Before You Start

Congratulations and welcome to the University of Texas at San Antonio! Before you arrive, complete the steps below to avoid common issues and delays for international students. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

After you receive the electronic copy of your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

1. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
2. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
3. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

Immigration Documents:

• • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-20
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

Original Documents:

• • Academic transcripts, sealed in an envelope and certified
  • Academic certificates
  • English proficiency test scores
  • Bank statement

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the US Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

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Other links that international students find useful:

• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the US

We are so excited for you to join us on campus!

When purchasing your ticket, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day.

To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, plan to arrive on or before your official move-in day. You can arrange airport pick up and transportation based on your needs.

Once you book your flights, you must complete the arrival form here: https://utsa.shorelight.com/arrival.

Move-In Dates

For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit the Important Dates page. We are looking forward to meeting you in person!

Easy Flight Bookings and Travel Discounts info

StudentUniverse, in collaboration with Shorelight, provides exclusive student-only discounts on flights around the world. StudentUniverse has exclusive deals with airlines to get the lowest-possible airfare for international students. If your travel plans change, don’t worry – all purchases have 24-hour risk-free cancellation.

StudentUniverse can be used to book not only your flight to campus, but also the best airfare deals for spring break and other travel. Use it to explore iconic cities like San Francisco or New York, have adventures in America’s national parks, or to visit family back home.

Making your payment in full two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment.

Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit the UTSA Shorelight flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note than you cannot use a US Credit card (we are currently not processing US credit cards on Flywire).

myUTSA ID

After you are admitted, you will receive an email from myUTSAaccount@utsa.edu with a link and instructions to activate your myUTSA ID account.

• Be sure to use the same email address that you applied with. You will also need to enter the last four digits of your phone number and your date of birth.
• For help, please visit https://onestop.utsa.edu/registration/student-records/myutsaid/

Duo

Duo is UTSA’s two-factor authentication. Visit this webpage for instructions on how to get started.

Zoom

Students and faculty at UTSA use Zoom for virtual meetings and appointments. Read here to set up your account.

Official Transcripts

All incoming UTSA students are required to submit official transcripts in person, electronically, or by physical mail prior to or upon arrival to campus. If your transcript is not issued in English, you will need to bring an official English translation.

Undergraduate and Undergraduate Pathway students

All transcripts must be sent to UTSA via mail, online, or in person. UTSA accepts transcripts through Electronic Parchment, E-Script PDF, and Naviance.

• Electronic Transcripts – UTSA prefers electronic high school transcripts sent via TREx and electronic college transcripts sent via SPEEDE. Official PDF transcripts must be sent from the institution directly to UTSA. Official high school transcripts can also be requested by your high school counselor and sent through Naviance. You can also send electronic transcripts through Parchment and E-Script PDF to apply@utsa.edu .
• Paper Transcripts – Future Roadrunners can mail an official, paper-sealed copy of their transcript to the address below:

The University of Texas at San Antonio
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-0616
You can also bring your official sealed copy of your transcript in person to UTSA’s One Stop Enrollment Center during regular business hours.

Graduate and Graduate Pathway students

Once a decision is rendered, admitted students must request official transcripts to be sent from their institution to UTSA. Official transcripts can be received from another institution electronically via SPEEDE, E-Script, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, and other Electronic (eTranscript) Exchange systems or emailed directly to graduate.documents@utsa.edu from the institution. Official transcripts can also be mailed to the address below.

The University of Texas at San Antonio
Office of Graduate Admissions
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-0616

Note: If your transcript does not list the date of graduation, please also bring proof of graduation from your secondary or postsecondary institution, such as a graduation certificate.

Please complete the following

Health Forms:

• Directly admitted undergraduate and graduate students:
  Visit this site to complete your required documents: https://future.utsa.edu/rowdy-ready/health/

• Pathway and Academic English Program students:

– Submit your meningitis and TB tests via email to Wellness360@utsa.edu; or fax 210-458-4142

– Read more here: https://global.utsa.edu/english-language-center/after-you-are-accepted.html

FERPA Disclosure Form

Complete this form prior to your arrival: www.utsa.shorelight.com/ferpa.

UTSA Liability Waiver

Complete this form prior to your arrival: https://shorelight.widen.net/s/dwjtghgnmf/university-of-texas-at-san-antonio_-liability-waiver.

For directly admitted Undergraduate students only. Not required for Pathway and Graduate students.

Texas Success Initiative

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state mandate required for all incoming students to be assessed in the areas of math, reading, and writing. Unless you’re exempt, you’ll need to take it and report your score to UTSA before Orientation. To read about any exemptions, and to get instructions for taking the test, visit https://future.utsa.edu/rowdy-ready/tsi.

Before students are allowed to register for the TSI Assessment exam, they must complete a Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). At UTSA, the PAA must be completed online at: https://testing.utsa.edu/new-student-exams/paa.

Please note your UTSA student account will be charged $45 (or $50 beginning with your third attempt on the TSIA) at the conclusion of your test. You will not be charged until you take the exam.

Math and Chemistry Placement test

Incoming students may need to enroll in higher-level prerequisite courses for math or chemistry during their first semester at UTSA depending on their major. One way to place into these courses is by taking an ALEKS Placement assessment. Students can log into their Rowdy Ready in their myUTSA Account Classic View to see if it’s required or recommended. Read more here: https://future.utsa.edu/rowdy-ready/aleks.

Quantitative Literacy Assessment Test (QLAT) is required for all freshmen students entering UTSA. This exam is required for all majors. Exam time is 30 minutes. Testing Services will provide this test during an assigned time during orientation.

On-campus housing resources: https://www.utsa.edu/campuslife.
Off-campus housing resources: https://www.utsa.edu/students/off-campus-housing/Main%20Campus.html.