As an incoming international cyclone, you are required to attend ISSO's New International Student Orientation.
The purpose of this orientation program is to help new international students get acclimated to the campus as well as introduce you to the international community at Iowa State.
Prior to your first semester at Iowa State, you will receive by email a link to access the online Introduction to Iowa State module.
This online course serves as your first introduction to Iowa State University, student resources, your academic college, and much more.
Completing this course is a required step in your journey to Iowa State and, once complete, will get you started on registering for your first semester courses.
It is best to complete this course as soon as possible after receiving it, so be sure to keep an eye on your email.
All new students to Iowa State are required to take the ALEKS math placement test prior to registering for their first semester classes.
The ALEKS math placement test can be access from your My Admissions account.
As an international student, you are required to check in with ISSO and register your immigration record after arriving.
For undergraduate students, this will happen during your orientation program so you don't need to come to our office in advance in order to check in.
Incoming international students who are not native speakers of English or who do not meet at least one of the exemption criteria for the English Requirement must take the English Placement Test (EPT).
The EPT provides an opportunity for students to satisfy the English requirement by testing both written and oral communication English language skills. These in-person tests happen prior to the start of your first semester at Iowa State as part of New International Student Orientation.
The results of the EPT are then shared with your Academic Advisor and help determine which English courses, if any, are necessary as part of your academic program at Iowa State.
You are only given one opportunity to take the EPT and it is best to take it prior to your first semester to ensure the best possible outcome for your academic progress.
More information on test registration, format, exemption criteria, and more can be found on the EPT website.
Incoming international students are required to attend a Student Health Orientation session as part of New International Student Orientation.
This session, held at Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC), will introduce you to our Student Health and Wellness unit and provide you with resources to support your well-being as you work to achieve your academic goals at Iowa State.
If you have any questions about immunization records, ISU health requirements, or your health orientation session, please email the Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) at immrequirements@iastate.edu. A member of the nursing staff will reply to your questions. The expected response time will be 5–7 days.
Questions specific to health insurance can be directed to the Student and Scholars Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) at isusship@iastate.edu.
You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20. For Summer 2025, the program start date is Monday, May 19th, 2025.
ISSO's Summer Welcome Program will be held in May. Official date coming soon.
Undergraduate students are required to attend orientation, so please make travel plans accordingly.
As an international student, you are required to be enrolled full-time in order to maintain your student status.
For summer, full-time enrollment is 6 credits and only one online course, not to exceed 3 credits, can count toward your full-time enrollment.
It can be difficult to find in-person, first year courses during the summer term. For this reason, we strongly recommend being fully enrolled in the courses you plan to take prior to arriving in the U.S.
If you are unable to meet the enrollment requirements for starting in the summer term do to unavailability of classes, we strongly recommend deferring your program start to fall.
You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20. For Fall 2025, the program start date is Tuesday, August 12th.
ISSO's New International Student Orientation program is currently scheduled to take place from Wednesday, August 13th to Thursday, August 21st.
As our Fall 2025 program is still being finalized, these dates are subject to change.
Further instructions on how and when to complete these steps will be emailed to you over the summer. Please watch your inbox carefully for any emails from Iowa State.
For steps that can be completed now, please visit the link hub at the bottom of this page.
You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20.
Iowa State is not yet admitting for Spring 2026. Please check back after the Fall term has started.
ISSO's New International Student Orientation program has not yet been scheduled. Please check back after our fall program has concluded.
Further instructions on how and when to complete these steps will be emailed to you towards the end of the year. Please watch your inbox carefully for any emails from Iowa State.
For steps that can be completed now, please visit the link hub at the bottom of this page.
