Precollege resources for international students
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!
Madison’s beautiful and safe campus community offers students a hub of new ideas, cutting-edge research, a welcoming and friendly environment, it’s the perfect place to learn, grow, and meet other students from around the world. Join us for incredible opportunities to gear up for success, prepare for potential study abroad, and make memories to last a lifetime!
At a glance
ages
International students ages 15–18 explore and get ready for life at American universities
format
In-person programs provide students with college readiness skills, engagement opportunities with international students and faculty, and the chance to take learning beyond the typical classroom experience.
Location
The University of Wisconsin–Madison, a globally renowned research university in a safe and friendly city.
National public university
Washington Monthly, 2024
for volunteer-producing schools
Peace Corps, 2023
International program options
Wisconsin International Precollege Academy
Formerly EducationUSA Academy, Wisconsin International Precollege Academy is an in-person program that provides international high school students the opportunity to explore life at a U.S. university, foster friendships and prepare for the application process.
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.
Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) engages talented students in an intense, three-week residential summer camp designed to push students to the next academic level in a welcoming learning environment.
Summer Music Clinic
Summer Music Clinic is a week long program for students who have prior experience or who are new to the world of music to develop and discover new music and artistic skills while enhancing existing ones.
Social Impact Leadership
The Social Impact Leadership online course offers international and domestic high school students the opportunity to develop as leaders and ultimately design and implement a social impact project in their local school or community.
Support for International Students
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:
- Dedicated Staff: who work closely with international students to support and advise students before, during, and after their experience with UW.
- Specialized Orientation Sessions: designed to ease the transition to life in Madison, Wisconsin, covering all relevant program information, predeparture advice, and any questions that students or their families may have.
- Pre-departure Advising: at hand to support students with visa questions, what to bring, navigating airports, and other specifics to your trip.
- Cultural immersion activities and excursions: inspired by creating cultural awareness and sessions that introduce students to the City of Madison and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
- Peer mentorship and community-building events
- Academic Workshops: tailored to diverse learning backgrounds. We have the English in Action Workshop series to support students’ English language confidence.
- Shuttle Services: provided to students arriving at and from Chicago’s O’Hare and Madison’s Dane County Airports.
English requirement
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.
Credit option
Credit option
International students may have the opportunity to work with Forward International Academy (FIA), a Wisconsin-based high school, to receive U.S. high school credit upon successful completion of the program. Students interested in earning credit should fill out the interest form here or contact FIA’s Student Service Coordinator, Mighty Lou Tinambacan, at mightyltp@usuniversitypathways.com for more information.
Travel and visas
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.
The B-2 visa is for individuals traveling to the U.S. for: Tourism, Visiting family or friends, Receiving medical treatment, or Participating in social or recreational events. It does not permit employment or long-term study.
As of 2025, B-2 tourist visa applicants to the United States face stricter screening, higher fees, and earlier application deadlines. These updates are designed to improve security and reduce processing delays.
To qualify for a B-2 visa, applicants must:
- Have a clear and temporary purpose for visiting.
- Show financial ability to cover their trip.
- Prove intent to return to their home country after the visit.
Application Process
- Complete Form DS-160 online.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Attend the interview with appropriate documentation:
- Valid passport DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee receipt
- Supporting documents (e.g., travel itinerary, financial proof, ties to home country)
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.
For more information on our health and communicable disease policy, please visit our resources page.
Madison, WI
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 at a glance
largest international student population
of all U.S. universities
university for research spending
since 1972
nature reserves
of UW-Madison campus lands
minute walk
from campus to downtown Madison