J-1 Student & Scholar Financial Requirements

As an international J-1 Exchange Visitor you must show proof of funding for your duration of stay in order to receive your Form DS-2019. The university calculates the estimated expenses each year, and this is the standard amount that all J-1 must show. This amount will likely be different from your actual expenses.

J-1 Incoming Partner Institution Exchange Student

Once you enroll in classes, applicable fees (housing/insurance) are automatically added to your account and you will be required to meet payment deadlines. Please review the tuition and fees chart to get an idea of school costs. For more details about tuition and fees, please contact the Bursar’s Office.

Actual Expenses

Determined after you enroll
Can vary based on your personal living expenses
Paid through the Bursar’s Office

Estimated Expenses

A standard estimate, used for issuing immigration documents
Will not be adjusted for your individual situation, such as lower living expenses due to sharing housing.
The amount shown on your Form DS-2019, used for visa application

Undergraduate	Visa Type	Costs
Tuition and Mandatory Fees	J-1	Waived due to Partnership
Intl Student Fee	J-1	$75
Housing	J-1	$5355
Books and Supplies	J-1	$ 600
Transportation	J-1	$ 630
Miscellaneous	J-1	$ 1850
Health Insurance	J-1	$ 1,500
TOTAL per semester		$10,010

Adequate funding is US$2500 per month for the duration of your stay.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar/Researcher/Professor

To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program at UTRGV you must have a minimum of $2,500 per month plus $500 for each dependent that will accompany you.

For instance, if you plan to stay at UTRGV for six months and will provide your own funding and will be accompanied by your spouse then you will need to upload evidence of a minimum of $18,000 ($2,500 + $500 for six months).

International Student Services Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs