International Student Orientation

The in-person International Student Orientation session includes such topics as cultural shock, health and insurance, student’s conduct (Title IX, sexual misconduct, and academic success), campus safety, U.S. academic culture, among others.

• Pre-Arrival Modules: 30 to 45 minutes
• In-Person Orientation Session: half-day session (about 5 hours)

DUO authentication will be required for students who have not enrolled in academic courses. For questions or concerns regarding DUO authentication, students can contact the OIT Helpdesk by live chat at oit.utdallas.edu/helpdesk or call 972-883-2911.

The International Student Orientation fee is $50 USD, which is applied automatically in the student’s UT Dallas account. The cost covers the following (this is an institutional scale operation): The Guide (annual publication for new international students), ICP portfolio, including campus resources, meals, extended UT Dallas Comet cruise bus services, airport pickup buses, ISO supplies, among others.

Summer semester new students cannot change the International Student Orientation session since only one session will be offered.

Fall semester new students can resubmit the International Student Orientation registration form in Orion and select a new session at least 24 hours after submitting your first registration form. Please see the International Student Orientation Registration Instructions (pdf).

If the preferred date to attend International Student Orientation is not showing in Orion, then that date is already at full capacity for attendance. Students can choose an alternative date to attend. Additionally, students can consult Orion later to check if the preferred date becomes available as other students may change their orientation. See the International Student Orientation Registration Instructions (pdf).

If the student does not complete Pre-Arrival Modules and International Student Orientation, a hold will be assigned to the student’s UTD account, effective by Census Day, restricting registration of classes in the following academic term.

The TB test is mandatory for all students born outside the United States. The TB test must be performed after arriving to the U.S.

Spring graduate and exchange international students will receive a link to schedule a TB test appointment after registering to International Student Orientation, which will be activated by the Student Health Center by December 1.

Spring undergraduate international students should schedule their TB test using the Health Center Patient Portal by December 1.

To learn more about the TB requirement, visit the Student Health Center immunizations webpage. Contact the Student Health Center for any questions regarding the TB test requirement.

All students that are under the age of 22 are required to receive the meningitis vaccination:

• For Spring 2026 semester, meningitis vaccine must be taken between January 20, 2021 and January 10, 2026.

For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@utdallas.edu.

Students are welcome to monitor UT Dallas Community Health Promotion for public health guidelines.

Health insurance is required for all F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 international students. Students can find more information on the Student Health Insurance webpage. Students may be eligible for a health insurance waiver if they satisfy the Student Health Insurance’s requirements. For more information, consult the Student Health Insurance webpage, section of waivers.

Yes, they do.

International students under the age of 18, whose parents or legal guardians live in the U.S., must have a Consent for Treatment Form signed by parent or legal guardian. This form must be notarized and mailed to the Student Health Center (SHC).

International students under the age of 18, who manage their own finances and whose parents or legal guardians live away from the U.S. (for example, student’s home country) must have a Consent for Minor to Own Treatment. This form must be submitted before medical treatment at the Student Health Center.

The forms and mailing address for the SHC can be found on the SHC homepage.

Holds on student’s account prevent the registration of classes. To view all holds on account, students should use their NetID and Password to log in to Galaxy. In “Orion Student Center,” students can click on “Holds” and view all existing holds on their accounts. If students click on each individual hold, students will be able to see more information about which department has put the hold and why. The department that puts the hold on is the only department that can take the hold off. Thus, students should directly contact the corresponding department to discuss how to release the hold.

Students will receive a tuition and fee bill after registering for classes. For more information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bursar Office webpage. For information about payment deadlines, students can consult the corresponding Academic Calendar for Spring.

Face masks: If you are immunocompromised, we highly recommend wearing a face mask for International Student Orientation.

International travel: Please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

Vaccination:  The COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory at UT Dallas. However, UT Dallas faculty, staff and students can get vaccinated against COVID-19 by finding a local vaccine provider.

For questions regarding enrollment options in the event of travel restrictions, please contact your graduate or undergraduate program advisor. To find your program advisor please visit the Academic Programs website: utdallas.edu/academics. Click on your major and degree level. This will take you to an information page about your degree program, including department contact information.

If you are not able to arrive on time, please consult ISSO late arrival information.

New international students are encouraged to consult the Intercultural Programs (ICP) webpage, section of Pre-Arrival Resources and Post-Arrival Resources.