Graduate International Programs

Click the video to hear directly from our graduate international students about the features and benefits of our master’s program.


Thank you for your interest in Union Commonwealth University’s Graduate International Program.

Our program offers:

  • SEVP-certified
  • CPT Available
  • Programs designed specifically for F-1 visa students
  • Post-completion OPT included with all degrees
  • Fully accreditation by SACSCOC
  • Affordable, in-demand degrees that support today's global job market


Our Graduate International Admissions Team is excited to support you as you take the next steps in your academic and professional journey. Explore the information below and reach out to our admissions counselors to learn how Union Commonwealth University can help you achieve your goals. We look forward to hearing from you!


We accept applicants who are currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, as well as those who are applying for an F-1 visa or planning to change their current visa status to F-1.

Program benefits include:

  • Freedom to live anywhere in the United States while enrolled
  • The ability to work in your field of study while earning your advanced degree
  • Degree completion in as little as 5 semesters
  • The option to complete a dual master's degree in 8 semesters by combining two Graduate International programs
  • Hybrid course formats that fully meet all USCIS and SEVIS requirements for maintaining F-1 visa status
  • A mandatory weekend residency each semester, providing valuable opportunities to network with fellow students and faculty
  • Graduate International Degree Programs

    Click on the links to visit the respective program pages for more information.


    * Denotes STEM Approved program with potential for 3 years of Post-completion OPT


  • Program Requirements

    • Successful completion of all required program courses (see program links above)
    • One weekend residency each semester (Friday-Sunday)
    • Successful completion of curricular practicum training (CPT)
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required for program completion
  • Residency Attendance

    Residency weekend sessions are mandatory every semester of enrollment. Each student must attend one full residency weekend per semester.


    • F-1 visa students must attend all scheduled days to recieve credit and meet the in-person attendance requirement for maintaining F-1 status.
    • Missing any portion of hte residency (late arrival, early departure, or partial attendance) will be counted as an absence for the entire session.
    • Late arrival or early departure requests cannot be approved.
    • Missing a residency will result in dismissal from the program and termination of the SEVIS record (I-20).

  • Admissions Process

    To be considered for admission, please submit the following:

    • Graduate International Application for Admission
    • Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report)
    • Copy of your current passport (required for students applying for residency and an F-1 visa)
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
    • Transcripts from schools outside of the US must be evaluated by a NACES member such as IEE, WES, ECE, IERF, EP, or InCred.
    • Financial documentation showing you can cover tuition and living expenses, as required for F-1 visa eligibility
  • Steps to Obtain an I-20

    Process for Initial I-20s

    (For applicants who are currently outside the U.S. without an F-1 Visa)

    1. Submit your application for admission and all required supporting documents.
    2. Recieve your official acceptance letter from the Department of International Graduate Studies.
    3. Submit the completed Income Verification Form (provided when you apply) along with all required financial documentation.
    4. I-20 issuance: Once all steps are completed, I-20s are typically issued within 7 business days.

     

    Process for Transfer Student I-20s

    (For applicants who currently hold a valid F-1 visa and are studying at another U.S. institution)

    1. Apply for admission, submit all required documents, and recieve your acceptance letter from the Department of International Graduate Studies.
    2. Submit the completed Income Verification Form and all required financial dicouments.
    3. Request a SEVIS Transfer-In Form from your Union enrollment advisor.
    4. Provide the completed transfer form and your Union acceptance letter to the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school.
    5. Ask your current school's DSO to electronically transer your SEVIS record to Union Commonwealth University.
    6. After the SEVIS record has been transferred to Union, we will issue your transfer I-20.
  • Tuition

    $3,310 per semester


    Breakdown:

    • Residency (3 credit hours) & CPT (1 credit hour) courses: $550 per credit hour — $2,200 per semester
    • Required online course (3 credit hours): $370 per credit hour — $1,110 per semester
    • One optional overload online course (3 credit hours): $370 per credit hour

    Additional Fees:

    • Application fee: $0
    • Graduation fee: $50
  • How to Apply for Initial F-1 Visa

    Documents Needed Before Applying

     

    F-1 Application Process

    1. Complete the DS-160 online: Nonimmigrant Visa – Instructions Page
    2. Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

     

    Visa Interview Appointment Information

    • Attend your appointment at the assigned location and time.
    • Bring the following documents:
    1. I-20
    2. SEVIS fee receipt (I-901)
    3. DS-160 confirmation page
    4. copy of financial support documents
    5. valid passport
    6. Passport-size photographs (uploaded with DS-160)
    7. Required visa application forms (available on the U.S. Consular websites)
  • Applying for a Change of Status to F-1 from Another U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa

    1. Apply and recieve acceptance to Union Commonwealth University (UCU).
    2. Obtain an initial Form I-20 from the university. The Designated School Official (DSO) will list “Change of Status” in the Issue Reason section of the I-20.
    3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee: Department of Homeland Security – Form I-901.
    4. File Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS: USCIS Form I-539.

    Visa categories not eligible for Change of Status:

    • C, D, K, M, WT/WB visitor, and ESTA
    • J-1 status holders subject to the 212(e) two-year home-country physical presence requirement cannot change status in the U.S. unless a waiver has been granted.

     

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Authorization

    Requirements for Utilizing CPT

    • Must be enrolled full-time, including the Applied Learning Practicum (ALP) course.
    • Must have an employment offer directly related to your major field of study.

    Documentation Needed

    • Completed CPT Application (available once enrolled in the ALP course)
    • Detailed training description, which must include:
    1. Written on company letterhead
    2. Job title and detailed job description
    3. Employer contact information: Address, phone, email, and direct supervisor's contact
    4. Number of hours per week
    5. Start and end dates of employment
    6. Relationship of work to program of study/how it relates to major coursework

    Steps for CPT Approval

    1. Submit the completed CPT Application and training description to your school DSO.
    2. The DSO reviews the documents for compliance with USCIS requirements.
    3. The DSO issues approval or denial.
    4. If approved, a new I-20 with CPT authorization will be issued.
    5. Important: Engaging in employment before recieving CPT authorization or without an updated I-20 violates U.S. federal law.

    Part Time vs. Full Time CPT

    • Part Time CPT: Fewer than 20 hours per week
    •  Full Time CPT: 20 hours or more per week
    • Note: Accumulating 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Discover Union Commonwealth University

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Union Commonwealth University is a small, spirited, independent liberal arts institution with a big vision. Founded in 1879 in the town of Barbourville, our community built a college believing that education is the path to leadership.


Today, we remain deeply connected to our region while welcoming students from around the world. At Union Commonwealth University, you’ll find a close-knit campus, personalized learning, and opportunities to make a global impact.

Contact Us


Graduate International Admissions

U.S. Phone: (606) 546-1620


Union Commonwealth University

310 College Street

Barbourville, KY 40906



gradonline@unionky.edu