University of Houston — Freshman Admissions (Including International Students)

University of Houston — Freshman Admissions (Including International Students)

Official Page: University of Houston Freshman Admissions Process

At the University of Houston (UH), you can explore a wide range of degree programs taught by world-class faculty — from engineering and architecture to education, public health, and the humanities.

International Freshman Applicants

You are considered an international freshman if you:

  • Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and
  • Are not graduating from a Texas high school after three years of residence in Texas.

International applicants follow a similar admissions process as U.S. students but must meet additional document and visa requirements.

Application Details

  • Application Platforms: Common App
  • Application Fee:
  • $75 (U.S. applicants)
  • $90 (International applicants)
  • Fee Waiver Option:
    Freshmen (including international students) may qualify for an application fee waiver.
    To apply for a waiver:
  1. Complete the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Fee Waiver Form.
  2. Submit a PDF copy through your myUH account:
  • Log in to AccessUH
  • Select “Student Center”
  • Open your “To-Do List” and click Upload/View Document for the “UGRD Fee Waiver Form.”
  • Upload your completed PDF.

Funding & Scholarships for International Students

International freshmen are eligible for merit-based scholarships, including:

  • Tier One Scholarship (full tuition, housing, and stipend for top-performing students)
  • Academic Excellence Scholarships
  • College-Specific Scholarships offered by individual departments

Scholarship Priority Deadline:

  • Submit application by: November 3, 2025
  • Submit supporting materials (fee, transcripts, etc.) by: November 10, 2025

Meeting this deadline increases your chances of receiving automatic scholarship consideration.

Test-Optional Policy

UH is test-optional through Fall 2030, meaning applicants may apply with or without ACT/SAT scores.
Applicants who choose not to submit test scores must include:

  • A short admissions essay, and
  • A resume of extracurricular activities

Important Deadlines

Term Application Open Int’l Freshman Application Due Supporting Documents Due
Spring 2026 Aug 1, 2025 Nov 3, 2025 Nov 10, 2025
Summer 2026 Aug 1, 2025 Apr 1, 2026 Apr 10, 2026
Fall 2026 Aug 1, 2025 May 1, 2026 May 8, 2026

Contact Admissions

Admissions representatives can assist with the application and fee waiver process for both U.S. and international applicants.