Skip to Main Content Skip to bottom Skip to Chat, Email, Text

Admissions requirements

Apply for free.
No application fee, no obligation.

  • No essay needed
  • No SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE required
  • No cost to request prior transcripts
  • No cost, risk free trial for eligible students

Alumnus Zachariah B.
BSIT/ANT 2023

A guide to student accommodations

Aliquam nec neque orci. Suspendisse ut ante viverra, cursus neque fermentum, pellentesque ante.

Admissions requirements

Apply for free.
No application fee, no obligation.

  • No essay needed
  • No SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE required
  • No cost to request prior transcripts
  • No cost, risk free trial for eligible students

Complete your application in as little as 20 minutes

Check out our admission requirements and kickstart your academic journey with us today.

How to apply

Ready to start your application? We've got you covered with a step-by-step breakdown of our application process for our certificate and degree programs.

1.    Set your goals

Explore over 100+ online programs and select the program that aligns with your career goals.

2.    Get started on your application

Begin your application independently or with the support of an enrollment representative.

3.    Share your educational background and work history

This information will help us determine if qualify for any time or cost-saving benefits for your degree.

4.    Request your transcripts

In most cases, we can request your official transcripts from prior institutions on your behalf at no additional cost.

5.    Create a financial plan

Work closely with an enrollment representative to develop a financial plan tailored towards your needs.

6.    Complete your application

Based on the information you have shared, you will receive a personalized list of tasks you must complete to fully register.

General requirements

Education

High school diploma

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for an associate degree program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended

Program-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education

High school diploma

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended

Program-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for a master’s degree program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have earned an undergraduate degree from an approved, college or university with institutional accreditation, or hold a comparable degree from a recognized institution outside the United States
  • You have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on an undergraduate degree posted transcript Please note that some Master of Science in Nursing programs require a GPA of 3.0.
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended

Program-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Note: Program-specific requirements differ between our traditional master’s programs and competency-based programs. Learn more about our competency-based programs.

Education

Master's degree

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for a doctoral degree program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have earned a graduate degree from a regionally or an approved nationally accredited — or candidate for accreditation — college or university or equivalent graduate degree earned at a recognized foreign institution
  • You have a minimum 3.0 GPA on graduate degree posted transcripts
  • You are currently employed or have a record of past employment or access to a work environment
  • You have access to a research library
  • You have a signed University hardware/software agreement
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You will complete all required forms for admission and submit an official graduate degree posted transcript

Program-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education

Varies by certificate

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for a certificate program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You must all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended

Program-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education

Varies by course

Citizenship

U.S. citizen/valid visa

English proficiency test

Non-native speakers only

Eligibility

To be eligible for our individual courses, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution

Course-specific requirements

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

International admission

In addition to our general admission requirements, there are a few additional qualifications you may need as an international applicant.

Are you a non-U.S. citizen currently living in the U.S.? Good news! You can still enroll at the University of Phoenix if you have a valid, acceptable visa. A valid visa not only allows you to attend school but also lets you maintain legal work in the United States. You may provide copies of your visa as acceptable documentation, but please be sure they are eligible.

When filling out your admissions application, you must include the visa type, date of issue and your country of citizenship. It's important to verify that your visa is current because we cannot accept expired visas.

If you completed high school in a non-English speaking country, you can fulfill the English proficiency admissions requirement by passing one of the following exams within two years before enrolling.

English Proficiency Exam

Passing Scores

9 (TOEFL Essentials exam)
213 (Computer-based Test-cBT)
79 (Internet-based Test-iBT)
550 (Written-based test-wBT)

69 (Online Test of Reading and Listening Skills-English)
550 (Online English Proficiency Exam)

Cambridge English Assessment
You must pass one of the five acceptable exams offered. No time frame required.

170

English proficiency tests are not required in the following cases:

  • You have previous earned a U.S. high school diploma or GED prior to applying for admission to University of Phoenix.

  • You have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma in a country in which English is the official language.
  • You have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma at an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
  • You have successfully completed the equivalent of 30 transferable, academic semester credits at a recognized college or university in a country in which English is the official language.
  • You have successfully completed the equivalent of 30 transferable, academic semester credits at a recognized institution where English is the sole medium of instruction. This can be verified by a CRS in Office of Admissions and Records through the International Handbook of Universities or on official letterhead sent directly from the institution to the campus. 
  • You have successfully completed 30 transferable, academic semester credits at an approved, institutionally accredited college or university in the United States.

You can also meet this requirement by successful completing the approved ESL series of courses at Canadian College of English Language (CCEL), International Language Schools of Canada (ILSC) or Kaplan.

You may connect with an enrollment representative  to learn more about this requirement.

1 TOEFL and TOEIC are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This website is not endorsed or approved by ETS.

2 IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate on behalf of the chancellor, masters and scholars of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

3 Berlitz is a registered trademark of Berlitz Investment Corp.

For international students living in the U.S.

If you have transcripts from a recognized international college or university, you can have them evaluated for transfer credits if one of the following statements is true:

  • You are a legal resident of the United States
  • You have been granted permanent residence
  • You have a valid Visa that does not prohibit educational studies
  • You have been granted temporary protected status along with approved Notice of Action issued by Citizen Immigration Services and verified through CIS Form G-845
  • You have been granted asylum along with the approved Notice of Action issued by Citizen Immigration Services

For international students living abroad

Request your transcripts from your recognized international college or university and have them evaluated for transfer credit to save time and money on your degree. Our evaluation services follow standards approved by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials.

English translation for transcripts

If international transcripts are recorded in another language, a certified English translation is required. We accept translations from:

  • An issuing institution if the school itself provides an official translation which is "validated" by the Registrar or other school official.
  • A certified translator from an official translation service or a professional organization that provides certified translations as one of its services.[1]
  • A foreign language professor from a regionally accredited institution.
  • An embassy or consulate official.

If your transcript is in Spanish or French, University of Phoenix can also provide translation services. For more information about transcript evaluation, please contact an enrollment representative.

[1] These services/organizations will only employ certified translators who have successfully passed required examinations and are governed by specific rules/regulations.

Explore more ways to save as a Phoenix

Illustration of a graduate finishing a race, holding her graduation cap

Transfer credits

Earn your degree without starting from scratch. We'll request your transcripts for you.

Illustration of a man in a suit tapping on a floating circle with a dollar symbol inside of it

Scholarships

Every new student will get the best scholarship or savings opportunity they qualify for.

Illustration of a woman in a dress shirt interacting with a tablet

Employer benefits

Your employer may help with the cost of your tuition. See if yours is on the list.

Illustration of a business woman holding a circular symbol with a dollar sign in it

Credit for experience

Explore ways to save with our Savings Explorer® tool — get the credit you deserve.

 

Returning students

Need to get back on track with your educational goals? Life happens, but we've got you covered. Our streamlined process will help you make sure you don’t miss a step in your student journey.

Pick up where you left off

If you’ve been away for more than a year, please note that you will have to reapply to University of Phoenix. If your break has been less than a year, you can plan your next academic move in MyPhoenix. For personalized guidance regarding returning to class, please contact a re-entry representative.

I'm returning to school after more than a year

Questions? Call (866) 922-8146.

I'm returning to school after less than a year

Questions? Call (800) 546-8071.

Returning to your program

In many situations, it is possible to return to your previous program and complete your degree. However, our degree programs have graduation deadlines, so returning to your previous program depends on when your deadline ends. Our goal is to make sure students are getting the most up-to-date content, so updating to the newest versions of your program may be necessary. Our representatives will be available every step of the way to ensure you know what is needed to complete your program.

Tuition and scholarships

As a returning student, you will still have access to our Tuition Guarantee — meaning your original tuition rate offered at the start of your program will not change until you graduate when you re-enter your same program. You can also save money on your degree with The Phoenix Scholarship, which is offered to all new and returning students.

$398

Flat rate per undergrad credit 

$698

Flat rate per master's credit 

$1,000

Scholarship toward your degree

A Phoenix alumni smiling while wearing their regalia

UOPX alumni

Save more when you return

As a valued alum, you have access to exclusive tuition rates on another degree. You may also be eligible to save even more with The Alumni Scholarship.

$2,000

Scholarship toward your degree

$2,220

Savings on a master's degree

$2,880

Savings on a bachelor's degree

A smiling enrollment representative

Meet your support team

A strong support system is key to your student success. That's why we have assembled a team of dedicated university advisors who are ready to assist you through every step of your educational journey.

Enrollment representative

Our enrollment representatives are here to provide you with personalized assistance from the moment you decide to apply to the first day of classes. Connect with an enrollment representative to get your questions answered regarding our online application, admission requirements, fees, programs, transfer credits and more. Together, you can also create an initial education plan fit to your schedule and academic goals.

Finance advisor

Our finance advisors will assist you through all aspects of academic funding. They will provide the inside scoop on financial aid such as grants, scholarships and loans, as well payment plans and other financial services. We understand that every student's circumstances are different and can change over time, which is why our finance advisors are here to support you throughout your student experience.

Academic counselor

Our academic counselors will be your guides for all things related to education and university life once you enroll as a Phoenix. They will provide you with 1-on-1 support and act as the bridge between you and the University, ensuring to help you understand all policies and procedures. They can even help you create a personalized academic plan that follows the necessary guidelines for degree or certificate completion. This tailored approach to academic planning means you can worry less about scheduling and focus on gaining the skills you’ll need in today’s competitive job market.

Let's talk about your education and career goals.

Frequently asked questions

We know the application process can be overwhelming, so we strive to simplify it for our applicants. To apply to University of Phoenix, you must complete our online application, meet our admission requirements and request your official transcripts from previous institutions. We may be able to request your transcripts on your behalf at no cost to you. We do not require essays, college entrance exams (SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE) or an application fee. Apply today or connect with one of our enrollment representatives who are ready to guide you through the process.

Our admission requirements vary by degree level. Here are the criteria you must meet to be admitted to our undergraduate degree programs:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You must complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit any official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended that are required

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You can reach out to an enrollment representative to get more information about program-specific details. Please note that international students may need to meet a few additional requirements. View our admission requirements to learn more. 

The transfer of credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution. University of Phoenix can perform a pre-evaluation using unofficial transcripts to give transfer students an idea of how previous college credits may apply to a selected program. 

Officially, you’ll need to complete the online application, provide information about all schools attended and submit the transcript request form. When all forms and transcripts are received and evaluated, you’ll know exactly which transfer credits will apply.

Community college transfer students may be able to apply previously earned academic credit to higher levels of learning. You can speak with an enrollment representative about specific program requirements.

We also offer special opportunities to community college transfer students through our transfer pathway degree programs.

Credits from previous college experience will not affect your GPA as a transfer student at all. Your GPA will be determined by the credits earned during your study at University of Phoenix.

We offer a variety of options for students with prior life, work, or military experience. Learn more about our college credit options and how you can reduce the overall cost of your education and earn your degree faster.

It depends on which program you choose. Updating your application for admissions will provide more details and help determine your options. We can also do a degree completion evaluation, which can provide better insight into how your credit applies.

The cost to complete your degree program will vary based on the amount of credits remaining in your degree program. There are several factors that will also impact the cost of your degree including taking advantage of alternate credit options like Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) where you may be able to earn credit for life experience, professional certifications, licenses, or training or testing programs.

For more details and available resources, please reach out to an enrollment representative.

College transfer credits may be impacted depending on the program you choose and if you were out of attendance for more than a year. Our representatives are available to help you find every way to earn the transfer credits you deserve.

If you were out of attendance for over a year, you will need to be re-admitted to the University. Once you are re-admitted to your program, your next step will be to determine how you plan on financing your degree. You can speak directly to a finance advisor for specifics on our financial plans. Depending on your degree, we currently offer up to 18 opportunities a year to start your class, how soon you start is up to you.

The status of your financial account can be found on the MyPhoenix student portal under Financial Plan. If you have any prior balances, they must be resolved prior to restarting class. We can look at what options you may have to clear any balances on file.

We have live agents to chat with you who are available Monday-Friday 4:30 AM-9:45PM AZ time or if you’d like to email or call us, we are available at: 1-888-346-8679 or StudentFinancialServices@phoenix.edu.

Additional details on your program can be found on phoenix.edu under Find Your Program. Whether you want to stay in your current program, change your program, or find new options, we have you covered.

Our representatives are happy to help transfer additional credits earned through institutionally accredited institutions and provide guidance on where they can be applied to help you save time and money on your degree program. You can also use our Savings Explorer® tool to learn whether you are eligible for additional college credit to save time and money on your degree.

University of Phoenix accepts transfer coursework or credits from recognized post-secondary institutions from all over the world, in accordance with our transfer policies. Undergraduate students also have the possible option of earning college credit through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). With PLA, students can earn credits for professional trainings or certifications which may apply toward your general education or elective undergraduate degree requirements.

Yes, through national testing programs such as Berlitz™ and CLEP, you may be eligible to take a language-based examination for credit towards undergraduate degree requirements. These tests are available in a multitude of languages and depending on your test scores, may allow you to earn additional college credits that can be applied towards an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

Contact an enrollment representative for additional information regarding this process.

No. Eligible non-U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent resident card holders pay the same price for tuition as students who are U.S. citizens.

That depends on the employer. In today’s changing educational environment, many more universities, even traditional campus-based universities are offering more and more classes online. In fact, many employers are helping their staff to attain degrees online.

University of Phoenix has forged alliances with hundreds of companies nationwide that help pay for their employees to take college courses with the University online. Students may consult their Human Resources department to see if your employer offers this type of benefit to employees.

We recommend talking to representatives of the field you would like to go into for an idea of what types of education are accepted in your country or wherever you anticipate working.

Browse related blog articles

University of Phoenix Accepted Me. Now What?

University Life

April 05, 2023 • 4 minutes

Everything You Need to Know About Attending University of Phoenix

University Life

September 15, 2023 • 9 minutes