The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University in Edinburg, The United States
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public university in South Texas (United States), part of the UT System, with campuses, teaching sites and centres in Edinburg, Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Laredo and other towns in the Rio Grande Valley. According to the university, it is the only university in Texas with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine. It reports US$90.6 million in research expenditures and is ranked No. 4 nationally and No. 1 in Texas in Washington Monthly's 2026 rankings.
UTRGV offers bachelor's and master's programmes on campus, online and in hybrid format, for example Spanish Translation and Interpreting, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and an AACSB-accredited MBA.
Most international students hold an F-1 or J-1 visa. They apply through ApplyTexas (US$50 fee) and show English proficiency, for example TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 6 or Duolingo 95. International Student Services runs an orientation, a buddy programme and J-1 exchange programmes. Residence halls in Edinburg (Unity Hall, Heritage Hall, The Village Apartments) and the Casa Bella apartments in Brownsville offer on-campus housing.
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Programmes
Bachelor's degrees are offered on campus, online and in hybrid format. Examples include:
- Business: Accounting (BBA)
- Languages and humanities: Spanish Translation and Interpreting (BA), American Sign Language and Interpretation (BS), Anthropology (BA)
- Sciences: Biology (BS), Applied Statistics & Data Science (BS)
- Engineering: Mechanical Engineering (BS)
- Health and education: Addiction Studies (BS), Bilingual Education (BS)
- Arts: Art (BFA)
Graduate programmes
Master's programmes include, for example:
- Master of Business Administration (AACSB-accredited college) and Master of Accountancy
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Master of Science in Bioethics
- Master of Education in Bilingual Education; Master of Education in Special Education (online)
- Master of Fine Arts in Art
UTRGV also has a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, and offers graduate certificates.
Admission
Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents and will study on a student visa (usually F-1 or J-1) apply as international students. Undergraduate steps:
- Apply through ApplyTexas.org and pay the US$50 application fee
- Submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS or PTE Academic) unless exempt
- Have foreign transcripts evaluated by TEC, FCSA, WES or IEE, sent directly to UTRGV
Priority deadlines apply for summer, fall and spring; later applications are still considered but may take longer. Graduate applicants follow a separate process.
Language requirements
Minimum English scores for undergraduate admission:
- TOEFL iBT 61 (4 on the new scale for tests from 21 January 2026)
- TOEFL Essentials 6.5
- IELTS 6
- Duolingo English Test 95
- Pearson PTE Academic 45
Exemptions include completing the Advanced Level of UTRGV's Intensive English Program, recent study of at least 30 credit hours at a US university, three years of high school in the US, or citizenship of listed English-speaking countries.
Housing
UTRGV has on-campus housing at two main campuses:
- Edinburg: three residence halls, Unity Hall, Heritage Hall and The Village Apartments
- Brownsville: apartment-style living at Casa Bella
Contact: [email protected], 956-665-3439 (Edinburg) or 956-882-7191 (Brownsville).