University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), established in 1965, is a public research university nestled at the base of Pikes Peak. Part of the University of Colorado system, it enrolls over 11,000 students across six colleges offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. UCCS is recognized for its strengths in business, engineering, nursing, and public service. The 550-acre urban campus provides panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and houses modern facilities like the Ent Center for the Arts and the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UCCS emphasizes personalized instruction and inclusivity, serving a diverse student body from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
In this article we will provide Step by Step guide how to apply as International Students at University of Colorado.
Information for All Applicants
Application Fees
When submitting your application to UCCS, you have the option to pay the application fee by credit card. If the payment link does not function properly in Chrome, please try using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer instead.
If you didn’t pay by credit card during submission, you may also pay by check or money order (made payable to UCCS). These payments should be mailed directly to UCCS. As another option, students can pay online with a credit card—but only through Chrome.
If you choose to pay via check or money order, be sure to include your full legal name and date of birth with the payment. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and need assistance with the application fee, please reach out to your admissions counselor.
First-Year Applicants
International students applying as first-year or transfer applicants to an undergraduate program for a Bachelor’s degree should complete the Undergraduate International Application.
Application Requirements
High School Transcripts:
If your secondary education was completed outside the U.S., you must submit documentation equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Typically, this includes 12–13 years of education and the receipt of a graduation certificate or diploma. Be sure to provide academic transcripts and exam results from all secondary-level coursework.
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Translations from notaries or individuals without an educational affiliation will not be accepted.
While official transcripts are preferred for admissions review, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Official versions will be required if you are admitted.
English Language Proficiency:
All undergraduate international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done by submitting a qualifying test score or meeting one of the exemption criteria.
Apply as an Undergraduate here:
Transfer Applicants
Transfer students are defined as those who have completed 24 or more transferable college-level credit hours. Whether you’re transferring from a community college or a four-year university, UCCS is here to support your academic transition. For GPA criteria, visit the UCCS Transfer website.
Post-Secondary Credentials:
Foreign academic records not in English must include certified English translations. Translations from notaries or unaffiliated individuals will not be accepted.
An admissions decision can be made using unofficial transcripts. However, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions will be required upon admission and are necessary for evaluating transfer credits.
English Language Proficiency:
International transfer applicants must meet English proficiency standards through test scores or exemptions. Submit documents in PDF format to: [email protected].
International Transcript Evaluation (Course-by-Course):
For all college-level courses completed outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluation by an approved NACES or AICE member is required.
Recommended evaluation agencies include:
- International Education Evaluation (IEE) — UCCS preferred partner
- The Evaluation Company (TEC)
- World Education Services (WES)
Students using the UCCS IEE Student Portal receive a discounted evaluation rate of $145 and standard processing within three days.
Please note: UCCS cannot guarantee that all international coursework will be transferable. Courses are reviewed individually after admission.
Graduate Applicants
International students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral program at UCCS should complete the Graduate Application.
In addition to your program’s specific admission requirements, international graduate applicants must also:
Post-Secondary Credentials:
Submit official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. If documents are not in English, include a certified English translation. Translations from notaries or individuals without educational affiliation will not be accepted.
Admissions decisions may be made with unofficial transcripts, but official documents are required upon admission for transfer credit evaluations.
English Language Proficiency:
All ESL (English as a Second Language) applicants must meet UCCS’s minimum English language proficiency standards, which vary by program.
International Transcript Evaluation (Course-by-Course):
All international graduate coursework must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a NACES or AICE member.
Preferred evaluation agencies:
- International Education Evaluation (IEE)
- The Evaluation Company (TEC)
- World Education Services (WES)
UCCS recommends using the IEE Student Portal for a discounted evaluation rate of $145 with a turnaround time of three business days.
As with transfer applicants, UCCS does not guarantee that all international coursework will transfer. Evaluation is completed after admission on a course-by-course basis.
Apply as a Graduate Student here:
Non-Degree Seeking Applicants
International students not seeking a degree from UCCS but applying as exchange students should be nominated by their home institutions. To determine if a partnership exists, contact your institution’s international office.
If nominated, please contact the UCCS International Affairs Office for application details and guidance.
