Precollege resources for international students
Come join Badger Precollege for a unique learning experience at one of the largest research universities in the world – the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Our programs offer academically challenging courses for students in an immersive, community-oriented environment. Learn why Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. is the perfect place to spend your summer!
We help international students ages 15–18 explore and get ready for life at American universities. Our virtual and in-person programs provide you with college readiness skills, engagement opportunities with international students and faculty, and the chance to take learning beyond the typical classroom experience.
We are located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a globally renowned research university in a safe and friendly city. A hub of new ideas, cutting-edge research, and a welcoming campus and environment, it’s the perfect place to learn, grow, and meet other students from around the world. Join us to gear up for success, prepare for potential study abroad, and make memories to last a lifetime!
At a glance
WHO
Students in grades 9-12
DATES
July and August 2025
Application Deadline
Online program: June 1
In-person programs: May 1
National public university
Washington Monthly, 2024
for volunteer-producing schools
Peace Corps
Precollege programs for international students
Wisconsin International Precollege Academy
Formerly EducationUSA Academy, Wisconsin International Precollege Academy provides international high school students the opportunity to explore life at a U.S. university and prepare for the application process. Available in person or online, the program fosters student engagement through activities and discussions with dedicated staff and new friends from around the world.
Badger Summer Scholars
Badger Summer Scholars is a transformative residential learning opportunity for high school students across several academic areas of interest. Applicants should be ready to engage in a rewarding college program with peers from all over the country and the world. Participate in one academic track focus during the day, then become familiar with the college application process and college life through the Jump Forward workshop series.
Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) engages talented students from across Wisconsin, the nation and the world in an intense, three-week residential summer camp designed to push students to the next academic level in a welcoming learning environment. Students enroll in a single course for an in-depth experience, while participating in activities outside of class that are thoughtfully planned and coordinated by residential staff to foster additional social and emotional connections.
Summer Music Clinic
Summer Music Clinic is a week long program for young musicians and music lovers to develop and discover new music and artistic skills while enhancing existing ones. Choose from a variety of classes, available for students who have prior experience or who are new to the world of music.
Support for international students
At Badger Precollege, we provide international students with engaging coursework and programming as well as varying levels of support to ensure the best experience possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide scholarships to international students at this time.
In addition to the traditional program opportunities, international students have access to:
- A Badger Precollege Residential Assistant (RA), who works closely with international students to create a fun and educational atmosphere. The RA is available for students to communicate any ideas, concerns or issues related to the program.
- An orientation session that covers all relevant program information and any questions that students or their families may have. It also covers what you can expect from the program, time zone considerations and other topics.
- Special activities dedicated to creating cultural awareness and sessions that introduce students to the City of Madison and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
English requirement
To be successful in your Badger Precollege program, we suggest that students demonstrate at least intermediate-level English through a minimum TOEFL score of 80, IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo English Test score of 105. If you do not have a test score available but would like to see if your English is suitable for our programs, you may request a phone or video interview with program staff.
Travel requirements and visas
The University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) have determined that summer programs offered by Badger Precollege serving precollege students at UW–Madison are programs that require a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa for any non-U.S. citizen or non-permanent resident.
International student applicants are strongly encouraged to bring their program admission letter, among other supporting documents, to their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. The process of obtaining visa and travel documents is the responsibility of the student applicant. The University of Wisconsin–Madison cannot advise students on visa procedures or eligibility. For more information about the application and required travel documents, view the B-1 or B-2 VISA Form, contact the Badger Precollege office or visit the U.S. State Department website.
It is recommended that, along with your visa and passport, you bring a printout of your acceptance letter and a letter of support to justify your visit. Your visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The customs officer at the port of entry determines the period of authorized stay. For this reason, you must give serious and clear answers to the customs officer during your interview.
For more information on our health and communicable disease policy, please visit our resources page.
Get to know Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
- Consistently ranks as one of the top places to live in the U.S.
- 82 degrees Fahrenheit/28 degrees Celsius average temperature in summer
- 5 freshwater lakes in the area, nestled between lakes Mendota and Monona, one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus
- 2.5 hours away from Chicago
- Hosts the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-only market in the U.S.
UW-Madison
- One of the top 25 U.S. universities with the largest international student population
- Top 10 university in research spending since 1972
- 1/3 of campus is nature reserves
- 18-minute walk from campus to downtown Madison