Visiting International Students

Experience UVA - An American Treasure

Summer Session offers visiting international students an opportunity to experience what makes UVA a national treasure. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia remains distinctive in the 21st century. UVA offers the vast intellectual resources of a major research university, but fosters the intimacy, sense of community, and dedication to undergraduate life typically found at a small liberal arts college.
 
 
  • Choose from hundreds of classes that are intense and intimate.  (Most classes meet for approximately two hours a day, five days a week. )
  • Immerse yourself in your subject of choice, and discover the value of a world class education.  
  • Explore Thomas Jefferson's academical village - the unique learning community and the only designated UNESCO World Heritage site among all colleges and universities in the United States. 
  • Enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of resident UVA. students, including access to housing, dining, student health, recreational sports facilities, transportation, and the library system. 
  • Visit nearby sights that make Charlottesvile unique, including Monticello – the home of Thomas Jefferson, Shenandoah National Park, and Washington, DC.

Prepare for Summer Session at UVA

Enrollment: Complete the Non-Degree Student form, selecting the School/Institute "Other," at least two months before the start date of the Summer Session you wish to attend.
 
UVA Sponsored Visa Documents: International students who need a visa document from UVA to support F-1 or J-1 status must complete the initial I-20/DS-2019 survey after their Non-degree Student Form is approved. Within 5-6 business days after you submit the survey, students will receive a link to their UVA email with instructions to access UVA’s online platform to complete their visa document request. Please direct all inquiries related to your legal status in the U.S. to the University’s International Student and Scholar Advisors.
 
English Language Proficiency: English is the language of instruction at the University of Virginia. If your first language is not English, or if the language of instruction at your home institution is not English, you will be asked to enter results of a recent TOEFL test as part of your Non-Degree Student form.  A score may not be more than two years old. Most admitted students attain a total score of at least 600 on the PBT TOEFL, 250 on the CBT TOEFL, or 7.0 on the IELTS. The University expects individuals who take the iBT TOEFL to earn a score of at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening (total score: 90).
 
Registration for Summer Courses: Registration will be completed through the Student Information System (SIS) beginning in April. (See registration date for visiting students here.)  Admitted students receive detailed instructions related to accessing SIS and completing registration. Review course offerings here.  Students may enroll in no more than two courses per session.
 
Housing: (This information is tentative, given uncertainties related to the pandemic.) Summer Session students may apply for University housing through Conference Services. We encourage you to apply for Summer Session housing as soon as possible, since housing is limited. Summer Session students may choose to live off-Grounds in housing that is not affiliated with the University.  Visit the Off-Grounds Housing webpage for more information.
 
Medical Insurance: All students at the University, including students enrolled in Summer Session, are required to have medical insurance.  The University offers a student health plan administered by Aetna Student Health. Short-term medical insurance plans independent of the University are also available. The Student Health Center will be available to Summer Session students.  In case of an emergency, students may be treated at the emergency room of the University of Virginia Health System Center, which is located near Central Grounds.
 
Visiting Student Orientation: 
Learn how to get the most out of your time as a UVA student! 
Representatives from several of the following offices will share information about the resources they offer.
Summer Session Office
University Bookstore
Dining
Student Health
University Transit Services & Parking
Honor Committee
Libraries
 
If you cannot attend visiting student orientation, or if you are attending the first Summer Session, please contact VisitingStudents@virginia.edu to schedule a brief orientation session upon your arrival at UVA
 
ID Office : Located in Observatory Hill Dining Hall at 525 McCormick Road, visit the ID office to obtain your University of Virginia ID card.  To expedite the ID process, submit your photo online in advance of arriving on-Grounds.  A confirmation email (to your UVA email account) will communicate acceptance of the photo or further actions.  You’ll need your UVA ID card for library services, fitness centers and Charlottesville buses.  Be sure to take your government issued photo ID with you (drivers license, passport, etc.).

Admission to the Summer Session does not constitute admission to the University, nor does it allow students to register for the subsequent fall and spring semesters.

 
Required Books: A list of required books for Summer Session courses will be available through the UVA Bookstore.
 
Summer Weather: Charlottesville’s average daily high temperature in July is 88ºF/31ºC. The average nighttime low temperature is 66ºF/19ºC.  Afternoon thunderstorms are common. 
 

 
If you have any questions, please contact summer@virginia.edu.