Jayhawk Semester Students

International Support Services offers the Jayhawk Semester Program for international students who wish to enroll at the University of Kansas for a semester or a year-long academic program. The Jayhawk Semester is open to students from partner institutions and students who are enrolled in an accredited university or college.

As part of the Jayhawk Semester program, students enroll in a full course of study of academic courses or Applied English Center classes. There are no scholarships available for students on this program.

For students interested in participating in the program or for universities interested in becoming a partner, please contact the Jayhawk Semester Coordinator at Sponsoredvisiting@ku.edu or submit an inquiry form to learn more about the program. Students will then be directed to complete the International Student Application.

Programs and Services

  • Assistance with the application process and pre-arrival information
  • Assistance with course selection and approval from academic departments
  • Guidance for students regarding policies and procedures
  • Counseling on housing, health or family concerns, and other issues
  • Final transcript sent to home university

     

Benefits of the program

  • Access to more than 150 programs of study, including engineering, architecture, arts, sciences, social sciences, education, journalism
  • Social opportunities and activities to meet engage with others outside the classroom
  • Certificate of completion of the Jayhawk Semester for successful participant

On this page

Application Process

Students at partner schools or independent visiting students who wish to participate in the University of Kansas Jayhawk Semester should contact the Jayhawk Semester Coordinator, at sponsoredvisiting@ku.edu, before applying. All students on the program must submit a complete application packet and meet established admissions requirements. 

The completed application should be submitted by June 15 for fall (August) admission and November 1 for spring (January) admission. Once accepted, students will receive notification via email. Also, please review the Pre-Arrival information for new visiting students.

    1. Complete an Application. The following information will assist in completing the application.
      • Apply as a “Non-degree visiting student”
    2. Complete English assessment and upload it to the application.
    3. Upload a copy of the biographical page of your passport if you have it, or email a copy when you receive your passport to the Jayhawk Semester coordinator.
    4. Upload all official university academic records or transcripts with courses to date before you submit the application.
    5. The $85 application fee must be paid online before the application is submitted.
    6. Email proof of financial support to Jayhawk Semester coordinator.
    7. Notify Jayhawk Semester Coordinator, at sponsoredvisiting@ku.edu, when application is successfully submitted. 

    Pre-Arrival Information

    • Airport Shuttle Companies

      Fly into the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), which is located approximately one hour by car from Lawrence. Shuttle companies operate between the airport and Lawrence. Advanced reservations are required.

    • Find Housing

      Determine housing arrangements prior to your arrival. If necessary, set up early arrival housing during orientation week. Go to the designated orientation registration site to check-in or go to International Support Services.

    • Orientation

      International Support Services (ISS) provides an orientation to new students. This will include information about university facilities, resources, and policies as well as an introduction to student life at KU and in the United States.

    • Housing & Meal Plans

      Once admitted, you will be able to submit a contract online for on-campus housing and meal plan. Housing options include apartments, residence halls, and scholarship halls. Students are responsible for providing bedding and personal items related to housing needs, in addition to housing costs. During orientation shuttles will take students to local stores, any items not brought with you can be bought during this time.

    • Insurance

      All incoming Jayhawk Semester students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. This requirement is enforced by automatically enrolling students in KU’s international student health insurance plan through United Health Care Student Resources (UHCSR). Charges will appear on student accounts as part of their tuition bill.

    • Immunizations (pdf)

      All students must provide, prior to enrollment, proof of immunizations for meningitis, mumps, measles, and rubella. Students can receive them upon arrival or bring proof of prior immunization. Students will also be required to take a tuberculosis (TB) test after arrival. The TB test and other vaccinations are provided to international students at Watkins Student Health Center during orientation. Failure to comply with this policy will result in not being allowed to enroll in classes.

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    • Finances

      The length of a student program is either an academic year consisting of fall and spring semesters or a semester program, and an estimated cost of attendance will be provided. The estimated cost of attendance will be based on tuition and fees, on-campus housing, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses. An additional fee of $285 per semester will be charged for the Jayhawk Semester Program administration and services.

    • Billing

      After enrolling, bills for tuition and fees are available online on or about the 21st of the month and are due on the 15th of the following month. The first due date of the academic year is typically September 15th. Payments must be received by the appropriate date to avoid a non-refundable $100 late payment fee. The University of Kansas billing system is completely online. Students will be notified by email around the 21st of each month when a new eBill has been generated. To obtain your eBill, login to Enroll & Pay at then select Campus Finances > View/Print Bill.

    • English Requirements

      There is no minimum English proficiency test score for undergraduate admission to KU. Students may need to take a placement test to determine enrollment eligibility. Some students are not required to take the English placement test and will be qualified to enroll in full-time degree coursework.

    • Enrollment

      Just before the beginning of the semester, during orientation, you will enroll in courses with the consultation of the Jayhawk Semester Coordinator. Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours. Students enroll online.

    • Course Selection

      In order to find classes for a specific semester, you should consult the Timetable of Classes, which lists the classes offered for a particular semester along with the time and room number. You will enroll in classes after you have arrived on the KU campus and completed international student check in.