Non-Degree Student
A “Non-degree seeking student” is an exchange visitor (J-1 visa) who will be sponsored by a UF faculty to engage in a prescribed course of study at the University of Florida that will contribute toward a degree being pursued in his/her home country.
Departmental Requirements to Sponsor a J-1 Non Degree Student
The host department must completely fill out the J-1 Non-Degree Request Form with the required signatures.
Eligibility Requirements for a J-1 Non Degree Student
- Student must have a UF faculty sponsor.
- Student must be substantially (2/3) funded by UF OR by his/her home government OR home university OR an international organization.
- Tuition will be paid at the current non-resident tuition rate.
- Non-Degree students are required to register for at least one credit hour at the non-resident tuition rate, per semester or partial semester at the undergraduate or graduate level, as appropriate (e.g., 4950 or 6905). Please note: One credit minimum is required regardless of your home institution’s credit transfer requirements.
- The program can be no more than 24 months in duration.
- A minimum of $1,000/month of financial support is required for the length of the program. He/she must show an additional $350.00/month for a spouse and $200/month for each child (if planning to bring dependents in J-2 status.
- Student must have their current institution’s letter stating he/she is currently in a degree seeking program. The letter needs to indicate the credits taken at UF would contribute towards his/her degree being pursued at his/her current institution. The letter should also state the dates the student is approved for this study.
J-1 NON-DEGREE STUDENT EXCHANGE VISITOR FACTS
- Student must pay the SEVIS fee (I-901) prior to their visa appointment.
- Student and dependents may enter the US up to thirty days before program begins.
- Student and dependents may stay in the US up to thirty days after program ends.
- Student MUST check-in with UFIC, 170 HUB, once they arrive at the University of Florida. Hours of operation are from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.
- Student must bring the following documents to check-in: passport with valid visa, I-94 card, and original DS-2019.
- Health/accident insurance coverage is mandatory for all J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents at all times while they are in the U.S. This is a regulation of the U.S. Department of State and a requirement of the University of Florida.
- Proof of immunization requirements must be satisfied. For more information, click here.
- Student and Department must notify the International Center if the student cannot arrive at UF by the begin date on their DS-2019.