Apply as an online-only student (UNOL) if you are not a resident of the state of Wisconsin and plan on enrolling in stand-alone UW–Madison online classes that are not affiliated with existing special university programs such as capstone certificate courses, summer intensive language institutes, the Visiting International Student Program, the Early College Credit Program, and certain degree tracks. Online learners at any level (high school, undergraduate, post-graduate) may apply in this category. This classification is not available to students currently enrolled in a UW–Madison degree program.

How to Get in

Application

Only non-Wisconsin residents may apply. There is no application fee. Apply using the University Special student application at least one month before the start of the term as it can take two to three weeks to review and process an application. UNOL is the designation on the application and course roster. There are additional application requirements for students depending on their current status:

  • Undergraduates who are applying in the UNOL classification are required to submit official transcripts from all other colleges and universities to confirm good standing and a minimum GPA of 2.0 cumulative and in the most recent semester.
  • Qualified high school juniors and seniors who are applying in the UNOL classification are required to submit a high school transcript with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 overall and in the most recent semester.
  • Baccalaureate degree holders who are applying in the UNOL classification do not need to submit transcripts.

Non-native speakers of English and those who have not recently studied at a university where English was the language of instruction must provide language proficiency scores.

Admission and Enrollment

Admission is contingent on consent of an advisor in the office of Adult Career and Special Student Services. Admission is for one term only, however enrollment in subsequent terms may be possible with the consent of an advisor in the office of Adult Career and Special Student Services.

Enrollment is not guaranteed and is contingent on there being a space available in the class after degree students have enrolled, completion of all course prerequisites, and consent of the instructor to enroll in a particular section. Students are restricted to taking only 8 credits per term.