Before you are admitted:

International applicants seeking admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program are required to comply with the following admission requirements in addition to the requirements indicated in the application packet: 

1) TOEFL: If you are not a native speaker of English, you must submit evidence of your proficiency in the English language. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) [http://www.ets.org] is required of all international applicants and U.S. citizens or permanent residents for whom English has not been the primary language. A minimum total score of 550 on the paper exam or a minimum total score of 80 on the Internet exam or equivalent based on the new scoring system is required for admission to the program. Evidence of written and verbal proficiency in the clinical context must be demonstrated prior to the beginning of the clinical semester. If you submit results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you need an average overall band score of at least 6.5. Only the scores from the Academic Module, not the General Training Module, are applicable.) Test results submitted must be dated within two (2) years of the admission date. Test results older than 2 years will not be accepted.  

2) Transcripts: In addition, applicants for the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program with education outside of the U.S. or Canada must submit transcripts of all college coursework to a transcript evaluation agency for translation and evaluation for equivalency. International applicants should allow a lead time of six months or more to complete all requirements of entry into the United States. 

3) Financial Declaration: Once recommended for admission, certificate applicants from other countries must submit evidence of adequate financial support to cover the costs of study at the University of Connecticut before a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) will be issued.  

Please click here for program costs

Please click here for the Financial Declaration Form 

4) Health Insurance: As a condition of admission and participation in the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program, ALL international students are required, at the time of registration, to show evidence of adequate insurance coverage for basic medical, major medical, and repatriation expenses. Students should consult the Department of International Services and Programs (DISP), regarding compliance with this requirement and assistance in enrolling in an approved insurance program. Phone: (860) 486-3855; Fax: (860) 486-5800; Email: DISP@uconn.edu.

The process for obtaining a visa is generally the same regardless of the consulate you are using. However, local policies and procedures might vary so be sure to contact your US consulate for specific details prior to your appointment.

Items to have to apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa: 

• The original I-20 or DS-2019 form you received from the University of Connecticut.
• Proof of your financial ability to pay all costs related to your study at the University. It should be the original bank statements or offers of support that were provided to meet the university’s financial declaration.
• Your official admission letter from the University of Connecticut.
• A printed receipt indicating that you have paid the $100 SEVIS fee (Form I-901). This fee must be paid and fully processed before you arrive at the consulate for your visa interview.
• Your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to enter the United States.
• If you have dependents who are applying for F-2 or J-2 visas, you will need documentation that verifies your marriage or parental relationship.

Contact your closest US consulate, request any applications and pay any fees that might be appropriate prior to your appointment.

As you apply for your F1 or J1 visa, you need to show “nonimmigrant intent,” Which means that you need to show evidence that you plan to return to your home country after finishing study in the United States. If you cannot demonstrate this nonimmigrant intent, your visa may be denied.

There are several useful web sites that will give you more information:

• The U.S. Government visa web site for information on U.S. visas
• The U.S. Government SEVIS web site for information on SEVIS and the SEVIS fee (form I-901)
• The U.S. Government Customs web site for information on U.S. customs regulations
• The U.S. Department of State web site

For more information regarding on-campus housing opportunities, consult the UConn Residential Life web site.

For information about off-campus housing availability in the Storrs-Mansfield area, visit the UConn off-campus housing website.

A health history form is part of the Clinical Handbook that is mailed to each newly admitted student. Program policy requires that you complete the health history form and submit your health immunization history prior to the start of your first academic semester. In addition to the university immunization requirements, Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program students are also required to document additional immunizations (i.e. hepatitis B vaccination, Varicella titer, PPD). Information regarding the health documentation for this program is part of the Clinical Handbook that is mailed to you upon admission to the program.

For more information regarding university immunization requirements, consult the Student Health Service web site.

New international students with F-1 or J-1 visas must attend the orientation provided by the Department of International Services and Programs (DISP) before registering for classes. For more information on orientation times and registration, please visit the DISP web site.

Please note, before you register for classes, you need to meet with your academic advisor to best plan your course schedule. Full-time registration is required by your F-1 or J-1 visa status and must be completed by the 10th day of classes.

Your initial I-20 or DS-2019 documentation, along with your final admission packet, will be forwarded to the mailing and billing address you indicated on your application. Please note that it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for your documentation to reach you if mailed by regular overseas mail. If you wish to have your documents expedited by express mail, please contact the DISP Office to coordinate the arrangements. Documents cannot be expedited to a post office box address and must have a valid phone number attached for delivery confirmation.

International students in the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program do not qualify for university financial assistance or assistantships. However, once admitted, students may apply for department scholarships. Scholarship awards may defray the cost of participation but will not cover the entire cost of this program.

If you hold a current F-1 or J-1 visa and wish to transfer from your current U.S. university, you must wait until you receive an offer of admission from the University of Connecticut. At that time you will be contacted by DISP and be given a UConn transfer document. The international office at your present school will then need to fill out the form with the intended date of transfer. Your admission file will not be finalized until we receive the completed transfer document.

Please note that if you are transferring between universities with an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are not permitted to remain in the United States if you do not begin classes within 5 months of the transfer date.