Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions

Who can apply to the Hindi Urdu Flagship Program?

This program is designed for Hindi-Urdu language learners determined to achieve superior language proficiency for use in their future careers. Applicants should have high language-learning ability, a strong scholastic background, a determination to succeed in an exciting and demanding program of study, and an interest in the culture and contemporary life of South Asia. Applicants are usually high-school seniors applying for undergraduate admission to UT Austin. Applications by transfer students, current UT freshmen and sophomores are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can international students apply to the UT Flagship program?

Yes, UT Flagship Program welcomes all promising students regardless of background. However, the Flagship Program is clearly not designed for native speakers of Hindi or Urdu who grew up in South Asia. In addition, much of the scholarship funding is available only for U. S. citizens or permanent residents.

What is the procedure for applying for admission to the program?

Simply fill out our online Flagship application. If you have not already done so, apply for undergraduate admission to UT. The deadline for undergraduate applications is February 1. For financial aid you should complete and submit the UT financial aid form and apply for any scholarships for which you may be eligible. The deadline for UT financial aid applications is December 1. Flagship students will be considered for supplementary Flagship scholarships on a competitive basis.

What are the criteria for selection?

The selection of candidates will be made on the basis of their academic record, teacher recommendations, and language aptitude.

Does the admissions process include an interview?

Yes, an interview conducted either in person or by telephone will be used to assess your spoken proficiency in Hindi or Urdu.

How many students will be accepted in the program each year?

The Hindi Urdu Flagship plans to admit 20 students per year.

Can graduate students enroll in the program?

No, the program is designed for undergraduate students only.

Can I apply to the program if I am a current student at UT? Can I transfer from other schools to the UT Flagship program?

Yes, this may be possible in principle, though each case will have to be considered on its own merits. If you would like to pursue this fill out our online application and the Flagship staff will contact you.

I am already fluent in Hindi; is direct entry to the second year permitted?

Not normally, we require all students to go through the full four years of the program to ensure that they have a solid basis in both Hindi and Urdu. But if you feel that you have special qualifications, you should contact the Flagship staff (hindiurdu@austin.utexas.edu) for individual advice.

I speak Hindi/Urdu quite fluently but cannot read or write. Is this a problem?

No, it is expected that most entering Flagship students will not be proficient in either Hindi or Urdu scripts. The first-year course is designed to accommodate such students.