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!

Contact your Enrollment Advisor to discuss all your required steps and ensure you have all required paperwork. If you have any questions about next steps, please contact us at admissions@shorelight.com

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.
    1. Complete your Visa application.
    2. Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee.
    3. Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and the documentation you need to take with you.
    4. Notify your enrollment advisor of the date and embassy location of your visa appointment.
    5. Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:

How to Apply for Your F-1 Student Visa

Other links that international students find useful:

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!

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

Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit the UT San Antonio 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).

For student loan information, contact:
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.

Duo

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

Zoom

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

Official Transcripts

All incoming UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio via mail, online, or in person. UT San Antonio accepts transcripts through Electronic Parchment, E-Script PDF, and Naviance.

  • Electronic Transcripts – UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio. 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 UT San Antonio’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 UT San Antonio. 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:
  • 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.

UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio, the PAA must be completed online at: https://testing.utsa.edu/new-student-exams/paa.

Please note your UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio. This exam is required for all majors. Exam time is 30 minutes. Testing Services will provide this test during an assigned time during orientation.

It is highly recommended that you make housing arrangements before arriving on campus.

On-campus housing resources: https://www.utsa.edu/campuslife.
Off-campus housing resources: https://www.rentcollegepads.com/off-campus-housing/utsa/search.

Undergraduate and Undergraduate Pathway Students

Log into your myUTSA account and click the “Future Roadrunner” tab and click “Sign Up for Orientation” which will redirect you to the Orientation Reservation System.

Please note you will pay your orientation fee at the time of paying for your program through Shorelight. You will not be asked to pay the Orientation fee upon registration.

As part of the new student orientation experience, you will also meet with your assigned Academic Advisor who will assist you with any advising questions, registration planning tips, creating a personalized graduation plan, and how to be successful at UT San Antonio. Prepare for, and schedule your appointment here: https://www.utsa.edu/advising/appointments/new-student-appointments.html.

Graduate and Graduate Pathway Students

Visit this webpage for information and to register with the Graduate School for your orientation sessions: https://graduateschool.utsa.edu/current-students/graduate-school-orientation/.

Graduate students must also contact their advisor. Visit your college’s webpage for contact information.

Academic English and Pathway Students

Notify the English Language Center that you will be attending orientation by emailing englishlanguagecenter@utsa.edu.

Career Premium

Career Premium helps international students apply for remote internships and gain real-life work experience to boost their resumes.

  • Certificates and training: Attend online professional bootcamps before your virtual internship starts. Gain hands-on experience once you officially begin by contributing to projects alongside industry experts. If you are interested in certifications, Career Premium now offers unlimited access to training courses that lead to certification in Amazon Web Services, Java, Microsoft Azure, and Python, among many other in-demand skills.
  • Coaching and mentorship: Receive direct guidance from career coaches and industry experts on career exploration, skill training, and professional development.
  • Applying: Work on real-life projects for leading employers and build your portfolio. We work with more than 12,000 multinational companies that have unique projects for you to leverage your new skills, experience, and professional network to land your dream job.

“The tutors are resourceful, and they really helped me while I was applying for internships. I certainly believe I will find a job after graduation.”—Shelley, hired at Tesla.

Important Dates

For important dates, including payment and move-in dates, please visit our Shorelight profile page.