Skip to content

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, United States

Estimate total cost
university Grade B++ Study in United States →
Official site ↗
World rank #521
Tuition from ₹15.85 L per year, 4 courses
Courses 3
Founded 1917
Students 6601

About University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a land-sea-space grant institution in Alaska, United States. As the leading doctoral research university in Alaska, it hosts 7,400+ students across 7 campuses. UAF Alaska offers students a unique and world-class study experience in Arctic research and STEM courses. The university is divided into 9 schools and colleges that deliver 200+ degrees to students from 51 countries (including India). Alaska University Fairbanks is also home to 10 athletic teams that compete as part of the NCAA Division I against athletes from other colleges and universities in the United States.

The university gives a large importance to research across areas like Agriculture, Geophysics, Arctic Biology, and Marine Science. Per official sources, 48% of all UG students who received a UG degree also completed a research, thesis, or honors project. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Acceptance Rate for Indian Students ranges between 62% and 65%, per unofficial sources.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Key Facts

Some key figures related to studies at UAF Alaska are mentioned below:

Fact Validation
Total Students Enrolled 7,486 from 52 US states and 51 countries
Percentage of UG Students 86%
Percentage of PG Students 14%
Percentage of International Students 3%
Average High School GPA 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
Degrees Granted 1,136
Colleges and Schools
  • College of Business and Security Management
  • College of Engineering and Mines
  • College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • College of Indigenous Studies
  • Community and Technical College
  • Graduate School
  • School of Education
University of Alaska Fairbanks Latest Factbook

University of Alaska Fairbanks History

A bill signed by Alaska Territorial Gov. John Strong led to the start of the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, today's University of Alaska. The college opened in 1922 with 7 faculty members and 6 students, which eventually grew to 15 by the end of the academic year. It played a key role in the Statehood movement of the 1950s. By 1981, enrollment reached 5,000 students. In 1991, NASA named UAF a Space Grant institution for Aerospace research.

Check out the videos below to know more about studies in the United States:

  • UAF is accepting Indian student applications for the upcoming Spring intake
  • Deadline to apply for most courses is Sep 1, 2026

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Master's (4)

CourseDurationTuition
MBA 1 year ₹31.7 L
MS in Computer Science 2 years ₹15.85 L
MS in Electrical Engineering 2 years ₹16.9 L
MS in Mechanical Engineering 18 months - 24 months ₹18.11 L

At a glance

Type
Public
Living expenses
UG USD 11,200 / PG USD 14,030
Course duration
18 months - 2 years
Campuses
7
Campus size
2250

Rankings

World rank#521
In United States#163
Overall gradeB++
SubjectGradeRankOther tables
Biology C++ #116 THE #501

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNot required
  • LORNeeded for all courses
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for all courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • No Fees

Type of deadline

  • Regular

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Fall1ˢᵗ Jun 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Mar 2024
  • Spring1ˢᵗ Sep - 15ᵗʰ Oct 2023
  • Summer1ˢᵗ May 2023

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Not available.

Careers service ↗

Campuses

Troth Yeddha Campus Main

Northwest Campus

P.O. Box 400, Nome, AK 99762

Campus page ↗

Bristol Bay Campus

Chukchi Campus

Community & Technical College Campus

Interior Alaska Campus

Kuskokwim Campus

Campus page ↗

Scholarships at University of Alaska Fairbanks

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

Amberscholar Scholarship both

Amount: ₹47.13 L · Deadline: 2026-08-31

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

About University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a land-sea-space grant institution in Alaska, United States. As the leading doctoral research university in Alaska, it hosts 7,400+ students across 7 campuses. UAF Alaska offers students a unique and world-class study experience in Arctic research and STEM courses. The university is divided into 9 schools and colleges that deliver 200+ degrees to students from 51 countries (including India). Alaska University Fairbanks is also home to 10 athletic teams that compete as part of the NCAA Division I against athletes from other colleges and universities in the United States.

The university gives a large importance to research across areas like Agriculture, Geophysics, Arctic Biology, and Marine Science. Per official sources, 48% of all UG students who received a UG degree also completed a research, thesis, or honors project. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Acceptance Rate for Indian Students ranges between 62% and 65%, per unofficial sources.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Key Facts

Some key figures related to studies at UAF Alaska are mentioned below:

Fact Validation
Total Students Enrolled 7,486 from 52 US states and 51 countries
Percentage of UG Students 86%
Percentage of PG Students 14%
Percentage of International Students 3%
Average High School GPA 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
Degrees Granted 1,136
Colleges and Schools
  • College of Business and Security Management
  • College of Engineering and Mines
  • College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • College of Indigenous Studies
  • Community and Technical College
  • Graduate School
  • School of Education
University of Alaska Fairbanks Latest Factbook

University of Alaska Fairbanks History

A bill signed by Alaska Territorial Gov. John Strong led to the start of the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, today's University of Alaska. The college opened in 1922 with 7 faculty members and 6 students, which eventually grew to 15 by the end of the academic year. It played a key role in the Statehood movement of the 1950s. By 1981, enrollment reached 5,000 students. In 1991, NASA named UAF a Space Grant institution for Aerospace research.

Check out the videos below to know more about studies in the United States:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Scholarships for Indian Students

UAF Alaska offers several financial aid options to Indian students based on academic-merit and financial need. This includes the Nanook Pledge Scholarship (INR 4.7 Lakhs - INR 11.3 Lakhs) off tuition costs per year, and the Nanook Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship (INR 94 K - INR 4.7 Lakhs) off tuition fees per year. Listed below are some popular Alaska Fairbanks University Scholarships for Indian Students:

Scholarship Benefits Eligibility Criteria
Nanook Pledge Scholarship
  • USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 (INR 4.7 Lakhs to INR 11.3 Lakhs) off tuition costs per year for first-year students
  • USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 (INR 94 K to INR 4.7 Lakhs) off tuition costs annually for transfer students
  • Renewable for up to 4 years
  • Maintain a strong high school or college GPA (3.2 to 3.8 or more on a 4.0 scale)
  • Apply to a UG degree and submit high school transcripts
  • Meet Satisfactory academic progress (GPA of 2.0+ and over 67% attendance) to renew
Alaska Adventure Scholarship
  • USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 (INR 94 K to INR 2.8 Lakhs) per year for first-year students
  • USD 500 (INR ) per year for transfer students
  • Renewable for up to 4 years
  • Strong high school or college GPA (2.5 or above)
  • Apply for a bachelor's degree
  • Submit high school transcripts
  • For non-resident, soon-to-be-adventurers
  • Meet SAP (GPA of 2.0+ and over 67% attendance) for renewal
Nanook Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship
  • USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 (INR 94 K to INR 4.7 Lakhs) per year for up to 4 years
  • First-year student applying for full-time studies (12+ credits) at the UG level for the Fall intake
  • Enrolled in a UG degree in Art, Music, or Theatre & Film
  • Show talent and potential to do well in fine or performing arts

University of Alaska Fairbanks Courses for Indian Students

Alaska University Fairbanks (UAF) offers over 210+ degrees and certificates across 100+ disciplines to Indian students. Several University of Alaska Fairbanks Programs across fields like Engineering and Science come with the option of internship and research opportunities during the program itself to give students the chance to gain hands-on experience. The university operates on a semester-based system with 15-week semesters.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Popular Courses Among Indian Students

STEM courses are popular among Indian students, usually for the 3-year OPT Extension after studies. Listed below are some of the standout courses pursued by students at UAF Alaska:

UAF University Online Courses

The university offers several distance learning courses via the UAF eCampus. These allow working professionals or students to complete their studies without coming to the US and are also more affordable. Some popular online course options for Indian students at Uni Alaska Fairbanks are listed below:

  • MBA in General Management
  • Master of Security and Disaster Management
  • MA in Administration of Justice
  • Master of Education in Special Education

University of Alaska Fairbanks Notable Alumni

UAF Alaska has produced several influential people across areas like politics, science, and athletics. This includes James Wickersham (former district judge of Alaska), Sven Haakanson (Anthropologist), and Pat Pitney (President of the University of Alaska System). Given below is some more about them and some others who are part of the Alaska University Fairbanks Notable Alumni:

Name Profession and Achievements Alumnus
Pat Pitney
  • American University Administrator
  • Olympic Gold Medalist (1964, Air Rifle) and current president of the University of Alaska system
  • Pursued an MBA
Michael Sfraga
  • American Geographer
  • US Ambassador for Arctic Affairs
  • Pursued a PhD in Northern Studies and Geography
Mary Peltola
  • American Politician and Former Tribal Judge
  • Former US Representative from Alaska's congressional district
Tom Emmer
  • American Attorney, Lobbyist, and Politician
  • Played Hockey for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks

University of Alaska Placements

UAF provides paid on-campus jobs to Indian students in the form of assistantships across libraries and administrative offices. Graduate students find jobs across sectors like Arctic Research, Engineering, Mining, and Fishery Sciences. Students on a J-1 visa (for exchange visitor programs) also get internships and placement opportunities.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Placement Rate

The university is yet to release the exact figures regarding what percentage of its graduates were able to land full-time roles after completing their studies. However, given below is a breakdown of the top sectors that employ Alaska University Fairbanks graduates:

Sector UAF Graduates Employed
Business Development 11.5%
Operations 10.4%
Education 9%
Engineering 7.1%
Research 4.9%

Source: Unofficial

UAF Average Graduate Salary

Median salary earned by Alaska Fairbanks University graduates is USD 40,746 (INR 38.35 Lakhs) according to US News.

1 USD = INR 94.1

University of Alaska Fairbanks Fees for Indian Students 2026

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tuition Fees for Indian students planning to enrol in a 4-year UG program (12 credits) are USD 12,180 (INR 11.45 Lakhs) per semester. For Master's programs (9 credits), students have to pay USD 11,538 (INR 10.85 Lakhs) per semester during the 2026-27 academic session. Other than the Alaska University Fairbanks Fees for Indian students, they also need to keep a budget in place for the Basic student fees that includes infra fee, the bookstore bundle fee, the matriculation fee, and the parking permit fee.

Special Tuition Fee Discount for Indian Students from Pune

Pune is one of the Sister Cities and Provinces at UAF Alaska. This means Indian students from Pune can pay the resident tuition fee rate paid by local students. The UAF Fairbanks tuition fee for students from Pune is USD 4,692 (INR 4.4 Lakhs) per semester for UG students and USD 5,922 (INR 5.57 Lakhs) per semester for PG students.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Cost of Attendance for Indian Students

Check the table below for a detailed cost of attendance breakdown for Indian students at Alaska University Fairbanks:

Expense Type UG Students (Per Semester) PG Students (Per Semester)
Tuition & Fees USD 12,180 USD 11,538
Housing and Food USD 6,750 USD 10,560
Books and Supplies USD 564 USD 564
Personal Expenses USD 1,250 USD 1,250
Transportation USD 500 USD 500
Total Per Semester Cost USD 21,244 (INR 20 Lakhs) USD 24,412 (INR 23 Lakhs)

1 USD = INR 94.07

Introduction

  • UAF is accepting Indian student applications for the upcoming Spring intake
  • Deadline to apply for most courses is Sep 1, 2026

University of Alaska Fairbanks Admission Process for Indian Students 2026

Indian students interested in higher studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) need to provide WES-evaluated secondary school and/or university transcripts, prove English proficiency for the specific course, and pay the standard application fee (USD 50 or INR 4.7 K for UG and USD 75 or INR 7 K for PG) to complete the University of Alaska Fairbanks Application Process.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Application Deadline for Indian Students 2026

Indian students need to submit a completed online application directly via the UAF online application portal by the deadlines mentioned below:

Intake Application Deadline
Spring Semester Sep 1, 2026
Fall Semester Mar 1, 2027

Note: Some PG courses may have earlier deadlines. Students should check the deadline for their specific programs on the official university website.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Indian students should also provide the list of documents and satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirement for any of the test scores mentioned below:

Required UG Courses PG Courses
Documents Required
  • Certified and official academic transcripts
  • Copy of Passport ID page
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Competitive Test Scores Accepted
  • SAT (Optional)
  • ACT (Optional)
  • GRE
  • GMAT
English Proficiency Requirements
  • TOEFL - 79
  • IELTS - 6.5
  • PTE Academic - 55
  • Duolingo English Test - 100 (for UG), 120 (for PG)

1 USD = INR 94.09

University of Alaska Fairbanks Ranking 2026

The University of Alaska in Fairbanks ranks among the top 150 universities in the United States, as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings. The university ranks #143 in the US. It also ranks just outside the top 500 universities in the world. The University of Alaska Fairbanks World Ranking 2026 is #518. Mentioned below is how UAF Alaska fares against other colleges and universities in the USA, as part of the subject rankings given by Shiksha:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Course Name Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (USA)
MS #634 #229
BBA - #258

By Other Ranking Bodies

Alaska University Fairbanks finds itself part of the latest university rankings given by popular platforms like US News and THE. Here is how the university performs across these platforms:

  • UAF Alaska ranks #395 among National Universities in 2026 as part of the latest US News rankings
  • Times Higher Education ranks UAF Fairbanks #601 in the world in 2026

University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus Life for Indian Students

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a safe and simple campus life to Indian students. Everyone on-campus are very welcoming to Indian students, and the campus maintains all the essential services one would associate with an American university, including a Student Recreation Center, Living Learning Communities, housing and dining facilities, along with free laundry services.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus Locations

The Troth Yeddha Campus at 1731 South Chandalar Drive in Fairbanks is the main campus operated by UAF Alaska. Other campuses operated by the university are mentioned below:

UAF Alaska Campus Campus Location
Bristol Bay Campus Dillingham, Alaska
Chuckhi Campus Kotzebue, Alaska
Community & Technical College Fairbanks, Alaska
Kuskokwim Campus Bethel, Alaska
Northwest Campus Nome, Alaska

University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus Life for Indian Students

Mentioned below are some key features in the life of an Indian student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus:

  • Indian students take part in the cultural and social events organized by the Namaste Indian society at UAF. The society also helps students with the USA student visa, orientation, and cultural adjustment.
  • Students also join university research programs in areas like earth and social sciences, biology, and engineering. The College of Engineering and Mines also enrols a high number of Indian students.
  • Indian students get an interactive style of study as the UAF faculty uses case studies and research to explain concepts instead of just rote learning.
  • 400+ students live as part of the UAF residence halls. The university maintains separate living facilities for students with different needs. This includes dorms, apartments, family housing, and graduate student housing.

Common questions

Is the University of Alaska an R1 university?

No, the Alaska University Fairbanks is not an R1 university. It is an R2 research university that spends over USD 200 million in research every year. However, it is soon planning to join the 4% universities in the US with an R1 research rating.

As per UAF, the last 5 years have seen a 67% rise in R&D expenditures.

What is the minimum GPA Indian students need to study at the Alaska University in Fairbanks?

Uni of Alaska Fairbanks does not have strict GPA requirement for Indian students to meet. However, the Fall 2024 intake batch of students had an average high-school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.

Indian students should ideally target the same, or atleast a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to have a genuine chance of admission.

Is SAT or ACT mandatory for Indian students to get admission to the University of Alaska Fairbanks?

No, the Uni of Alaska does not require Indian students to submit SAT or ACT score for admission to UG courses. The university follows a test-optional policy. This means it is up to the students if they wish to submit either score or not.

Not submitting either score will not have any negative effect on a student's admission chances.

How do I receive an I-20 from UAF Alaska?

After receiving an admission offer, students have to provide a valid proof of financial support to the Office of Admissions. After proper verification of documents by UAF, the university will issue an<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/what-is-an-i-20-form-and-why-do-i-need-it-articlepage-2293" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> I-20 form</a>.

Students can then pay an fee to activate the SEVIS record and complete the DS-160 form for US student visa.

Can I transfer credits from my Indian university/college to UAF Alaska?

Yes, UAF does allow students to transfer credits from their Indian college/university. This requires a formal evaluation. The credits should be from recognised institutions, and students will need to provide a course-by-course evaluation from an NACES-approved service (such as WES).

Does UAF Alaska accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) from Indian students?

No, Uni of Alaska Fairbanks does not accept an MOI from Indian students. The university clearly states that TOEFL or IELTS requirement cannot be waived even if English was the language of instruction in the educational system.

Exceptions are only for native English speakers or students who have attended a regionally accredited US college or university.

What is the last date for Indian students to apply for scholarships at UAF Alaska?

Scholarship deadlines vary for different financial aid programs at UAF Alaska. For the Nanook Pledge and Alaska Adventure Scholarship, the deadline to apply is Jun 15, 2026 for the Fall intake and Nov 1, 2026 for Spring.

Nanook Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship deadline for Indian students is Nov 15, 2026 for Fall.

Where do I need to submit my scholarship application for UAF Fairbanks?

Scholarship application at UAF can be submitted via UA Online. Students usually need to submit documentation via the UAF website or designated digital portals for specific merit-based or need-based opportunities. 

Contacting the Financial Aid Office directly is also possible for specific instructions on submitting documents.

What are the common mistakes to avoid for University of Alaska Fairbanks scholarships?

Some common mistakes Indian students should ideally avoid before applying for financial aid at UAF are mentioned below:

  • Missing deadlines
  • Leaving fieds blank
  • Forgetting to attach mandatory transcripts
  • Failing to customize essays

To know more, check out - <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/common-mistakes-indian-students-make-while-applying-to-top-universities-abroad-articlepage-93071" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Common mistakes Indian students make while applying to Top Universities Abroad</a>

What is the Consolidated Fee at University of Alaska? Does it apply to Indian students?

The UAF consolidate fee is USD 56 (INR 5.2 K) per-credit charge. This covers student services at the UAF Alaska campus, including healthcare and technology.

The fee applies to all students (including Indians) taking credits at the university. The fee is charged every semester.

What is the late payment fee if I missed the deadline at UAF Alaska?

UAF Alaska usually charges USD 125 (INR 11.7 K) as the late fee for missing the initial tuition payment deadline. If a student misses any further payment deadlines, additional charges worth USD 175 (INR 16.4 K) apply for the same.

Students can use the Flywire platform to pay via credit/debit card, or bank transfer. 

Is there a payment plan available for Indian students to spread out the cost of studies at University of Alaska USA?

Yes, Indian students can pay their tuition in installments of up to 5 or 6 payments per semester at UAF Alaska. A USD 65 (INR 6.1 K) fee also applies to enrol in payment plan at UAlaska.

Contact one of our <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply/top-consultants-in-noida" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors </a>to know more or get FREE counseling.

Does UAF Alaska have night classes?

Yes, the Univ of Alaska (UAF) offers night classes at the UAF Community and Technical College. These are usually for working professionals.

These start after 5:20 pm on Tuesday/Thursday or after 5:50 pm on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Applied Business, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, and HR are popular subjects taught during the evening.

What is the student to teacher ratio at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

UAF Alaska has an student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1, making it one of the best universities in the US for personalised education. The faculty delivers 200+ degree courses to students across 9 schools and colleges at Uni of Alaska.

How do I find and register for online courses at UAF Alaska?

Students can visit the official UAF eCampus website (ecampus.uaf.edu) to find distance learning courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The registration is completed via UAOnline platform.

There students can register and choose classes by going to the "Student Services" section. Some UAF online courses are also available on platforms like edX.

Similar universities in United States

Nearest by ranking, so these are the ones you would realistically compare against.

All in United States →