University of Wisconsin-Madison

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. Founded in 1848, the beautiful campus sits on an isthmus between two lakes and spans 936 acres. Students can choose from 130 majors and over 70 undergraduate certificate programs in eight undergraduate schools and colleges. UW-Madison faculty and staff provide a world-class learning experience, and students have access to thousands of classes in nearly any subject. Wisconsin Badgers compete in 23 varsity sports in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. Upon graduation, UW Badgers are part of a proud global network of over 440,000 living alumni.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

Agriculture
Art & Design
Business
Communication
Design
Economics
Education
Engineering
Finance/Accounting
Government/Political Science
Health Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Nursing
Performing Arts
Pharmacy
Research
Science
Social Science
Technology
Visual Arts

Student experience

Athletics
Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
Greek Life
Intramural/Club Sports
LGBTQIA Services
Military/Veteran Services
On-Campus Housing
ROTC Program
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research
Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

First-year students include anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating high school. First-year students can apply online via the Common Application or UW System Application.

Transfer

A transfer student is anyone who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school and wishes to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at UW–Madison. In order to be eligible for transfer admission, you must have completed at least 24 transferable semester hours of college-level work. AP, A-Level, IB, and CLEP cannot be used toward the 24 transferable credit requirement. We do not admit freshman-level transfer students. Transfer students can apply online via the UW System Application at apply.wisconsin.edu.

Additional Information

Undergraduate admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison is competitive and selective, and our professional admissions counselors review applications using a holistic process. Our holistic process is designed to help us find remarkable students who will add to the legacy of UW-Madison. We don't use formulas or charts, and there is no required minimum test score, GPA, or class rank. We read each application thoroughly, one by one.

First, we focus on academic excellence -- courses, grades, and academic rigor. Beyond academics, we look for qualities such as leadership, concern for others and the community, and achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas. We're also seeking breadth in personal background and experience and your potential for contribution to the Wisconsin community.

In order to complete your application, all materials must be received by our deadlines.

Visit us

Explore our dynamic campus by joining us for a variety of in-person and virtual events and tours. From Memorial Union Terrace to Bascom Hill, UW-Madison is a beautiful and engaging place with an active student body. Experience a virtual or in-person admissions information session and tour, an open house, or other offerings to learn more about services and academic programs available to you. Explore all our offerings and register to attend through Visit Bucky at visitbucky.wisc.edu.