The Mathematics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the leading institutions in the United States for research in mathematics, encompassing both pure and applied mathematics. Informally, the department is organized into seven overlapping research groups: (1) Algebra, Algebraic Geometry, Combinatorics, and Number Theory (2) Analysis (3) Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems (4) Probability (5) Applied and Computational Mathematics (6) Topology and Geometry (7) Logic. The department maintains high standards in teaching and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in all of these areas.
Program Overview
The Department of Mathematics invites international students to take a variety of courses in mathematics within our highly ranked department.
After their first year as a non-degree visiting student, VISP students have the option to apply to continue their studies in the Mathematics Masters of Arts – Foundations of Advanced Studies graduate degree program. Those intending to apply may be able to take some MA course requirements as a VISP student. However, admission to the graduate program is a separate admissions process and is not to be considered a guaranteed element of the VISP thematic track program offering. Questions regarding admission to the graduate program should be addressed to xin.cui-dowling@wisc.edu.
Eligibility
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Math Background Requirements
Applicants to this Thematic Track must have completed at least two of the following classes:
- Linear Algebra (Math 341 or equiv.)
- Analysis I (Math 521 or equiv.)
- Modern Algebra I (Math 541 or equiv.)
- Elementary Topology (Math 551 or equiv.)
If you aren’t sure if you meet these requirements, please contact the Mathematics Department for assistance. Course descriptions can be found on the Mathematics course guide.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Non-native speakers of English and those who have not recently studied at a university where English was the language of instruction must provide language proficiency test scores showing scores at or equal to the following:
Traditional Test Options:
IELTS: Minimum of 6.5
TOEFL: Minimum of 80 (iBT) / 550 (PBT)
Online Test Options:
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 120
GPA Requirements
Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum grade point average (GPA) equivalent at home university of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an 80 on a 100 scale. View this international grade conversion guide and contact us if you have any questions.
Application Process(Fall 2026)
The application is a two-step process. First, you need to be admitted by the Math Department, then you will be recommended to the VISP office to complete your admission process. Please see detailed instructions on the application process and materials below:
Step 1: Submit your application to your home university coordinator or submit it online : go.wisc.edu/y94hoj
Deadline: Marth 15, 2026
- Personal Statement: Please introduce yourself in your personal statement, including why you are interested in this program, what would you like to learn from attending this program, which research area you are interested in, etc. If you have some special reason for low grades in certain math classes, this is a good place to explain.
- Resume/CV: Please include your contact information, including your email address, and WeChat ID. List your GPA and all the Math courses you have taken, Math books you have read, or any Math projects you were involved in.
- Official or unofficial university transcripts
- English proficiency exam scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo).
You will be notified once you have been admitted to the Math department, and then you will receive an email with instructions to submit additional materials to the VISP office.
Step 2: Submit your application to the VISP office
- Official university transcripts. You don’t need to submit your official transcript to the VISP office if you have already provided it to the Math department.
- Passport information page
- Financial support documents
- English proficiency exam scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo). You don’t need to submit the scores to the VISP office if you have already provided it to the Math department.
Key Contact:
- Tonghai Yang, Director of VISP/MA-FAS, Department of Mathematics, thyang@math.wisc.edu
- Xin Cui-Dowling, Program Manager of VISP/MA-FAS, Department of Mathematics, xin.cui-dowling@wisc.edu
Partner Universities(updated Sep.2025)
- Tongji University
- Zhejiang University
- University of Science and Technology
- Nankai University
- Shanghai Jiaotong University
- Beijing Normal University
- East China Normal University
- Nanjing University
- Shandong University
- Wuhan University
- Soochow University
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Southeast University
