UNITED STATES · TUCSON
University of Arizona
public · Founded 1885 · Languages: en
In short
The University of Arizona is a large public research university in Tucson, Arizona, offering over 150 graduate disciplines and hundreds of undergraduate programs. It provides extensive research opportunities and a vibrant student community for its diverse student body.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1885
- Students
- 54,384
- International students
- 5,000
- Acceptance rate
- 87%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–34k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Tucson, United States
The University of Arizona, established in 1885, is a major public research institution located in Tucson, Arizona. It is recognized for its broad range of academic programs and significant research output, exceeding $1 billion in annual expenditures. The university prides itself on fostering a vibrant community for over 54,000 students, including a diverse body of international students. Students at the University of Arizona benefit from a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes hands-on research opportunities, even at the undergraduate level. The institution offers more than 150 graduate disciplines and hundreds of programs, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for future careers. The university is deeply rooted in its community and committed to sustainable relationships with Indigenous peoples, acknowledging the O’odham and Yaqui lands it occupies.
Why study here
- Engage in cutting-edge research across numerous fields, with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures.
- Benefit from a broad range of academic programs, including highly ranked graduate programs in anthropology, geography, political philosophy, and creative nonfiction.
- Join a large and diverse student body, fostering a global perspective and a supportive community.
- Access a robust network of student support, including dedicated advisors, internship placements, and study abroad programs.
- Experience a vibrant campus life in Tucson, a city recognized for its quality of life and opportunities.
Student life
Life as a Wildcat at the University of Arizona is characterized by a friendly atmosphere, pleasant weather, and continuous opportunities for discovery. Students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research, join various campus organizations, and participate in community service. The university fosters an inclusive environment, emphasizing civic leadership and compassionate public service. With numerous events, lifelong learning courses, and community partnerships, students can develop holistically and make a positive impact locally and globally.
Fees
InternationalTuition and fees for international students vary by program and can be calculated using the university's tuition calculator. Estimated costs for non-residents are listed on the financial aid website.
HomeArizona residents pay substantially lower in-state tuition; non-resident U.S. students pay the same published non-resident rate as international students, before scholarships.
LivingEstimated living expenses for the academic year (fall and spring semesters) are listed on the financial aid website, covering average expenses likely to be incurred.
International students must also budget for mandatory health insurance and demonstrate sufficient funds to obtain an I-20 for the F-1 student visa. Tucson's cost of living is relatively affordable compared to major U.S. coastal cities.
Admissions
Graduate Minimum GPA3.0
Graduate Letters of Recommendation3 required for AIAR program
Graduate Statement of PurposeRequired for AIAR program
Resume/CVRequired for AIAR program
Writing SampleRequired for AIAR program
TOEFL (iBT)Minimum 79; over 100 for GTA positions
IELTSMinimum 7.5 overall, with no section lower than 7
Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026#1 in the Southwest
U.S. News & World ReportTop 40 Programs in Public Affairs
U.S. News & World ReportTop 50 Programs in Political Science
Sociology PhD Programs (NRC-R 2010)#3 among all UA departments, #6 among public institutions, #12 overall
University scholarships
SBS Student Completion ScholarshipVaries based on need and available funds
David E. and Lucille C. Nutt Scholarship$5,000
Louis F. Landon Memorial Scholarship$5,000 - $10,000
Dr. Jennifer Gonzales Shushereba EndowmentVaries
Scott Hays VETS Center EndowmentVaries
Jack and Nancy Warneke VETS Center EndowmentVaries
William E. Rhue Endowed ScholarshipVaries
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)Approximately $22,500 stipend per academic year, full tuition waiver, individual health insurance
Graduate Tuition Scholarships25-100% tuition waiver (in-state and/or out-of-state)
Graduate Access FellowshipsUp to $4,000 per semester
Peace Corps Coverdell FellowshipAdditional funding in exchange for community service
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) transitioned to the University of Arizona in 2016, continuing its mission of producing geologic maps and reports, providing geologic information, and offering technical advice to the public and authorities.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Arizona · United States
Agricultural Education MAE - Accelerated Master's Program
The Agricultural Education MAE - Accelerated Master's Program at the University of Arizona is designed for students seeking advanced studies in the field. This program, housed within the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, offers a path to a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) with a specialization in Agricultural Education. It aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills relevant to agricultural education. The accelerated nature of the program suggests a potentially faster track to degree completion, allowing students to advance their careers or pursue further academic endeavors more quickly. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the University's Main Catalog for detailed program information and the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences for departmental specifics.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Arizona · United States
Applied Nutrition: Dietetics Professional Science Master's
The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Applied Nutrition: Dietetics Emphasis is designed for individuals aspiring to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). This online program allows you to complete your graduate studies and fulfill the necessary supervised experiential learning requirements in as little as 12 months. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to take the national examination to earn your RDN credential. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with practical, hands-on experience gained through supervised placements in community, clinical, and food service settings, meeting the accreditation standards for a Future Education Model Graduate Program.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University of Arizona · United States
Atmospheric Sciences (Doctor of Philosophy)
The Atmospheric Sciences PhD program at the University of Arizona is a research-intensive degree focused on preparing students for careers as atmospheric scientists. You will engage with critical issues like climate change, specifically focusing on Earth's troposphere, to understand and forecast weather phenomena. The program offers opportunities to research areas such as radiation and remote sensing, weather analysis and predictability, changes in hydrologic extremes under a warmer climate, atmospheric chemistry and aerosols, monsoon predictability, and tropical meteorology, including tropical cyclones. This is a highly quantitative program, so a strong foundation in physics and calculus is recommended for applicants. The curriculum involves a minimum of 54 credit units, though the exact number may vary based on individual degree plans and any pursued minors. Students will be involved in advanced research and contribute to the scientific understanding of atmospheric processes.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
63 mo
Duration
University of Arizona · United States
Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
The Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII) is a unique degree offered in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney. This major can only be pursued in conjunction with another major at the University of Arizona. The BCII program focuses on preparing students to tackle current and future societal challenges through hands-on experience, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies. Graduates will acquire essential skills for both immediate entry into the workforce and for further postgraduate education. Students in the BCII program will engage with transdisciplinary core courses, complete an internship, and undertake a capstone project. For students in the Franke Honors College, this capstone can align with their Honors Thesis requirement. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, favoring methods like hackathons, think tanks, and creative labs over traditional lectures and tutorials, encouraging students to innovate and create.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Arizona · United States
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Integrative Health Emphasis
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with an emphasis in Integrative Health is a unique program at the University of Arizona, located in downtown Gilbert, Arizona. It is the first BSN program in the nation to combine conventional healthcare practices with complementary approaches that focus on mind-body-spirit well-being. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become registered nurses, specializing in the integrative management of chronic conditions and serious illnesses. Students will learn to clinically treat conditions through various methods, including lifestyle enhancements, nutrition, and appropriate biomedical therapies, within a nationally recognized and accredited nursing program.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Arizona · United States
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Doctor of Philosophy)
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology PhD program at the University of Arizona allows you to explore biological diversity at all levels. The program's academic focus can be tailored to areas such as evolutionary history and mechanisms, community structure, ecological interactions, and behavior, development, and mathematical biology. You will benefit from renowned faculty, a seminar series featuring leading figures in the field, and extensive collaboration opportunities between students and faculty. Most doctoral students receive external funding for their research and have a strong track record of securing postdoctoral research positions and faculty appointments.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
76 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Arizona known for?
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The University of Arizona is a major public research institution established in 1885, recognized for its extensive academic programs and significant research output exceeding $1 billion annually. It fosters a vibrant community for over 54,000 students, including a diverse international student body.
What are the research opportunities at the University of Arizona?
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The university emphasizes hands-on research opportunities for students at all levels, with annual research expenditures over $1 billion. This engagement spans numerous fields and contributes to its reputation as a top public research institution.
What are the living costs for international students in Tucson?
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Tucson offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major U.S. coastal cities. Estimated living expenses for the academic year are available on the university's financial aid website.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79, or an IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no section lower than 7. Higher scores may be required for specific positions like Graduate Teaching Assistants.
Does the University of Arizona offer scholarships for international students?
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While the provided data details several scholarships, specific scholarships like the SBS Student Completion Scholarship and David E. and Lucille C. Nutt Scholarship are for U.S. citizens or Arizona residents. International students should explore options through Scholarship Universe and departmental assistantships.
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