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International Students

For purposes of admission, an international student is defined as "a student who is, or will be, in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa." This specifically refers to the Student (F) and Exchange Visitor (J) Visas. International student admission requirements apply but are not limited to international students on F or J visas. To comply with federal laws and immigration requirements international students must be degree-seeking students in order to enroll at UT Permian Basin.

Foreign-born students who are naturalized U.S. citizens or who have immigrant status (permanent resident status) in the United States should note the following:

  1. Please allow ample time for receipt, verification and evaluation of any foreign credentials. Regulations for foreign credentials are the same as listed under international student requirements.
  2. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores or other evidence of communication skills sufficient for classroom work may be requested if the student's first language is not English or if academic preparation was not in English.
  3. Financial arrangements required of international students do not apply to resident or naturalized U.S. citizens.

In addition to the general admission requirements for Freshman and Transfer Applicants, the following regulations apply to all international students:

International Applicants should apply for admission using the ApplyTexas Application (electronic) at least 120 days before the anticipated enrollment date and should arrange to have test scores and academic records in the Office of Admission no later than 60 days before the enrollment date. Verification of credentials may also be required. UT Permian Basin will issue immigration papers (I-20 or DS2019) for student visas after all admission credentials have been received and approved. For more information contact the International Student Adviser at (432) 552-2605. There is a $40 application fee (subject to change). All international students are considered nonresident students for tuition and other purposes.

  1. High School or Secondary School Transcripts - Submit an official record (transcript) of all secondary school work attempted, including subjects taken and grades earned. In addition, an official copy of final examinations taken at the end of the secondary school program, such as school leaving certificates and matriculation exam results should be submitted. If documents are written in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must be provided. Each transcript (mark sheet) should contain a complete record of studies at the institution from which it is issued (i.e. the subjects taken and grades (marks) earned in each subject.) Send these to UT Permian Basin Admissions, 4901 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762-0001.
  2. College/University Transcripts - Official, certified transcripts of student's academic record (mark sheets) from universities previously attended must be submitted. Both a copy of the official foreign academic record and an official English translation must be included. Moreover, where university-level studies are to be considered for possible undergraduate transfer credit, a syllabus, catalog, or similar bulletin must be submitted which describes the courses in sufficient detail for proper evaluation.
  3. Certification of Financial Support – Students must submit a completed and signed Certification of Finances form that provides evidence guaranteeing the student's ability to pay expenses while enrolled at UT Permian Basin. This form must be accompanied by documentation supporting the statement in the form of a current letter from a bank or other reliable institution or from the sponsor's employer. (Photo static copies of support statements furnished to meet another university's requirements are not acceptable.) The University has no financial aid available for international students. Additional support can be from family members, a sponsor, or government with supporting documentation and signatures attached to the Certification of Finances Form (available online at www.utpb.edu).
  4. English Proficiency – All applicants whose native language is not English, must submit proof of English proficiency by one of the following:
    1. TOEFL scores or other evidence of communication skills sufficient for classroom work may be requested if the student's first language is not English or if academic preparation was not in English. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted before admission will be granted. Minimum score for admission consideration is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). Information concerning the TOEFL may be obtained by writing to: TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540 (The University of Texas Permian Basin institution number: 6914) or
    2. The Academic Examination of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 or better. There is no institutional code for UT Permian Basin and so send your scores to UT Permian Basin Admission, 4901 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762-0001 OR
    3. Duolingo English Test (DET) Scores: A minimum DET score of 100 sent directly to UTPB Admissions Office from the testing center or use institutional number 276692 OR
    4. 24 sch of transferable college course work from a regionally accredited U.S. institution to include English 1301 & 1302 (Freshman Composition I & II) with grades of "C" or higher.
  5. Medical Insurance Requirement - International students on F-1 visas must have medical hospitalization and repatriation insurance for themselves. Insurance for dependents is optional.
  6. Vaccination Requirement - All new students and those who are returning after a one semester absence and under the age of 22 will be required to show evidence that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination or eligible for an exemption prior to enrolling. The vaccination dose or booster must be during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class or prior to moving into on-campus housing (whichever is applicable). Students taking online courses only (no on-campus based courses) are not required to have the vaccination. Send evidence of the vaccination or qualified exemption to UTPB Admissions, 4901 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762. For more information about the immunization requirements and exclusions, please refer to the Texas Department of Health Services, Immunization Branch (MC 1946), PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347.
  7. Employment Restrictions - Students on F-1 visas do not normally have employment privileges. Government regulations require international students to certify that they have finances deemed sufficient by the University while pursuing their degree without employment. Thus, international students should not expect to support themselves through employment while attending the University. International students may request permission to seek employment while attending the University after they have completed one academic year of study. See the International Student Advisor.
  8. Holders of F-1 student visas must enroll for a full load of study.
    1. Undergraduate students - Twelve (12) semester hours is the minimum load. If the student does not plan to enroll during the summer sessions, full-time enrollment should be 15 semester hours.
    2. Graduate students - Nine (9) semester hours is the minimum load.
  9. Graduate Studies - Students requesting admission to graduate programs must comply with all of the above requirements in addition to the graduate studies requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog.
  10. International Transfers from U.S. Institutions - Transfer admissions from universities within the United States will be processed only for those students who have completed one full year (24 semester hours) or more of studies. If currently "in-status" under an F or J Visa, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must be notified when an international student transfers from one U. S. institution to another. Once a student is admitted, UT Permian Basin will provide a Transfer-In Form that will need to be completed by the previous U.S. institution and submitted to UT Permian Basin to release the active Visa information for update. However, if a student is "out of status" with USCIS, that student should reinstate him/herself with USCIS prior to enrolling at UT Permian Basin. Questions regarding a student's immediate immigration status must be directed to the international student adviser. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the correct visa and to maintain the appropriate immigration status while in the United States. International students should refer to, carefully read, and make sure the conditions of the visa, noted on the back of Form I-20 or DS2019, are understood before signing the form.