Returning Graduate and Professional Students

Students who were previously enrolled in a graduate degree program at the University of Iowa and wish to resume their studies can follow the instructions outlined below. The application process will vary depending on the length of time the student has been absent from the university.

Resuming study in the same degree program you left (for College of Public Health, see below)

  • If absent from the university for less than three consecutive academic sessions (including spring, summer, and fall; excluding the winter session), contact your departmental adviser.
  • If you have been absent more than 12 months, complete the Application for Readmission to a Graduate Program.
  • If you are resuming study in the College of Public Health, see special instructions below.

Applying to a program in a different academic department or changing your degree objective

  • If you have been absent from the university for less than three consecutive academic sessions (spring, summer, and fall; excluding the winter session) and want to apply to a different graduate program (or seek a different degree objective) than the one you left, contact that department.
  • If you have been absent more than three consecutive academic sessions and want to apply to a different graduate program (or change your degree objective in the same area of study), complete the Application for Readmission to a Graduate Program.

Switching from a graduate program to a professional program

  • Complete a new application for admission to the professional degree program, regardless of how long you have been absent from the university.
  • Review the list of Graduate & Professional Degree Programs to determine the admission requirements for the degree you seek.

Resuming Study in the College of Public Health graduate programs

Professional Students: Resuming study in the MD, DDS, JD, MPH, or LLM program

  • If you have been absent from the university for less than one year, contact the College of Medicine (MD candidates), College of Dentistry (DDS candidates), College of Public Health (MPH), or the College of Law (JD and LLM candidates).
  • If you have been absent from the university for more than one year, contact the appropriate college and complete Residency Review for Returning Students.