University of Houston-Clear Lake
University in Houston, The United States
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is a university in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas (United States), and part of the University of Houston System. It opened in 1974, became a four-year university in 2014 and has more than 7,770 students. The main campus covers 524 acres on a wildlife and nature preserve; courses are also taught at UHCL at Pearland and UHCL at Texas Medical Center, and some degrees are fully online.
More than 90 degree programmes are offered by four colleges: Business, Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Engineering. Each offers bachelor's and master's degrees, certificates and minors, and there are three doctoral programmes. UHCL is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the College of Business by AACSB International, and key engineering programmes by ABET.
The Office of International Admissions and Student Services handles applications, I-20 requests and immigration questions. International freshmen apply through ApplyTexas with a US$75 fee, SAT/ACT scores and proof of English proficiency (for example TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.0). Students can live on campus in Hunter Hall, a residence with furnished suite-style rooms.
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Programmes
More than 90 degree programmes and over 40 minors. Bachelor's degrees are offered by four colleges:
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Human Sciences and Humanities
- College of Science and Engineering
Joint and interdisciplinary degree plans and online degrees are also available.
Graduate programmes
All four colleges offer master's degrees and graduate certificates, for example an MBA, an M.S. in Accounting, a joint Master of Healthcare Administration/MBA at the Texas Medical Center and a counselling programme. There are three doctoral programmes, including a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Applications go through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal, and requirements and deadlines vary by programme.
Admission
International freshmen educated outside the US apply through ApplyTexas, pay a non-refundable US$75 fee and must:
- Hold the equivalent of a US high school diploma
- Submit official SAT/ACT scores
- Meet the English proficiency requirement
Applications receive a holistic review, and freshmen are not admitted for the summer semester. Graduate applicants use the UHCL Graduate Application Portal; each college has its own review process. To obtain the I-20, F-1 and J-1 students document funds for one year of study with official bank statements no older than six months.
Language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English need one of these minimum results:
- TOEFL iBT 79 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4 (tests from 21 January 2026)
- IELTS 6.0
- PTE 53
- Duolingo English Test 115
- Level 112 of the ELS Intensive English Language programme
Applicants educated in countries where English is an official language meet the requirement; some programmes may require higher scores.
Fees
Estimated yearly costs for international students used for the I-20 (spring-fall 2027, nine months):
- Undergraduate (24 credit hours): tuition and fees US$26,700; living expenses US$15,500; other (insurance and books) US$6,500; total US$48,700
- Graduate (18 credit hours): tuition and fees US$19,200; living expenses US$15,500; other US$6,500; total US$41,200
Living expenses assume on-campus housing; add about US$5,000 per dependant.
Scholarships and financial aid
International applicants can be considered for UHCL scholarships: the Hawk Scholars Scholarship (undergraduate and graduate) and the Automatic Transfer Scholarship for undergraduate transfer students. Some international students may qualify for Texas resident tuition; questions go to the residency office.
Housing
On-campus housing is in Hunter Hall, with furnished suite-style rooms, quiet study spaces, community lounges, a computer lab, a shared kitchen, free laundry on each floor and a staffed front desk; live-in staff are available 24/7. Students apply through the goUHCL portal. Popular apartments near campus are another option.