Why Nebraska's College of Engineering?
At the College of Engineering, international students play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of making a difference and solving problems of global importance. International students enrich our cultural diversity and enhance our global reputation, research, and student experience. Our international students help ensure we’re in the best possible position to have a positive impact within the communities we serve, both at home and abroad.
Affordability
Ranked #14 nationally in 2023 for best value, the UNL College of Engineering offers graduate tuition over 40% below the national average — with generous assistantships that make a prestigious degree truly affordable.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from 200+ internationally recognized faculty who lead multi-million-dollar research projects and are dedicated to mentoring graduate students.
The Complete Engineer Program
Only at Nebraska, our program focuses on targeted competencies to strengthen skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, professional ethics and other essential areas. Become a Complete Engineer®
Strong Employer Connections
Each year, hundreds of companies recruit Nebraska Engineering students through career fairs, internships, and co-ops — with support from our career team and connections to top employers like Microsoft, Caterpillar, and Kiewit.
Cutting-Edge Research
As Nebraska’s only College of Engineering, we lead high-impact research in artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, infrastructure, biomedical devices, and more — supported by over $40 million in annual funding and world-class facilities.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
he College of Engineering consists of two campuses and six engineering facilities – including the university’s state-of-the-art academic hub for engineering education, Kiewit Hall and the new state-of-the-art Engineering Research Center (featuring more than 50 labs and numerous graduate student work/collaboration spaces)
Welcoming Communities
Lincoln and Omaha are consistently ranked among the top U.S. cities for families — with Lincoln placing 9th in AARP’s 2024 Livability Index and Omaha praised for its affordability, schools, and job opportunities.
Optional Practical Training
Upon completion of your program, you may become eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) so you can work for up to 12 months in the U.S.
STEM Designation
All majors allow international students on an F-1 visa who study on our campus to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after completing their program
Steps to Apply
STEP 1 – Apply to Office of Graduate Studies
Submit the below items to the UNL Office of Graduate Studies
- Complete Graduate Application for Admission: Apply Now
- Pay $50 non-refundable application fee
- Upload transcript(s) (to CollegeNET) from previous institutions confirming eligibility
- If non-native English speaker: verification of English proficiency requirements
STEP 2 – Preliminary Grad Studies Review
- Once the Office of Graduate Studies receives your application, fee, and uploaded transcripts, they’ll review your file and contact you if any additional information is needed. You can monitor your application status via CollegeNet.
- When the preliminary review is complete, Graduate Studies will notify your designated academic department of your eligibility for admission.
- Once all materials are received, allow 3-5 business days for this step.
STEP 3 – Departmental Review
- Each engineering department has a Graduate Admissions Committee to decide whether an applicant will be accepted into their program.
- Your application will be reviewed only after you have submitted all required degree-specific application materials. Please submit all materials before the department’s stated deadline.
STEP 4 – Final Graduate Studies Review
- Once the departments notify Graduate Studies of their admission recommendations, Graduate Studies conducts a final review of the applicant file. This final review is checking to ensure applicants meet all eligibility requirements, English proficiency, and funding requirements.
- If additional materials are needed, Graduate Studies will notify you by email.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, and you expect to hold an F or J visa, Graduate Studies will ask you to submit the Financial Resource Certification (FRC) form with documentation. The FRC is not needed if your department offers you an assistantship sufficient to cover those expenses.
STEP 5 – Admission and Enrollment
If you are admitted, Graduate Studies will notify you by email.
- Graduate Studies will mail your Certificate of Admission along with other important information.
- International applicants will be asked to complete the Visa Data Form to verify information from the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Graduate Studies will express mail the Certificate of Admission, I-20 or DS-2019, and information for new students.
- You will be eligible to enroll for the entry term shown on the Certificate of Admission. If you are an international student, you’ll become eligible when you check in on campus.
- Consult your faculty advisor and enroll in courses using MyRED.
- Reminder to submit all final official transcripts from previous institutions.
- Admission may be rescinded if discrepancies exist between unofficial and official documents.
Graduate Programs: FAQ
What types of graduate programs do you offer?
The College of Engineering offers academic programs on three campuses in two cities: City Campus (Lincoln), East Campus (Lincoln) and Scott Campus (Omaha), with 25 graduate degree options across seven departments.
What areas are the faculty currently researching?
The college has seven areas of major interdisciplinary initiatives, and each department has their own focus areas of research.
Research (By Department)
How do I apply?
Start your application process here.
The priority application deadline for full financial consideration is September 15 for Spring start and January 15 for Summer/Fall start. All of our programs are on rolling admission and applications will continue to be reviewed until the beginning of the term.
Application Requirements
Each department may require different materials, but common application components include a statement of purpose, resume or curriculum vitae, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE score, and a TOEFL or IELTS score for international applicants.
Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose should include a description of your goals in pursuing a graduate degree. Include the degree and major you are interested in pursuing and the area of specialization within the major that is of the most interest to you. Please indicate if you have been in communication with a faculty member in the department regarding graduate education.
Reference letters: You will also enter the names and contact information for your three references. An email will be sent to the names listed requesting a reference letter.
Official transcripts
Resume or curriculum vitae
GRE: At this time, the GRE is an optional requirement for nearly all engineering graduate programs. Check with your program for specific requirements. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not have a minimum GRE score for admission. However, you may want to ask your academic department what scores are considered competitive for your program. The university institution code is 6877. You do not need to enter a departmental code as all scores are processed centrally. If you took the GRE several years ago, you should consult with the Graduate Committee in your department if the scores are recent enough. The Graduate Committee in each department will determine whether GRE scores are recent enough to accept. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the last date.
TOEFL or IELTS: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by providing a TOEFL or IELTS scores. Your scores must meeting minimum requirements for both Graduate Studies and the academic department. Graduate Studies requirements: 79 on TOEFL iBT; 550 on TOEFL PBT; 6.5 on IELTS. Minimums vary by departments; please refer to your department’s program summary or website for details. Some departments require scores higher than Graduate Studies minimums. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the last date. The institutional code for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is 6877.
GPA: The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Engineering do not have a minimum cumulative GPA to be considered; however, you will want to ask your academic department what cumulative GPA is considered competitive for your program. Students with higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive for admission and for fellowships.
How long will it take to receive a decision on my application?
Once your application file is complete, please allow six to eight weeks for a decision to be reached. You will be notified once a decision is made.
What funding opportunities are available?
A variety of funding options are available to future and current graduate students, through the College of Engineering and the Office of Graduate Studies in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
Where can I find additional information?
- If you have additional questions about graduate programs within the College of Engineering, contact Kayla Person, director of Graduate Programs, or the Graduate contacts within your interest area.
- For additional information on UNL’s Office of Graduate Studies, visit their website.
Important Links
- Office of Graduate Studies
- At the College of Engineering our goal is to help you find a community and the resources you need to succeed during your time in Lincoln or Omaha: https://admissions.unl.edu/information-for/international/
- International Students and Scholars Office – ISSO provides support and services to international students and scholars through immigration support and campus events that bridge a connection between international and domestic students.
- Center for Academic Success and Transition – CAST connects you with 1-to-1 academic coaching and workshops to build essential skills like learning strategies, time management and study motivation.
- Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS) OASIS enhances your success by promoting academic excellence, diversity awareness and social engagement.
- Writing Center – The Writing Center provides free, 1-to-1 sessions to improve your writing skills for essays, lab reports, research papers, journal articles, presentations, cover letters and dissertations.
- Big Red Resilience & Well-Being – Big Red Resilience & Well-Being offers mental health support and services for students to manage stress and emotional wellness, build strengths and connect with other students.
- Student Organizations – With Nebraska’s 550+ Registered Student Organizations – including more than 50 in the College of Engineering – you’re bound to find a supportive group of Huskers with similar personal and professional goals.
- Community Support – Lincoln offers the excitement of a big city with the friendliness of a small community. We have many resources available for international students.
