International Students

International students interested in enrolling in the program must contact the Short Course office directly to apply.  All international students are required to participate in the full 17-week program.  Additional practical training on farms or with businesses after that is optional, but available.

Necessary Documentation:  International students must provide a secondary school transcript, any other university transcript and a letter stating an area of study and proof of financial status.  One way of proof would be to provide a bank statement showing a balance of $13,000 – $15,000 (which is the approximate cost of the course).

Visa:  International students are admitted to Short Course under a training J-1 visa. Applicants must provide three letters of reference – one to support your financial status, and the other two from people that refer to your agricultural background and your suitability for study in this program, to fulfill admission requirements.  The approximate total estimated cost of the Short Course program for tuition, room and board, books and incidentals is $13,000 to $15,000.

Health Insurance:  Another important part of studying at the University of Wisconsin is the U.S. Immigration Service requirement which requires all international students to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan through the University, unless proof of continuous enrollment in an alternative health plan with comparable benefits is provided.  The cost of this mandatory health plan is approximately $525 to $685 for the period a student is involved in Short Course.  If a spouse or family member plans to accompany the student, they, too, are included in such a plan at an added expense.  The health insurance payment must be made upon arrival on campus.

TOEFL:  Students must be able to understand spoken English to comprehend the instruction.  A TOEFL score of 550 or higher is required for attendance.  If you feel that your English is not adequate, students can attend English classes offered by the Wisconsin English Second Language Institute (WESLI) prior to the start of Short Course in November. 

Internships:  Students may do an agricultural experience at a designated farm or agri-business for six to eight months after attending the Short Course program. It is important to know if students wish to stay in the U.S. for an internship experience when training J-1 visas are submitted at the time of registration.  Any changes after it is submitted may result in a cost to you.  International students are also permitted a one-month period of travel in the country.