About Incarnate Word and San Antonio
- About Incarnate Word
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Campus Activities and Athletics
- City of San Antonio
- International Student Application Package
About Incarnate Word
High technology and an international flavor combined with an excellent academic tradition are a rare combination. Students will find a blend of all three at UIW, among the United States’ most unique universities.
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, a vibrant, historical city of over 1.5 million, UIW’s 5,200 students pursue degrees in 43 undergraduate fields and 30 graduate degree programs. UIW also offers an Intensive English Program through ELS to prepare students for university study in English. UIW’s programs are highly personalized and offer something for every student.
The small class sizes -- usually no more than 25 students -- mean that every student is a name, not a number. And all students attending UIW receive the latest DELL laptop computer, complete with the latest software, to help them meet their educational goals.
This tradition of quality, personalized academic attention extends from UIW’s founding in 1881. For more than 120 years, students have achieved their academic goals at UIW, enjoying a high quality of life in the beautiful city of San Antonio.
UIW is a leader in international education. With 80 “sister schools” around the world, UIW students can spend a summer, semester or year studying abroad at such schools, and receiving credit at UIW for their efforts.
For more information on UIW International Programs, e-mail:
or post to:
Mr. Norman St.Clair
Director, International Initiatives
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway, CPO 307
San Antonio, Texas U.S.A.
telephone: 210.805.3015
fax: 210.805.5701
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the TOEFL requirement at UIW?
A: Students may demonstrate their English proficiency using a total score of at least 550 (undergraduate) and 560 (graduate); by graduating from a high school in which English is the primary language of instruction; or by completing a UIW English language in order to prove their English proficiency.
Q: When can I start classes at UIW?
A: International students may enter classes at UIW, after being admitted to the University, in August, January, May or July of each year. In addition, students may also enter UIW’s Intensive English Program through ELS during the middle of each semester.
Q: What is the deadline for application?
A: UIW makes admission decisions throughout the year (rolling admissions). The deadlines for receipt of completed applications are as follows: Fall Semester - July 1; Spring Semester - November 1; Summer Term - April 1. UIW will typically make an admissions decision within ten days following receipt of a completed application.
Q: Does UIW have on-campus dormitories?
A: Yes. UIW has eight student dormitories featuring single, double and triple living accommodations. Please refer to the Residence Life section of UIW’s web site for more information.
Q: Does UIW permit homestay living arrangements with local families?
A: Yes. While UIW does not have a formal homestay program, students are free to explore this option and, if they desire, live with a local family while they attend UIW.
Q: Are scholarships available for international students?
A: Yes. UIW offers limited academic and athletic scholarships to international students.
Q: How do I obtain a visa to study at UIW?
A: After a prospective student has been admitted to UIW, we will issue an acceptance letter and immigration form I-20. The student may then proceed to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in his or her home country to apply for an F-1 student visa. This visa will allow the student to enter the United States and remain in the United States as long as the student is studying on a full-time basis. After graduation, the student is eligible to apply for one year of optional practical training, which would permit the student to work in a job-related field of study for one year after graduation.
Q: If I am already in the United States under a B1/B2 or other type of visa, is it possible to change my status to an F1 Visa?
A: Yes. UIW discourages changing visas while a student is in the United States. However, if a student is admitted to UIW, it is possible to obtain assistance from UIW to change such student's visa to F-1 status.
Q: If I am accepted and obtain my F-1 visa, what should I do next?
A: UIW asks all international students who plan to study at UIW to provide their itinerary at least one week in advance of travel to the United States. UIW will arrange for international students to be picked up at the airport and transported to UIW’s orientation program. We strongly encourage all international students to arrive at least one week prior to the beginning of classes to familiarize themselves with UIW and the city, as well as participate in UIW’s International Student Orientation Program.
Q: Do I need a car if I study at UIW?
No. UIW is a complete campus community. Students can easily live on campus without needing a car. If students choose to drive, they may obtain a driver’s license and parking permit to park their cars at UIW.
Q: If I take classes in the Intensive English Program through ELS, will I receive credit?
No. Undergraduate students who are required to take six credit hours of foreign language requirements as part of their course of study, may take English classes and have this requirement waived, but they will not receive credit for these classes.
Q: Will UIW help me obtain an internship to work with a local company or organization?
Yes. UIW has an internship coordinator who is available to assist students with obtaining internships with local companies or organizations.
Q: If I have additional questions about UIW, whom may I contact?
A: Students with questions about UIW should contact Mr. Norman St. Clair, Phone: 210-805-3015, Fax: 210-805-5701, E-mail: stclair@uiwtx.edu
Campus Activities and Athletics
UIW’s beautiful 115-acre campus has an intimate, park-like feel where students are at home regardless of their backgrounds. It is located near the center of San Antonio, a center for Latin American arts and culture, and within walking distance of museums, parks, restaurants and nightclubs.
Growth in the campus has kept pace with that of enrollment, with a new state-of-the-art library, athletic complex, dormitories, swimming pool, and an International Conference Center, boasting complete translation facilities, housing for foreign dignitaries and students alike, and a conference facility second to none in the Southwest United States.
UIW’s Office for International Student Services offers a variety of services to international students, including assistance in academic class registration (for eligible students), medical insurance needs, orientation to U.S. culture, and even transportation from the nearby San Antonio International Airport.
On campus, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Library awaits international students, as do award-winning theatre productions, movies, lectures, seminars, a student store, a fitness center and on-campus sports complex, and housing and dining facilities.
UIW’s commitment to the education of the individual includes the development of the whole person. To this end, the university provides a variety of extracurricular services and programs designed to assist students in the process of development and enable them to make the best possible use of their university experience.
UIW’s Student Life office provides assistance with housing, counseling and health services, and sponsors both the Student Government Association and the award-winning campus newspaper, The Logos.
The University Programming Council brings nationally-known entertainment to campus, usually at no cost or a low cost for students. Numerous academic, service, and social clubs and organizations appeal to the diversity of interests on our campus.
At UIW, our student-athletes are just that: students first, athletes second. A member of the Heartland Conference, UIW has won the Conference’s Academic Excellence Award six consecutive years for having the highest combined grade point average of its student-athletes. UIW offers seven men's and nine women's sports, and the UIW teams currently enjoy dual membership in the NAIA and NCAA Division II.
In addition to our intercollegiate athletics teams, our Intramurals program offers another great way for students to compete and have fun. Students, faculty and staff participate as players, officials, scorers and activity managers in 21 sports, including soccer, basketball, flag football, and racquetball.
City of San Antonio
Being the 8th largest U.S. city, San Antonio is a great place to have fun all year, even in the winter, as the coolest months are often full of mild, sunny days. The culture and beauty of the city are celebrated in its famous River Walk (Paseo del Rio), historic missions (including the Alamo), theme parks, and museums.
The city works hard and plays hard. At work, San Antonio is a leader in U.S. telecommunications, biomedical research, tourism, international trade, medical services and many other industries.
At play, the brilliance of the night life in clubs and restaurants, downtown and throughout the city, is balanced by plenty of daytime excitement at area waterparks and theme parks. Top attractions include Schlitterbahn (the world’s largest waterpark), Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, and the San Antonio Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Do not overlook the opportunities for shopping at San Antonio’s largest fashion mall (North Star), the Mexican Market (El Mercado), factory outlet shops, and the intimate specialty shops within walking distance of the university.
The city is home to the NBA champions San Antonio Spurs, and internationally diverse team represented by different countries. There are also many opportunities to enjoy high school and university sports events in everything from baseball to American football. Those who prefer to participate will find ample opportunities to play tennis, get into a friendly basketball game, play racquetball, or play volleyball right on the UIW campus. Or, hit the links on one of the city’s many fine public golfcourses.
Visitors often enjoy exploring the unique culture and colorful history of San Antonio in its world-class museums of art, natural history and anthropology. The various cultural influences that make up the modern city of San Antonio are brought together in imaginative, educational exhibits at the Institute of Texan Cultures, which is located at the foot of the Tower of the Americas,where visitors can enjoy fun and dining with a panoramic view of the entire city.
