The University of Nevada, Reno opened in Elko in 1874 and moved to Reno in 1885. Its oldest buildings frame the Quad, a tree-lined lawn modelled on Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia. It's Nevada's land-grant university, and the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering is among its best-known schools. New tech and logistics employers east of the city have brought more jobs within reach.
Reno, Nevada, United States
Official website: unr.edu
1874
Public land-grant research university
Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering
NCAA Division I Wolf Pack
$25,000 – $30,000
Non-resident students, undergraduate and graduate
$13,000 – $16,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on unr.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science and Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MS Mining Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science and Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Mining and earth sciences through the Mackay School.
A historic Quad modelled on Jefferson's University of Virginia.
Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada under an hour away.
Engineering graduates join tech, manufacturing and logistics firms around Reno.
Mining graduates work in Nevada's gold mines, among the most productive in the US.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is just north of downtown Reno, within walking distance of the Riverwalk and the bars and restaurants along the Truckee River. Most students get around on foot, by bike or on the bus.
Reno is dry and sunny, with four seasons and snow in the hills. North Lake Tahoe is about 45 minutes away for skiing and summer beaches, and rent is below California levels.
Form I-20 issued by University of Nevada Reno
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
The university reviews undergraduate applications on a rolling basis; international students should apply by about May for fall and October for spring. Graduate deadlines vary by programme.
Most programmes start in fall (August) or spring (January).
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of Nevada Reno first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computer science and engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering and the MBA are popular. Undergraduates need school grades and IELTS 6.0; graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
Yes. The university offers merit scholarships to international undergraduates, and many graduate students receive teaching or research assistantships.
