Estimated expenses are based on full-time enrollment and are for SEVIS reporting only. For less than full-time enrollment, a separate ISS Reduced Course Load form must be submitted and approved. Please refer to the Bursar’s Office Tuition & Fees page for a full list of degree categories and the most up-to-date tuition rates per semester. Costs typically increase each year and tuition is subject to change without notice. An accurate bill will appear in your Student Center at the beginning of each semester of enrollment.
UW-Madison is required by the U.S. government to verify a student’s demonstration of sufficient financial support for the student and any dependent(s). Proof of funding requirements include:
Acceptable financial documentation must demonstrate continued support into the future, or a combination of sources showing at least the minimum expenses for your program.
Must be written in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
You must attach an Affidavit of Financial Support if you are providing financial documentation from a parent, spouse, relative, or other personal sponsor.
If applying for a new visa, we recommend obtaining additional original financial documents to present to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy as well as immigration officials when entering the U.S.
Personal, family, or sponsor
(liquid assets)
Statements must include:
Account holder name
Balance with currency listed (ISS will convert your currency if it is not in USD)
Date issued (within the past year)
Financial institution stamp/signature of banking official
UW-Madison Assistantship or Fellowship
Letters must include:
Date of Issue
Dates of appointment/coverage
Stipend amount
Stipend duration (per month or per year)
Appointment percentage(%)
Tuition remission if applicable. If only a portion of tuition is sponsored, specific dollar amount must be shown.
Letterhead
Employer signature (We accept either a 1. hand-signed or 2. digitally-authenticated signature. We do not accept typed signatures.)
Education Loan Letters
Letters must include:
Full name of account holder
Date the letter was issued
(within the past year)
Balance with currency listed (ISS will convert your currency if it is not in USD)
Disbursal date (This can also be a statement receiving funding after issuance of immigration documents)
Financial institution stamp/signature of banking official
Download and open the ISS Estimated Expenses Calculator Excel document
If there is a pop-up, click Enable Editing
Click on each cell under FALL, SPRING, and SUMMER that you will be attending in the first year of your program. Each cell will have a drop-down menu of which options to select. Leave cells that do not apply blank or type $0.
The total required amount for F-1 students will show next to the "Grand Total Required for I-20 Issuance" cell. If you are an incoming J-1 student, you must include the number of years of your academic program in cell C13. The total required amount for J-1 students will show next to the "Grand Total Required for DS-2019 Issuance" cell.
Required for correct calculation:
Tuition and Segregated Fees
International Services Fees
Living Expenses (add dependent amounts if applicable)
Health Insurance (select a plan with dependents if applicable)
If your program is not listed in list of programs with different tuition rates under the 2025-2026 Tuition Rates tab, you must select the STANDARD TUITION rate in the Tuition and Segregated Fees row.