Visiting International Students

Experience UVA - An American Treasure

January Term offers visiting international students an opportunity to experience what makes UVA. a national treasure. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia remains distinctive in the 21st century. UVA offers the vast intellectual resources of a major research university, but fosters the intimacy, sense of community, and dedication to undergraduate life typically found at a small liberal arts college.

  • Enjoy small classes and concentrated interaction with faculty and students. 
  • Classes meet up to five hours per day over a two-week period, allowing for a full immersion into a topic of interest.  
  • Students take one three-credit class in January term.
  • Explore Thomas Jefferson's academical village - the unique learning community and the only designated UNESCO World Heritage site among all colleges and universities in the United States. 

 

Prepare for January Term at UVA

Admission: Complete the Non Degree Student Form no later than October 20.

English Language Proficiency: English is the language of instruction at the University of Virginia. If your first language is not English, or if the language of instruction at your home institution is not English, please attach the results of a recent TOEFL test.  A score may not be more than two years old. Most admitted students attain a total score of at least 600 on the PBT TOEFL, 250 on the CBT TOEFL, or 7.0 on the IELTS. The University expects individuals who take the new iBT TOEFL to earn a score of at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening (total score: 90).
 
Registration for January Term Courses: Registration will be completed through the Student Information System (SIS) beginning on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 am  (local time) for visiting students. Admitted students receive detailed instructions related to accessing SIS and completing registration. Tuition and fees are due by December 31. Students may enroll in only one January Term course.
 
UVA Sponsored Visa Documents: International students who need a visa document from UVA to support F-1 or J-1 status must complete the initial I-20/DS-2019 survey after their Non-degree Student Form is approved. Within 5-6 business days after you submit the survey, students will receive a link to their UVA email with instructions to access UVA’s online platform to complete their visa document request. Please direct all inquiries related to your legal status in the U.S. to the University’s International Student and Scholar Advisors.
 
Housing: Guest Housing for visiting students is available at hotels near UVA Grounds. If you are interested in guest housing, please let our office know.
 
Medical Insurance: All students at the University, including students enrolled in January Term, are required to have medical insurance. Short-term medical insurance plans independent of the University are available. The Student Health Center will be available to January Term students.  In case of an emergency, students may be treated at the emergency room of the University of Virginia Health System Center, which is located near Central Grounds.
 
Winter Weather: Charlottesville’s average daily high temperature in January is 42ºF/6ºC. The average nighttime low temperature is 25ºF/-4ºC.   
 
If you have any questions, please contact januaryterm@virginia.edu.