Yale College
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 208234
New Haven, CT
06520-8234   USA

Physical address:
38 Hillhouse Avenue
New Haven, CT
06511

phone: 203-432-9300
FAX: 203-777-6123

Contact us

Equal Opportunity
Statement

Non-degree Students Program

Are there any special requirements for international students?
Candidates whose first language is not English must submit the official score achieved on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We like to see a score of at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL, 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, and 100 on the internet-based. International students generally must hold F-1 student status for this program and must register as full time students at all times. (A minimum of three courses / semester.) Individuals in tourist status (B1/B2 or visa waiver status) will not be permitted to enroll either on a part-time or full-time basis. If admitted, all international students must consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), 421 Temple street, (203) 432-2305, or email oiss@yale.edu. OISS will issue the I-20 form which students will use to apply for an F-1 visa.

How much is the application fee?
The fee is $75, payable to Yale University.

What if I can't remember my test scores (SAT, College Board Achievements)?
They are normally included on your high school transcript. You may also ask the College Board to send the results. While Achievement Tests and SAT IIs are not required, in most cases the SAT is required. The address and phone number for ETS are: ETS, Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ 08541, (609) 921-9000.

I am a full-time undergraduate at another college. Can I spend a semester or a year at Yale as a Visiting Non-Degree Student?
Yes, although housing and financial assistance are not provided and it is your responsibility to obtain approval of credits from your present college.

I have not attended school for a number of years. What do I do about "academic recommendations?"
You have no choice but to ask employers, colleagues, or other individuals who know you well to write your recommendations.

Is an interview encouraged or required?
Non-degree candidates may call the office at any time and request to meet with the Director of Admission if they have special circumstances or questions and wish advice (e.g., whether to apply for the Non-degree or Eli Whitney Students program). This is not an interview. We do not offer or require interviews for Non-degree candidates.

May I defer admissions?
Yes, for up to one year. After that, permission to enroll in the Program must be obtained from the Director of the Non-degree Students Program.

If I am denied admission, may I reapply?
Yes, but you must submit a new application for admission in a subsequent year. A new application fee is also required. Transcripts held on file need not be resubmitted. Applications will not be considered from individuals who have been denied admission to Yale College three times.

If I am admitted, may I take any of the courses listed in the YCPS?
Non-degree students take second priority to full-time undergraduates and Degree Students in limited enrollment courses. Art, film, music, photography and theater studies courses are seldom available to Non-degree Students.

 

Common Questions

Non-Degree Program

Related Links

May I audit courses at Yale? What is the procedure?
The following people may audit courses at Yale: students enrolled full-time in Yale College or in one of the graduate or professional schools; members of the Yale faculty; university employees; spouses of faculty members; spouses of employees; Yale graduates; spouses of Yale graduates. Persons who are not Yale graduates or spouses and who qualify for auditing will be advised by the Office of Special Programs, 55 Whitney Avenue, Suite 430, (203) 432-2430.

May Non-degree Students take courses at the graduate or professional schools?
No, the Non-degree Program is for undergraduate (Yale College) courses only. However, this may include courses listed as cross-registered in the Yale College Programs of Study (YCPS) with one of these schools. If you wish to take graduate courses part-time and in non-degree status, you should inquire through the Division of Special Registration at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 320 York Street, (203) 432-2770.

Can I take summer courses at Yale?
Yes. However, Non-degree Program Students must make a separate application to the Summer Sessions, P.O. Box 208355 (street address: 55 Whitney Avenue, Suite 430), New Haven, CT 06520, tel: (203) 432-2430, fax: (203) 432-2434, email: summer.session@yale.edu, web site: www.yale.edu/summer.

What are the policies for Yale graduates? Their spouses?
Yale graduates may apply as Non-degree Special Students (for credit or audit) through the Admissions Office or the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA) under the Yale Alumni Term Time Program. A special application is required (no recommendations or transcripts are required). The same is true for spouses of Yale graduates who wish to audit undergraduate courses. However, spouses of Yale graduates applying for credit status must use the Non-degree Student application process.

What if I attended Yale College but did not graduate and wish to complete my degree?
The normal procedure is to apply through the Yale College Dean's Office for re-admission. However, if you can attend only part time, have been out of Yale for over five years, and still need eighteen term courses to graduate, you may apply as a Eli Whitney Student. The re-admission route entitles you to need-based financial aid (and is full-time). The Eli Whitney Student route is assumed to be part time but offers the B.A. and B.S. The financial aid options are, however, very limited. Eli Whitney Program students must take a minimum of eighteen term course credits at Yale to qualify for a degree.