University of Wisconsin-Madison International Division
Undergraduate Pathway - Wisconsin International Scholars

Madison, USA

DEGREE TYPE

Undergraduate Pathway

DURATION

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

Sep 2026

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

Key Summary

About: The Wisconsin International Scholars programme at the University of Wisconsin–Madison launched in 2003 by the International Division. It’s an international honors pathway that introduces global issues in your first semester. Applicants join as first-year students and commit to a common core: a WISc seminar, global comparative studies course, and four years of foreign language study at UW. Regular events provide interdisciplinary discussion, global engagement opportunities and career skills.

Career Outcomes: WISc builds language proficiency, comparative analysis and intercultural communication. It prepares you for career opportunities in diplomacy, international development, global business, non-governmental organizations, education, translation, public policy, or research.

The Wisconsin International Scholars Program was launched in 2003 as an initiative of the International Division and the energy and commitment of a group of faculty members. The program's vision was to create an internationally focused honors program that would introduce students to significant global issues, ideas, and experiences from their first semester in Madison. The Wisconsin International Scholars program aims to create a foundation for International engagement and understanding that will serve students not only during their time in Madison but throughout their lives and careers.

Applicants apply to the WISc program as prospective first-year students as members of the WISc program; students commit to a common core of course work including a WISc seminar, a global comparative studies course, and four years of foreign language study while at UW. Through regular meetings and events, the program provides opportunities to discuss international issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.