Visiting International Students

We are excited that you are considering DU for your term abroad!  As you begin the process, please review the following information.

Getting Started

DU's exchange and Study Abroad @ DU programs allow visiting international students from universities around the world to come to DU for 1 term to a full academic year and take coursework with local students. You will work with the University of Denver's (DU) Office of Internationalization to apply as a visiting student and receive acceptance and pre-arrival information. Below is information you may review to learn more about studying at DU as a visiting student.

  • Learn about DU & Denver

    Founded in 1864—just a few years after the city of Denver itself was founded—the University of Denver (DU) is one of the United States' premier private universities and the oldest independent university in the U.S. Rocky Mountain region. DU is among the top 100 universities in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report, and is classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation. Home to 11,700 students in undergraduate and graduate programs, the University of Denver has students from over 62 different countries and all 50 U.S. states. At DU, you will have the opportunity to study a variety of academic and professional disciplines in small class sizes with individualized attention and access to your professors (student to staff ratio is 11:1).

    During your term abroad at DU, you can stroll the 125 tree-shaded acres of campus or sprawl out on the lawns and take in DU's stunning architectural landscape with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. You can also catch a light rail train to bustling downtown Denver, just minutes away from the campus station or conquer one of Colorado's 54, 14,000-foot (4267 meters) mountain peaks. At DU, you have access to it all!

    Denver, or the Mile High City (because its official elevation is exactly one mile, 5280 feet or 1609.3 meters, above sea level), is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States characterized by a spirit of exploration and adventure that draws from the nearby Rocky Mountains and the expansive landscapes of the American West. The city has a strong entrepreneurial culture, arts scene, and has unparalleled access to outdoor activities, from world-renowned ski resorts, kayaking, mountain and urban biking, and hiking. Denver is a metropolitan area of roughly 3,000,000 people, and is served by an extensive light rail and bus system, and is home to one of the world's busiest airports, with flights to cities across the United States and with direct flights to Japan, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. In early 2016, the city opened a direct train from downtown to Denver International Airport.

  • Coursework & Calendar

    As a visiting international student, you will enroll as a full-time student and take coursework with local students. At the University of Denver, you have the opportunity to study a wide array of academic subjects, whether it is coursework directly related to your area of study at your home school or something new to explore during your time in Denver. With eight diverse schools and colleges, you'll find the coursework you need to create your ideal international and academically enriching experience.

    You can explore available undergraduate classes here

    You can explore available graduate classes here

    When looking at coursework, keep in mind the following:

    • Coursework at University College is not available as part of the visiting student program.
    • Online courses are not available to visiting students.
    • The Sturm College of Law will accept exchange students from Lund University and the University of Western Australia.
    • Summer term and Inter-terms are not available to visiting students on this program.
    • Entrance into any specific class cannot be guaranteed. For some classes, students will need pre-requisites to demonstrate they have the proper academic background in order to understand the content.
    • Admission to any graduate-level coursework (4000 level or above) is decided on a case by case basis by the department involved. Graduate students will need additional approval from the graduate college before acceptance to the program. 

    Academic Requirements

    • Coursework must be taken for a grade; pass/fail and auditing are not options.
    • Students categorized as undergraduates are required to enroll in between 12 and 18 credits per quarter, while students categorized as graduate students must enroll in at least 8 graduate-level credits per quarter/semester.
    • Limited English language courses are available if students wish to work on their academic English skills.

    Academic Calendar
    DU academic calendar operates on a quarter calendar, with three 10-week terms per academic year (fall, winter, and spring). The Sturm College of Law operates on semesters, however. Kindly note that all non-law academic areas are on the quarter calendar. 

    • Fall quarter = early September to late November
    • Winter quarter = early January to mid-March
    • Spring quarter = late March to early June
    • Fall Semester (graduate law school only) = August to December
    • Spring Semester (graduate law school only) = January to May

    More specific dates for DU's academic calendar can be found here.

    Visiting students are expected to arrive prior to the start of classes in order to attend the International Student Orientation, which is usually one to two weeks before classes start. More detailed information will be provided upon acceptance.

  • Social Life & Activities

    The DU campus boasts a major and cutting-edge athletic facility (free access for visiting students), a library that is the base of collaborative student academic work, and an arts facility that is among the best in the country. Whether you decide to attend the University's traditional events, participate as an athlete or a fan in DU Athletics, or join one of over 150 campus student organizations, there are so many opportunities for you to build relationships and contribute to the DU community. For more information on how to get involved check out the following links:

  • Accommodation/Housing

    As an undergraduate visiting student at DU, you can choose to stay in either on-campus or off-campus housing. The University of Denver does not offer graduate student on-campus housing. 

    On-Campus Housing 

    You are guaranteed an on-campus housing spot if you complete your online housing application on time and plan to stay for an entire academic year (if you come for a single term, on-campus housing is available on a space permitting basis). Visiting students will likely be offered a single bedroom/studio apartment or a two-bedroom apartment, meaning you will live in your own room in an apartment building where domestic DU students are also living. On-campus housing buildings at DU are mixed gender. However, apartments are assigned to a single gender. DU apartment buildings also remain open during university breaks. You can learn more about each on-campus apartment option here. Fees are per quarter and cost varies based on the placement offered. See here for information on room rates. More information concerning the separate housing application deadlines will be provided after you are accepted as a visiting student. 

    Off-Campus Housing

    DU does not provide off-campus housing but may help connect students to resources for living off-campus. More information can be found here including information on DU’s preferred off-campus housing option and a database to help students connect with nearby landlords and potential roommates. 

    On-Campus Meal Plans

    If you would prefer to not spend your time cooking, the University of Denver offers optional meal plans for students. Meal plans are prepaid dining options for eating on-campus that are fairly common in the United States. Visiting students are able to decide if they would like to purchase any of the meal plan options or would like to waive this in favor of cooking independently. More information on meal plan options and quarterly rates can be found here (click "room and board rates" on the left side of the page).

  • Health & Insurance

    While at DU, you will have access to the Health and Counseling Center (HCC), an integrated health and counseling center that is designed to meet your needs while providing quality health care services. All students enrolled at the University of Denver can use the services. The cost of these services will vary based on insurance plans and payment of the Health and Counseling Fee. The cost of your visit will depend on the nature of your visit and any additional lab tests, medications, and immunizations.

    All undergraduate students are required to pay the Health and Counseling Fee (HCF) while enrolled at the University. Graduate students may choose to opt into the HCF. Students must also choose to either enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or choose to waive the plan with proof of alternate coverage. For more information on the cost and coverage of health insurance, see here.  

    Finally, you must show proof of meeting DU and the State of Colorado's immunization requirements prior to arriving on campus.

Financial Matters

As a visiting student, you should consider the following financial information as you prepare to study at the University of Denver. First, you will need to determine whether your university has an existing exchange agreement with DU or if you will apply as a fee-paying visiting student (e.g., StudyAbroad @DU. If you will attend DU as part of an existing exchange agreement, see the "Exchange Students" section. If you will attend DU as a fee-paying visiting student, see the "Study Abroad @ DU" section below. 

  • Existing DU Exchange Partnerships

    If your university is on the list below, you may be eligible to apply to DU as an exchange student. Before you are able to apply as an exchange student, your home university will need to approve and nominate you. Kindly contact your home school's international office for nomination instructions. 

    • Comillas Pontifical University (Sturm College of Law Only)
    • Doshisha University
    • Lund University
    • Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (Josef Korbel School of International Studies Only)
    • Sciences Po Rennes
    • University of Glasgow
    • University of Hong Kong
    • University of KwaZulu-Natal
    • University of Tuebingen
    • University of Western Australia
    • University of York
    • Waseda University
  • Exchange Students

    If your university has an exchange partnership with the University of Denver and you receive a nomination to study at DU from your home university's international office, the following items will be covered as part of the agreement:

    • Full-time Tuition
    • Student Activity Fee
    • Technology Fee

    All students are responsible for covering the following costs while at DU:

    • Room & Board*, either on-campus or off-campus with meals (estimated USD $16,000 per academic year)
    • Health & Counseling Fee, (USD $600 per academic year) this fee is required for all undergraduate students and provides low co-payments for counseling and medical appointments, discounted in-house medications, laboratory tests, and procedures. However, this fee is separate medical insurance provides the above services at the DU's Health and Counseling Center. Graduate students can opt into paying for this service if desired. 
    • Medical Insurance, all students are required to participate in either the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or provide proof of other adequate health insurance coverage. See here for more information on coverage requirements. Students are automatically enrolled in and expected to pay for SHIP, but can waive the fee with proof of adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Books & Supplies
    • Entertainment

    For a detailed review of the estimated expenses to attend the University of Denver, kindly see Visiting Student Cost of Attendance and find the section related to your home university. 

    *note that some exchange agreements include room. See Visiting Student Cost of Attendance to see if your home school agreement includes coverage of housing. 

  • Study Abroad @ DU

    If your university does not have an exchange partnership with DU, then you are welcome to apply to DU as a Study Abroad @ DU student. As a Study Abroad at DU student, you should consider the following financial information as you prepare to study at the University of Denver. The following fees are required and charged per quarter as part of the program.

    • Full-time Tuition: this includes up to 18 quarter credits per quarter. The standard credit enrollment is between 12-18 credits per quarter. In the unlikely event a student wishes to enroll in more than 18 credits, an additional fee will be charged. For current tuition rates, see here.
    • Student Activity Fee: this fee is required for all DU students and provides access to various campus activities and events.
    • Health & Counseling Fee: (USD $600 per academic year) this fee is required for all undergraduate students and provides low co-payments for counseling and medical appointments, discounted in-house medications, laboratory tests, and procedures. However, this fee is separate medical insurance provides the above services at the DU's Health and Counseling Center. Graduate students may opt into paying for this service if desired.
    • Technology Fee: this fee is required for all DU students for technology and internet use.

    Additionally, the following expenses are your responsibility for the duration of your studies at DU: 

    • Room & Board: either on-campus or off-campus with meals (estimated USD $12,612 per academic year)
    • Medical Insurance: all students are required to participate in either the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or provide proof of other adequate health insurance coverage. See here for more information on coverage requirements. Students are automatically enrolled in and expected to pay for SHIP, but can waive the fee with proof of adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Books & Supplies
    • Entertainment

    For a detailed review of the estimated expenses to attend the University of Denver, kindly see Visiting Student Cost of Attendance and find the section for students from Other Universities. 

Entry Requierments

All visiting students must meet the following entry requirements in order to be eligible for the DU Exchange and Study Abroad Program.

  • Currently enrolled in a degree program at an institution of higher education.
  • Nomination from home school (exchange only).
  • Satisfactory grades for completed coursework at home institution.
  • Native English speaker OR exemption from home university agreement with DU OR one of the following English assessment results:
    • TOEFL score of 80 or higher with no subscore below 18 or; 
    • IELTS scores must be at least 6.5, with no less than 5.5 on any individual band scores or;
    • CAE with the minimum grade of C or;
    • Duolingo English Test score of 115 or higher, with no subscores below 105 for Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation or below 95 for Production.

Please note: all score and subscore requirements must be met in a single test. We do not super score or accept test superscores (such as TOEFL MyBest Score). Test scores are valid for two years from the testing date.

Questions about eligibility? Contact us at duxp@du.edu

Applications & Deadlines

Applicants interested in studying at DU need to complete an application by the following deadlines. Please note that if you are applying as an exchange student, you must receive a nomination from your home university's international office. 

  • Fall entry (August/September start): March 15
  • Winter and/or Spring entry (January or March start): October 1

Ready to Apply?

Apply Here

(First-time users will need to register their account. Kindly note that the application requires students to submit biographical information and supporting documents before considered complete. It is recommended students plan on applying at least 3 weeks before the deadline)

Looking for more information? See the DU Visiting Student Fact Sheet for much more!

Questions?

As a visiting student, you will experience the US university system to its fullest and interact with academic and administrative departments across DU. In the likely event you have questions or concerns along the way, please reach out to duxp@du.edu or 1-303-871-4912.

Other key departments and support you will engage with throughout your term(s) at the University of Denver are listed below. 

  • Key Departments For Visiting Student Support

    International Student and Scholar Services

    ISSS is an excellent resource for international students for a variety of topics including immigration status advising; international student orientation; international student activities, organizations, and resources; information on life in Denver, transportation,  and other resources

    Center for Academic Advising

    The Center for Academic Advising can help answer questions once you have arrived at DU regarding class registration and organizing class schedules. Please note your academic advisor at your home institution should advise you on the kind of classes you need to stay on track for your graduation.

    Office of the Registrar

    The Office of the Registrar handles all academic records and transcripts for students at DU.  The Office of Internationalization will automatically request one official transcript at the end of your term at DU to be sent directly to your home institution.  However, should you need any additional copies, you will need to order them directly through the Registrar.

    Bursar’s Office

    The DU Bursar's Office is the department responsible for billing and receiving payments. Please review the "Financial Matters" section above for information regarding the estimated cost to attend DU either as an exchange student or a Study Abroad @ DU student. 

Once again, please reach out to us at duxp@du.edu with any and all questions. The University of Denver looks forward to welcoming you to our campus.