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UTI Admissions Requirements
Getting started at Universal Technical Institute is simple—learn the admissions requirements, submit your application and start training for a hands-on career.
A New Career Path Starts Here
What You Need To Enroll
The UTI admissions requirements are straightforward. If you check off just one requirement in each category below, you're ready to move forward!
Previous Education:
- High School Diploma
- State-issued GED or equivalent exam.
- Successful completion of a postsecondary degree program.
- Successful completion of at least 60 semester/trimester or 72 quarter credit hours (without an associate degree).
- Successful completion of an officially recognized homeschooling program.
Age Requirement:
- 18 years or older
- At least 16 with a guardian signature
How To Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Meet the requirements and ready to apply? Follow these steps.
Meet Your Admissions Rep & Get Questions Answered
You’ll be assigned a dedicated representative who can help guide you through the process, determine eligibility and answer questions as they come up.
Request InfoComplete and Sign Your UTI Application
Once you know UTI is the school for you, your Admissions Rep will send you an electronic application and enrollment agreement to sign, or you can apply online. It takes just a few minutes! Be prepared with your high school diploma, GED or transcripts.
Apply HereRequest an FSA ID and Apply for Financial Aid
Visit the Federal Student Aid website and request a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). This will grant you access to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which helps determine your financial aid eligibility. For step-by-step instructions on how to complete a FAFSA, visit our financial aid page. You can also begin applying for other scholarships, grants or loans that can help cover tuition.
Create Account | Federal Student Aid**You have 72 hours from the time of enrollment to apply for the application to be valid.
Download the UTI Go App and Prepare for Your First Day
Download the UTI Go app and click the link for FUTURE STUDENT ACCESS where you’ll find a New Student Checklist with more details on next steps, like New Student Orientation!
At any point along the journey, you can schedule a campus tour where you’ll walk through labs, meet instructors and see learning in action.
Special Considerations
UTI admissions welcome students of all backgrounds. Here’s what you need to know if you have unique circumstances:
If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can substitute a GED certificate. Here’s how to get started with preparation, testing and resources.
Steps to Earning Your GED
Practice for the Test → Get prepared with official GED practice tests.
Find a Testing Location → Locate an official GED testing center near you.
Take the Test & Receive Your Results → Testing times and result processing vary by state.
Apply to UTI → Once you have your GED certificate, you’re eligible to apply to UTI!
GED Testing FAQs
Where do I take the GED test?
GED tests must be taken in person at an official testing center in your state—UTI does not offer GED testing.
How do I prepare for the GED test?
You can take in-person tutoring or enroll in online GED prep courses, which typically take 12-15 weeks.
How much does the GED test cost?
Costs and eligibility requirements vary by state—check with your local testing center for details.
How long does it take to get results?
You can usually view your results within 24 hours of taking the test.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the GED Testing Service website or search for “GED testing” in your state for local options.
Some campuses are approved to enroll non-immigrant (M-1 visa) students. If you are an international student, you must meet general admissions requirements and provide proof of M-1 visa status before registering. UTI does not sponsor or provide visa services, so it’s your responsibility to secure the required documentation. You must also show English proficiency during your admissions interview.
UTI is required to report students who receive an I-20 visa form but do not attend class as scheduled to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If a student does not follow attendance requirements, UTI may deny future I-20s or re-enrollment. Students are responsible for understanding and following all U.S. immigration rules, including:
- M-1 visa students cannot take a Leave of Absence.
- Students must notify UTI of any address changes within 10 days.
- Page 3 of Form I-20 contains important rules—students should review it carefully.
Hybrid Program Requirements for M-1 Students
M-1 students in hybrid programs must complete the online portion of their training on campus in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). The number of required in-person hours depends on the program. The LRC tracks completed hours to ensure compliance.
Employment & Practical Training
M-1 students are not allowed to work while enrolled at UTI. If you want to apply for Practical Training (PT) after graduation, you must contact the Designated School Official (DSO) in Student Services at least six months before graduating. You must apply before your UTI graduation date—students who have already graduated cannot apply.
Which UTI Campuses Accept M-1 Visa Students?
The following campuses are currently authorized to enroll M-1 visa students in select programs:
- Avondale
- Houston
- Lisle
- Miramar
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Sacramento
Required Documents for International Students
Before enrolling, you must submit the International Student Packet along with all required documents to ensure compliance with federal laws and U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations.
At UTI, student safety is a top priority. If you have a felony conviction or have pleaded guilty to a felony, your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis before acceptance.
Some convictions may prevent enrollment, while others may require further review.
Who is NOT Eligible for Admission?
UTI will not accept applicants who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty/no contest to:
- Violent crimes involving a weapon (felony).
- Sexual assault or any sex-related felony.
- Murder, attempted murder or manslaughter.
- Felony drug trafficking, manufacturing or distribution (within the last 15 years).
- Human trafficking (felony).
- Two or more felonies (unless the most recent is over 10 years old).
- Any felony within one year of expected enrollment.
- A felony that resulted in prison release within one year of enrollment.
Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed and may impact admission eligibility.
Pending Charges & Military Convictions
Applicants with pending felony charges must have a final legal resolution before their application is reviewed. Those with a military court conviction (e.g., general court-martial) will go through the same felony review process.
Applicants with pending felony charges must have a final legal resolution before their application is reviewed. Those with a military court conviction (e.g., general court-martial) will go through the same felony review process.
Criminal Background Review Process
Applications from individuals with felony convictions will be reviewed by UTI’s Centralized Review Committee.
UTI may conduct criminal background checks based on information provided during the admissions process.
If an applicant is denied admission due to their background, they will receive written notification.
Expectations for Current Students
If a currently enrolled student is charged with or convicted of a felony, violent crime or drug offense, they must immediately notify Financial Aid and Student Services.
Students who commit a qualifying offense after enrollment may face review and possible dismissal from UTI.
Drug-Free Campus Commitment
UTI enforces a Substance Abuse Prevention Policy, and all students must agree to abide by this policy as a condition of enrollment.
For any questions regarding criminal background reviews and eligibility, contact UTI’s Admissions Office
Frequently Asked Questions
No! UTI’s programs are designed for students of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or have some hands-on experience, you’re welcome to apply.
You are still eligible to enroll at UTI if you have a GED or an equivalent credential.
You can apply, but we will perform a review process to determine your eligibility. You’ll hear back from us within 48 hours after you submit your application. Visit the catalog for more information.
No, you do not have to take an entrance exam to enroll at UTI.
Yes, UTI accepts transfer credits from other accredited institutions. An Admissions Representative can help determine if they qualify or not.
UTI offers rolling start dates throughout the year so you can start when works best for you. When you apply, you’ll have an option to select your desired start date.
No, UTI does not have a minimum GPA requirement
Get on the Path Toward a Career
You could train for a hands-on career in just 7-24 months and begin preparing to pursue the career you want. Ready to get started?
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