We welcome you to apply to Gallaudet University as a  visiting, non-degree special, exchange or online special student .

Students who wish to study at Gallaudet University without formal admission may do so as a special non-degree student through our visiting, non-degree special, exchange, or online special programs. If special students later wish to apply for admission or transfer to the undergraduate program, they must satisfy the requirements for undergraduate admission.

Special students are not eligible for financial assistance from Gallaudet University. If you are a visiting or exchange student earning your degree from another college or university and receive financial aid from your institution, that aid may be applied to tuition here at Gallaudet. You should discuss your plans with the financial aid office at your home school before attending Gallaudet.

Special students taking more than 12 credits are welcome to live on campus.

Contact your Gallaudet admissions counselor if you have questions.

Please note: Because instruction in the classroom and communication on campus are conducted in American Sign Language, hearing special students are required to have a working knowledge of ASL. 

Application Requirements
  • To apply for admission, please go to Application Central and select the program and term you wish to apply for. 
  • Pay the $50 application fee.
  • One written essay; if you are a hearing applicant, you must submit a video essay in American Sign Language.
  • One letter of recommendation, from an academic teacher.
  • Obtain a verification letter from the college/university you are currently enrolled at. 
  • Complete an interview.

Contact your Gallaudet admissions counselor if you have questions.

Visiting Students

Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students currently enrolled at an accredited college, university or community college may take courses at Gallaudet and transfer all credits earned back to their home institutions. Visiting students must be a sophomore, junior or senior at their home institutions and must have a current GPA of at least 2.5 or higher. Visiting students are invited to attend Gallaudet for up to two semesters.

Exchange Students

Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students currently attending Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, or McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, may attend Gallaudet through the Exchange Student Program. Exchange students must be a junior or senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exchange students may attend Gallaudet for one semester.

Non-Degree Special Students

Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students who are not currently enrolled at another university and do not wish to work toward a degree may apply as non-degree special students. Application for undergraduate non-degree special status must be made each semester. Non-degree special students are not limited in the number of semesters they may attend Gallaudet.

Online Special Students

Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing adult learners who wish to take college courses online may apply as a non-degree online learner. Most online courses follow an accelerated eight-week format and are worth three semester credits. Such courses are generally offered six times a year. Application and a $50 fee for undergraduate online student status must be made each semester.

If a non-degree online learner intends to transfer Gallaudet credit to another institution of higher education, the learner is responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies of the other institution.

International Visiting Students

The International Special Student Program (ISSP) at Gallaudet University is a study program designed for people from outside the United States who are interested in studying at Gallaudet University for up to one year.