12 graduate hours. This document will be mailed directly to the student's home university international office.