University of Hawaii Manoa
Hawaii's global research hub, rooted in the Pacific.
📍 Honolulu, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #63 in United States · QS World #546 · THE World #251 · ARWU #301
Quick Facts about University of Hawaii Manoa
- Type: Public
- Students: 20,028
- International: 6%
- Campus: Urban
- Language: English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian
- Intakes: August, January
About University of Hawaii Manoa
Academics
UH Manoa is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields related to its unique island environment. Notable programs include oceanography, astronomy, marine biology, and Hawaiian, Pacific, and Asian studies. The university also excels in international business and tropical agriculture. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:12, students benefit from close interaction with experienced professors. The university offers a comprehensive range of courses in literary and cultural studies, composition, rhetoric, and creative writing.
International Students
UH Manoa is a popular choice for international students, with approximately 1,083 international students reported in 2020. The International Student Services (ISS) office provides comprehensive support, including advising on F-1 and J-1 visa statuses, employment authorization, health insurance, and tax information. While specific English-taught program lists are not explicitly detailed beyond general course offerings, the university does offer intensive English language programs through its New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) program, designed to help non-native speakers prepare for academic study. The campus embraces diversity, with international students contributing to a rich multicultural learning environment. The ISS also offers a mentor program to connect new international students with current ones, aiding in cultural adjustment.
Campus & Location
The UH Manoa campus is nestled in the lush Manoa Valley, just 8 miles from Honolulu International Airport, 4 miles from downtown Honolulu, and 2.5 miles from Waikiki. The 320-acre campus features a Japanese garden with a teahouse and koi pond, as well as a traditional Thai open pavilion. Public transportation, known as TheBus, serves the campus with stops at Sinclair Circle and other nearby locations. Beyond the campus, students can explore attractions like Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Bishop Museum.
Career Outcomes
UH Manoa graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with 93.5% employed one year after graduation, according to a 2020 report. The Shidler College of Business reported a 91% employment rate for its Bachelor of Business Administration graduates within three months of graduation between 2022 and 2024. The university's Career Services offer extensive support, including resume reviews, workshops, career fairs, and individual counseling to help students secure internships and jobs. UH Manoa also maintains partnerships with local employers, providing access to opportunities in diverse industries such as tourism, renewable energy, and marine sciences. Graduates in nursing, computer science, and business-related fields often see promising salaries.
Information for International Students at University of Hawaii Manoa
University of Hawaii Manoa in Honolulu, United States welcomes international students, with 6% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 6% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Teaching languages: English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian
Admissions Requirements for University of Hawaii Manoa
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Hawaii Manoa:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- Duolingo minimum: 95
- GPA minimum: 2.8
- Application fee: $70
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: March 1 (Fall)
Programs at University of Hawaii Manoa (17 programs)
University of Hawaii Manoa offers 17 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (7)
- Nursing (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students for professional nursing practice, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention in diverse healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Administrator - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn fundamental principles of computing, algorithms, data structures, and software development, preparing them for careers in technology and further graduate studies.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst - Astronomy (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of celestial objects, phenomena, and the universe, covering topics from planetary science to cosmology.
Field: Astronomy
Career outcomes: Astronomer, Research Scientist, Educator - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior and mental processes, covering topics like cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant - Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English
Students analyze political systems, institutions, and behaviors, covering areas such as international relations, comparative politics, and public policy.
Field: Political Science
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Lobbyist, Journalist, Government Official - Art (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore various artistic mediums and techniques, developing creative expression and critical thinking skills in areas such as painting, sculpture, and digital art.
Field: Art
Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator, Curator - Marine Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study marine organisms, their ecosystems, and the environmental factors affecting them, with a focus on conservation and research in oceanic environments.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Marine Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Aquarist
Master Programs (6)
- Law (JD) — 36 months · English
The Juris Doctor program provides rigorous legal education, preparing students for careers in law, public service, and various legal fields.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Counsel, Policy Analyst - English (MA) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced study in literature, critical theory, rhetoric, and creative writing, fostering analytical and communication skills.
Field: English
Career outcomes: Educator, Writer, Editor, Communications Specialist - Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · STEM
The Master of Public Health program focuses on preventing disease, promoting health, and improving the well-being of populations through various public health disciplines.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Public Health Analyst, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Program Manager - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English
The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice, focusing on direct service, community organizing, and social justice advocacy.
Field: Social Work
Career outcomes: Licensed Social Worker, Counselor, Program Manager, Advocate - Music (MA) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced study in music performance, composition, musicology, and ethnomusicology, fostering scholarly and artistic development.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Musician, Composer, Music Educator, Music Therapist - Economics (MA) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program provides advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and policy analysis, preparing students for careers in research, government, and business.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor, Data Analyst
PhD Programs (4)
- Civil Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
Doctoral candidates conduct in-depth research in areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, transportation, and geotechnical engineering, contributing to infrastructure development.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Civil Engineer, Research Scientist - Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in tropical agriculture, horticulture, and soil science, addressing issues of food security, sustainable land management, and plant biotechnology.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: University Professor, Agricultural Researcher, Agronomist - Geology and Geophysics (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program involves advanced research into Earth's processes, structure, and history, including volcanology, seismology, and environmental geology.
Field: Geology
Career outcomes: Geologist, Geophysicist, Research Scientist - Chemistry (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
Doctoral research in chemistry covers areas such as organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, contributing to scientific advancements and technological innovation.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Research Chemist, University Professor, Pharmaceutical Scientist
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Hawaii Manoa
✅ University of Hawaii Manoa offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Hawaii Manoa
- National Ranking: #63 in United States
- QS World University Ranking: #546
- Times Higher Education (THE): #251
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #301
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at University of Hawaii Manoa
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Flagship campus, Hawaii system
- Strong oceanography, astronomy programs
- Vibrant international student community
- Lush Manoa Valley campus location
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- AACSB International (Shidler College of Business)
Notable Alumni
- Bette Midler
- Daniel Inouye
- Patsy Mink
- Barack Obama Sr.
- Ann Dunham Soetoro
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Hawaii Manoa
What is University of Hawaii Manoa?
University of Hawaii Manoa is a public university located in Honolulu, United States. It has approximately 20,028 students, with 6% being international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Hawaii Manoa?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 61. Duolingo minimum: 95. GPA minimum: 2.8. Application fee: $70. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: March 1 (Fall).
What language are courses taught in at University of Hawaii Manoa?
Courses at University of Hawaii Manoa are taught in English and Hawaiian and Japanese and Korean and Chinese and Tagalog and French and Spanish and German and Italian and Portuguese and Russian. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does University of Hawaii Manoa offer?
University of Hawaii Manoa offers 17 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 6 Master's, and 4 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Hawaii Manoa ranked?
#63 in United States · QS World #546 · THE World #251 · ARWU #301.
Does University of Hawaii Manoa offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Hawaii Manoa offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Hawaii Manoa provide visa support?
Yes, University of Hawaii Manoa provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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