Am I considered an international student?

International students are applicants who need visas to live and study in the United States.

I/my parents have applied for a green card. Am I still an international student?

Yes. You are still considered an international student until you have the green card and can send us a copy.

Can international students apply to any undergraduate program at the University of the Pacific?

Yes. However students admitted into an “Exploratory” or Undecided program, are not eligible for F1 Student Visa’s. 

I attended a university after finishing high school (grades 9-12). Can I apply as a first-year student, even if I only have a few credits?

No. Anyone who attended a university or college after finishing high school must apply as a transfer student.

What are the differences between a domestic (U.S. citizen) application and an international application?

All undergraduate applicants use the same application and submit the same admissions materials. However, there are three differences for international students: 

  1. An English-language proficiency test may be required. However, it can be waived under certain circumstances (described below). 

  1. Certification of Finances and a copy of your passport are required for students looking to obtain an F-1 Student Visa.  If you will be attending Pacific on another visa, you will be required to submit a copy of the visa along with a copy of your passport. 

  1. Transfer student applicants with international transfer credit (college or university credit completed after high school outside the United States) must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their coursework from foreign universities and official course descriptions. 

Do I need to take an English language proficiency test? 

All international applicants are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test unless they meet one of the following waiver requirements:  

  1. SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 570. If you have taken the SAT and would like to submit your score, you can do so, but it is optional. University of the Pacific’s SAT code is 4065. 

  1. ACT Composite score of 22 or higher. If you have taken the ACT and would like to submit your score, you can do so, but it is optional. University of the Pacific’s ACT code is 0240. 

  1. Citizens of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ghana, New Zealand, Nigeria, United Kingdom, and South Africa. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you should take the SAT or ACT instead of an English language proficiency test if you choose to do so. International transfer students with more than 30 units of college work do not need to take the SAT or ACT. 

  1. All high school instruction in the U.S. and English 

  1. "A"-level English score of B or higher 

  1. AP English score of 4 or higher 

  1. IB English score of 5 or higher 

  1. Two English Composition courses at a university or college in the U.S., with grades of B or higher in both courses. 

  1. One English Composition course and one Communications or Critical Thinking course at a university or college in the U.S., with grades of B or higher in both courses.

I need to study English as a Second Language (ESL) before I begin my major. Do you offer conditional admission?

Yes. The University of the Pacific offers conditional admission through UOP International. Please visit their website for more information, or contact them directly at admission@uopinternational.org.

What is the University of the Pacific’s institution codes for the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL?

University of the Pacific’s institution code for the SAT and TOEFL is 4065. It is 0240 for the ACT. 

What are your admission deadlines?

The priority admission deadline for the following fall is November 15. That is our Early Action deadline. We recommend you apply by then to receive priority consideration for scholarships. You will have an admission decision by the end of January. Please note: All Pre-Dental and Pre-Pharmacy majors must apply by November 15. 

Regular admission deadline: January 15 

Other admission deadlines: 

  • Priority fall admission, transfer students: February 15 

  • The final fall deadline for all international students: June 1 

  • Spring admission, Dental Hygiene transfer students: August 15 

  • Spring admission, first-year, and transfer students: November 15 

You can find more important dates on our Undergraduate Deadlines page.

Are offers of admission binding in any way? 

An offer of admission is not binding, but we must receive a deposit to secure your place in the first-year class. Instructions for the deposit will be on your offer of admission. The deposit is due by May 1, and it is non-refundable after that date.

I want transfer credit for my classes at a university outside of the United States. Will I receive transfer credit?

Students who attended universities outside of the United States and wish to attend the University of the Pacific must go through a four-step process, including a required transcript evaluation and official course descriptions. You can find details about the process on our International Coursework page. In addition, please see Official Records of Study or contact the Office of Admission for more details. 

Do you have scholarships for international students?

The University of the Pacific does not offer full-ride, full cost, or full-tuition scholarships. Therefore, international students, with few exceptions, are expected to provide their own funding in addition to academic scholarships.  

University of the Pacific offers a number of International Student Merit Scholarships to international students applying as first-year or transfer students. International applicants are automatically considered with their application. 

International students can also apply for the University of the Pacific's Powell Scholarship. The Powell Scholarship requires a separate application due on Dec. 1. For more information, visit the Powell Scholarship page. The Powell Scholarship is $43,000.

Do you know of any other sources for scholarships and financial aid?

Here are some links to scholarships and financial resources for international students. These links are provided for your information. These resources are not affiliated with the University of the Pacific. 

Do international students have to pay more tuition than domestic students?

No. All University of the Pacific students pays the same tuition and fees.

Do you have financial aid or scholarships for undocumented students?

Pacific does not offer need-based financial aid to undocumented students. However, undocumented students can apply for Pacific’s Powell Scholarship. 

What is the total cost of attendance? How much do I need to have on my certification of finances?

Estimated Cost of Attendance for International Students can be found here. The most up-to-date amount will be on the Certification of Finances form.

What is a Certification of Finances? Why do I need to send one? How do I submit it?

All international students requiring an F1 visa must provide the university with a recent financial guarantee or recommendation in the form of a letter or account statement from a financial institution showing the specific dollar amount per year available to you and the duration of its availability. The dollar amount must be converted into U.S. funds. In addition, if your study is sponsored by a government agency, foreign embassy, or private individual (such as a parent), the sponsor must submit a letter to the university indicating they will pay for your studies in the United States. The sponsor must also submit an account statement showing the specific dollar amount per year available to you and the duration of its availability. In addition, the following documents are required for certification of finances: 

  1. Completed Certification of Finances form

  1. Official copies of bank statements or letters from a bank official showing the availability of funding equal to the dollar amount indicated on the "Statement of Financial Responsibility" form

Documents can be emailed to admission@pacific.edu or mailed to: 

University of the Pacific 
Office of Admission 
3601 Pacific Ave. 
Stockton, CA 95211-0197 

I have a DDS degree from another country. Can I apply to the Dental Hygiene program? 

International students, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents with DDS degrees from outside the United States can apply as transfer students to the Dental Hygiene program. Transfer applications are only available for spring admission and are due on August 1. 

Transfer students applying to the Dental Hygiene program must complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the program. 

Students who attended universities outside of the United States and wish to attend the University of the Pacific must go through a four-step process, including a required transcript evaluation and official course descriptions. You can find details about the process on our International Coursework page. 
 
International students with DDS degrees are encouraged to explore Pacific's International Dental Studies Program. This program allows graduates of foreign dental programs to earn a DDS degree in the United States. For more information, contact the University of Pacific's Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at IDS@pacific.edu. 

Please visit the International Dental Studies website for more information. 

We'll Help You Along the Way

Applying as an international student doesn’t have to be hard — Kathleen Crisp and Keith Sanpei from the international student admission team are available to make sure you have the information and tools you need. 

Contact International Admission
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