UTI Admission Requirements
Getting started at UTI may be simpler than you think. On this page, you’ll learn what you need to apply and start your training. If you have questions along the way, our Admissions team can help you understand the requirements and move forward with confidence.
Age Requirement
Be 18 or older, or at least 16 with guardian consent.
Education Requirement
A high school diploma, GED certificate or equivalent.23
No Entrance Exams
UTI does not require entrance exams, essays or ACT/SAT scores to apply and start.
No Minimum GPA
UTI does not require a minimum GPA to apply and start.
How Do I Apply To UTI
We’ve designed the application process at UTI to be as simple as possible. It just takes a few minutes to fill out our online form and we can begin processing your application. An Admissions Representative will be in touch within 24 hours and can answer any questions you may have.
What Do I Need To Enroll At UTI?
Most students will need to meet UTI’s age and education requirements. The sections below explain which documents are accepted, what special cases may need additional review and when your enrollment becomes official.
Not sure if you qualify? Don’t count yourself out. Our Admissions team can help you understand your options and next steps. Call 800-834-7308.
Key education requirement
To start at UTI, you’ll need:
Proof of education through high school, GED, college or homeschool records.
English language proficiency.
Review the sections below for accepted documents and additional details that may
apply to you.
Most students must provide proof of high school completion or equivalent credentials. The exact document depends on how and where you completed your education. Review the accepted options below.
Standards-based high school diploma recognized by the student's state (documented with a copy of the diploma, a transcript provided by the high school or a DD Form 214 showing verification of high school graduation). Diplomas and transcripts are evaluated upon receipt. UTI evaluates diplomas for validity and reserves the right not to accept those deemed invalid; or
State-issued GED or state-authorized equivalent exam; or
Successful completion of a degree program at the postsecondary level(associate degree and beyond proven by submission of a transcript from the college); or
Successful completion of at least 60 semester or trimester credit hours or 72 quarter credit hours that does not result in the awarding of an associate's degree (proven by submission of a transcript from the college); or
Successful completion of an officially recognized homeschooling program. The homeschooling documentation required by UTI for review varies based on state requirements.
If homeschooling was completed in a state that issues a secondary school completion credential, a copy of the credential is required.
If the state has no such requirements, additional documentation — including a transcript showing all courses, grades and graduation date, and a signed statement — must be submitted for review.
The campus Registrar or designee will review homeschool documents and notify the applicant if further documentation is required.
Important notes:
Students who attend UTI Mooresville are required to submit copies of their high school transcripts rather than copies of their high school diplomas to satisfy admissions requirements.
Students attending UTI Mooresville are required to submit copies of their GED transcripts rather than copies of their certification to satisfy admissions requirements.
Certificates of completion and special education diplomas: Students who have a certificate of high school completion or a special education diploma that did not meet all state standards-based requirements (i.e., completed all courses but did not pass testing) must provide a copy of a state-issued GED or state-authorized equivalent exam prior to starting class.
Foreign education: If you completed school outside the U.S., your documents may require a self-funded third-party evaluation before acceptance.
All instruction at UTI is in English. Prospective students can show English language proficiency through one of the following:
Graduation from a U.S. high school
Graduation from a high school in a country where English is the primary language or where English as a secondary language is mandatory.
A U.S. GED certificate or equivalent.
If documents aren’t available, proficiency is determined during the admissions interview process.
Note:
UTI does not offer English language proficiency testing or English language learning services.
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) may be required if fluency is unclear.
When is my enrollment complete?
Your enrollment is official once:
All requirements are met and verified by our team.
Your Enrollment Agreement is signed, reviewed and approved.
You may receive conditional acceptance, which means your spot is saved while your
documents are being reviewed.
The agreement also includes a binding arbitration clause, which means:
Any disputes are handled outside of court.
Certain legal rights are waived.
See the catalog for more information on the binding arbitration clause.
If you have questions, Student Services can help explain the next steps.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend UTI?
The cost of training depends on your program, campus and living circumstances. Calculate your estimated cost of attendance, then explore resources that can help make training more affordable.
Federal Aid
Pell Grants, student loans and Parent PLUS Loans may help eligible students with training costs.10
Learn MoreScholarships & Grants
In 2025, UTI awarded over $27M in scholarships and grants.10 Applying is easier than you might think!
Learn MoreVA Education Benefits & GI Bill®
Eligible service members and veterans may be able to use VA benefits for their training.20,21
Learn MoreTuition Reimbursement
Some employers may offer loan repayment assistance or other incentives to grads they hire.14
Learn MoreEarly Employment Program
Some students can pursue roles in the field before graduation and earn while they train.36
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
No. You do not need previous trade training or industry experience to attend UTI. Programs are designed to build your knowledge and hands-on skills from the ground up, preparing you to pursue trade roles after graduation.
Yes. You can begin the application and admissions process while you are still in high school.
You may receive conditional enrollment. This means you can move forward with the process while UTI waits for and reviews your final proof of graduation, which you must submit before starting your program.
Yes. You can begin the admissions process while you work toward earning your GED certificate. Before starting a program, you’ll need to submit a GED transcript or another form of education documentation accepted by UTI.
Resources are also available to help you prepare for the GED test and find a testing location.
Students who left UTI in good standing may be eligible to reapply. Student Services will help guide you through the re-enrollment process. Depending on your situation, you may be placed on a probation period or need to retake certain courses. Tuition and financial aid eligibility can also vary based on how long you’ve been out and your prior status.10
Connecting with Student Services is the best first step. Find the number to your campus’ Student Services department on the Contact Us Page.
The online application takes only a few minutes to complete, and an Admissions Representative will typically contact you within 24 hours.
The full process varies depending on how quickly your documents are submitted and reviewed. UTI recommends allowing at least 30 days for document evaluation.
In most cases, your high school can send your transcripts directly to UTI. Once you apply, you’ll be assigned an Admissions Rep who can guide you through this process step-by-step.
UTI’s core programs — the primary career training programs students enroll in first across areas like automotive, diesel, welding, aviation, HVACR and electrical — have the same general admissions requirements.79,130
Students who successfully complete a core automotive or diesel training program may then be eligible for optional manufacturer-specific advanced training.11 Some of these programs are paid for by the manufacturer and have additional eligibility requirements set by the manufacturer, which may include15
- U.S. citizenship or an eligible visa.
- A satisfactory GPA and attendance.
- A satisfactory interview with an advanced training manager.
- Drug testing, driving record or relocation readiness.
- No felony convictions.
- A commitment to work for the dealer for a fixed period of time.1
If you’re not enrolling in a full program, you’re considered a non-matriculating student which means:
- Proof of high school completion is not required.
- Federal financial aid is not available.
If you later enroll in a full program, all admissions requirements apply.
What Do Students and Graduates Say?
How Do I Get Started at UTI?
You don’t need every detail figured out before taking the first step. Start with the action that matches where you are today.
Talk to Admissions
Still have questions? Get clear on requirements, training options, class schedules and financial planning. We’ll help you understand your options and what to do next.
Get Admissions HelpStill have questions? Get clear on requirements, training options, class schedules and financial planning. We’ll help you understand your options and what to do next.
Get Admissions HelpStart Your Application
Ready to move forward? Apply online. You'll be assigned an Admissions Representative to help you provide your documents, complete enrollment and prepare for your first day.
Start Your ApplicationReady to move forward? Apply online. You'll be assigned an Admissions Representative to help you provide your documents, complete enrollment and prepare for your first day.
Start Your ApplicationComplete the FAFSA
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you qualify for aid.10 You can complete it before or after applying to UTI, and our Financial Aid team can help.
Get Help With FAFSASubmit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you qualify for aid.10 You can complete it before or after applying to UTI, and our Financial Aid team can help.
Get Help With FAFSAOther Admissions Resources
GED assistance
Find resources that can help you earn your GED certificate and take the next step.
Learn More