Admissions
Applying to University of Idaho
Becoming a University of Idaho student starts with finding the admission pathway that fits your goals. University of Idaho welcomes first-year, transfer, graduate, international and returning students with resources and guidance tailored to each pathway.
Find your admission requirements, learn how to apply, connect with an admissions counselor and take the next step toward becoming a Vandal.
Not ready to apply? Get to know University of Idaho and what it means to be a Vandal — from majors and scholarships to campus life.
Find your path to admission
Undergraduate admissions
Explore more than 200 degree programs and learn from nationally recognized faculty in small classes where you can build meaningful connections and get personalized support. Find your admission requirements or connect with an admissions counselor to take the next step.
Graduate admissions
Advance your career and expand your expertise with one of U of I’s 103 graduate programs, backed by our designation as Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 university. Find admission requirements, key deadlines and faculty mentorship opportunities.
Law school admissions
Pursue a career in law in a supportive academic environment at University of Idaho College of Law. Benefit from lower tuition and fees compared to other ABA-accredited institutions, with courses available in Moscow and Boise.
International admissions
Join a diverse, global community while earning a degree that’s one of the best educational investments in the United States.
Online program admissions
Earn your degree from anywhere with University of Idaho’s online undergraduate and graduate programs. Get the same high-quality education as on-campus students while advancing your skills and career on your schedule.
Dual credit admissions
Earn college credit while you’re still in high school through U of I’s Dual Credit Program. If you have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you can enroll in college courses that count toward high school and college graduation.
Returning student admissions
We are excited to welcome you back to University of Idaho! We know that returning to school after a break can be both exciting and challenging. We are here to help you make a smooth transition back to your studies.
Non-degree seeking admissions
Learning is a lifelong ambition. That's why University of Idaho offers a variety of options for those who want to enrich their lives through education but who are not seeking a degree.
Learn more about non-degree seeking course options and admission requirements.
Apply today
Take the next step toward becoming a Vandal.
Check your application status
See where your application stands and review any next steps or missing materials.
Looking for information about MESA?
The new Microchip Engineering & Security Alliance (MESA) program offers a unique, four-year pathway combining studies at Hiroshima University and University of Idaho.
How the application process works at UIdaho
Applying to University of Idaho follows a few key steps, from choosing your student type to confirming your enrollment. While the overall process is similar for most students, application requirements, deadlines and required materials vary depending on your student type.
Application process overview
- Choose your student type
Find the application process that matches your educational background and goals. - Complete an application
Submit your application through the appropriate admission pathway. - Submit supporting documents
Provide required materials, which may include transcripts, test scores or other supplemental information. - Monitor your status
Check your application status and complete any additional steps requested by Admissions. - Receive an admission decision
Review your admission decision and any next steps. - Confirm enrollment
Accept your admission offer and complete the steps to enroll in classes at U of I. No deposit is required to accept your admission offer.
Select your student type below to view application requirements, deadlines and next steps specific to your admission pathway.
Ready to join the Vandal Family?
We’re here to help you through every step of the application process. Select your student type to learn more about the application process and requirements.
Support for your unique admission journey
Every student's path to University of Idaho is different. No matter where you are in your educational journey, University of Idaho's admissions team is here to help. Our admissions counselors can review your specific circumstances, answer questions and help you explore options for becoming a Vandal.
Connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance on admission requirements, transfer credits, military education benefits, application steps and other questions specific to your situation.
- Military service members and veterans: Receive support navigating military education benefits, credit for prior learning, admissions requirements and resources available to help you succeed at U of I.
- Nontraditional students: Explore flexible options, academic programs and support services designed to fit your goals, schedule and life experiences.
- Homeschool students: Learn about admission requirements, prepare your application and access resources to help you transition successfully to university life.
Programs to support your path to a degree
Vandal Finish Program
You've already earned college credits. Now put them to work with Vandal Finish. Transfer your credits and finish your undergraduate degree fully online — from anywhere.
Vandal Gateway Program
The Vandal Gateway Program helps you transition into college life at University of Idaho through a structured, supportive learning environment.
Alternative admission pathways
University of Idaho considers each student's unique circumstances and offers alternative admission pathways for students who may benefit from additional review, flexibility or support during the admission process.
Explore options like deferred admission and learn how the Admissions Committee considers applications on an individual basis.
Deferred admission
We understand that you have a lot going on in your life. If you're participating in a religious mission, serving a military enlistment, contributing to your community, handling personal or family matters or working to earn money for college, you can defer your attendance for up to four years.
Deferred admission is a process at U of I where you use your current acceptance to reserve your seat in a future term.
Before you fill out the deferral form, you must understand the following:
- This deferral information is for undergraduate students only. If you have been admitted to a graduate program and wish to defer, please view information on the Graduate Deferral page for more information.
- A deferral request must be made before your initial start term.
- Your application fee is only waived with the first deferral request. All additional deferral requests are subject to an application fee if appropriate.
- Applicants who request deferred admission and enroll in colleges/universities during the deferral period are not guaranteed admission for a future entry term. Your transcripts will be required before a determination is made on full admission.
- Students who do not complete their applications or are denied admission are not eligible for deferred admission. You must apply for the new intended entry term and supply any necessary supporting documents.
- Scholarships and financial aid awarded for the original admission term are not guaranteed for future terms. Eligibility for scholarships and other financial aid will be recalculated based on the scholarship programs available and the FAFSA results at the time you declare your intent to enroll.
- On-campus housing reservations will not be cancelled when you submit a deferral. Before submitting this deferred admission form, log in to the Housing application to withdraw your housing application.
U of I Admissions Committee
Students who don’t meet standard admission criteria — such as those who earned a GED, homeschooled students or graduates of nonaccredited high schools — are automatically reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Other applicants who do not meet admission criteria may request an appeal for an admissions decision from the Admissions Committee.
Applying through the Admissions Committee
If you completed a GED, were homeschooled or graduated from a nonaccredited high school, your application will automatically be referred to the Admissions Committee for review.
Application requirements for these groups are listed on the first-year admission requirements page. Submit all standard application materials through the online application portal and send any additional committee materials to admissions@uidaho.edu.
Important: All materials must arrive at the Admissions Office at least one week before the committee meeting. Use your application portal to check that your checklist is complete — your file will not be reviewed until all required items are received.
Appealing an admissions decision
To start your appeal, you’ll need make a request via email and provide the following documents to admissions@uidaho.edu:
- Personal statement – Describe your goals, career or educational objectives, explain your past academic performance and share any extenuating circumstances or additional information you want the committee to consider.
- Three signed letters of recommendation – These should be from individuals who can speak to your academic ability.
These materials will be reviewed along with the application materials already submitted via the online application portal.
Important: All materials must arrive at the Admissions Office at least one week before the committee meeting. Use your application portal to check that your checklist is complete — your file will not be reviewed until all required items are received.
What happens after an Admission Committee review?
The Admissions Committee may:
- Grant regular admission
- Offer provisional admission
- Freshmen:
Provisional admission grants full enrollment, but you must complete 14 semester hours of baccalaureate-level courses within your first three semesters. Twelve of these 14 credits must come from four different categories of the university’s general education requirements. If you don’t meet these conditions within three semesters, you may be dismissed (subject to appeal). - Transfer students (with more than 14 transferable credits):
You must complete your first semester at U of I with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Freshmen:
- Grant admission to the Vandal Gateway Program
- The Vandal Gateway Program (VGP) is a first-year success program that helps you transition to college life. You’ll take general education courses as a cohort (English 101/102 and Comm 101), receive extra advising and get expanded academic support. Learn more about the Vandal Gateway Program at U of I.
- Recommend community college coursework
- You may be asked to earn 14 transferable credits at a community college with at least a 2.0 GPA before reapplying (see transfer requirements).
Upcoming Admissions Committee meetings
- Wednesday, Sept. 23
Material due by 5 p.m. PT Wednesday, Sept. 16 - Wednesday, Oct. 14
Material due by 5 p.m. PT Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Wednesday, Nov. 18
Material due by 5 p.m. PT Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Wednesday, Dec. 9
Material due by 5 p.m. PT Wednesday, Dec. 2 - Thursday, Jan. 7*
Material due by 5 p.m. PT Tuesday, Jan. 5*
*Please note condensed schedule to accommodate U of I Holiday.
Already admitted to U of I?
Your next chapter starts here. Complete your admitted student checklist, submit any remaining requirements and prepare to join the Vandal community.
View the admitted students checklistNeed help? Contact us.
The Office of Admissions is here to help you! Just email or call 208-885-6326. Still want more help? Find your admissions counselor to connect in-person, virtually or even by text message.
Required safety information
Curious about campus security and fire safety? Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR).