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Non-Degree Enrollment

Who Can Enroll

Students take credit courses through UW Non-Degree Enrollment for many reasons, including to:

  • Prepare for graduate school at the UW or elsewhere
  • Meet admission requirements for the UW or another school
  • Build professional skills for career advancement
  •  “Test drive” a different field of study
  • Get a feel for what UW courses and the UW experience are like

Eligibility

Almost anyone can take a UW credit course through Non-Degree Enrollment, provided they get instructor and departmental approval and there’s space in the course. Because matriculated students — those officially enrolled in a UW degree program — are given priority in course registration, non-degree students are enrolled in courses on a space-available, standby basis. Learn more about registration.

There are additional requirements for international and high school students: 

International Students

If you are an international student, you may only take courses through Non-Degree Enrollment if you already have a current, valid I-20 from Continuum College/UW Professional & Continuing Education or another school and plan to take classes at the UW while maintaining your F-1 status at that other school. We are unable to issue I-20s for Non-Degree Enrollment.

High School Students

Any high school student may enroll in a course through Non-Degree Enrollment. However, high school students who are under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a Under 18 Notice - Acknowledgment Form. This form may be downloaded and submitted together with the NM Student Registration and Approval forms.

Other UW Programs

These other UW programs may be of interest:

  • UW Summer Sessions: Unlike Non-Degree Enrollment, in Summer Sessions you can register for UW credit courses without the need for instructor and department approval.
  • ACCESS Program:  If you’re 60 years of age or older and a Washington resident, you can audit University of Washington credit courses through the ACCESS program.
  • Tuition Exemption: Certain UW and Washington state employees are eligible to take courses through the Tuition Exemption program. If you fall into this category, don’t register through Non-Degree Enrollment; you’ll find special registration instructions on the Tuition Exemption web site.