Becoming a Visiting Student Is Simpler Than You Think
No complicated admissions process. No waiting months for a decision. Apply online, talk to an advisor, and start taking classes on campus.
Three Simple Steps to BYU Classes
Getting from application to classroom is easier than you think.
Apply Online
Free application. Takes about 10 minutes. You'll self-report your academic history — no transcripts required at this stage.
- Provide academic history
- Complete your Ecclesiastical Endorsement — all BYU students, including visiting students, complete an ecclesiastical endorsement. We'll walk you through what this means and how to do it.
Learn More - Submit
Talk to an Advisor
Once approved, you'll connect with an advisor who helps you identify the right courses and plan your schedule.
Enroll and Attend Class
Register for courses and start attending. You're officially a BYU student.
What to Have Ready When You Apply
For the Application
- Your previous degree information (school, graduation year, major) or current enrollment status
- About 10 minutes of uninterrupted time
- That's it — no transcripts, no essays, no application fee
For Your Endorsement
- Contact information for your bishop, branch president, or religious leader
- If you're not affiliated with a religious community, we'll connect you with a BYU chaplain
For Your Advisor Meeting
- A general sense of your goals (grad school prep, career change, personal interest)
- Any specific course requirements you're aware of (we can help identify these too)
- Any questions or concerns, advisors are there to help sort them out
What's an Ecclesiastical Endorsement?
BYU is a university with a mission grounded in faith. All students — including visiting students — complete an ecclesiastical endorsement, which confirms your willingness to live by BYU's Honor Code while enrolled.
How to get your endorsement:
If you’re a Latter-day Saint
Meet with your bishop or branch president. The process is automated through the Church's system.
If you have another faith
You have two options:
- Meet with a leader from your own religious community. They'll complete the endorsement, which goes to the BYU chaplain for final approval.
- Find your geographically assigned LDS bishop, complete the endorsement with them, and it routes to the BYU chaplain.
If you have no religious affiliation
Connect with a BYU chaplain directly to complete the endorsement process.
The process is straightforward, and our team can answer any questions along the way.
Our Deadlines Are More Flexible Than You'd Expect
Unlike traditional university admissions, BYU Visiting Students doesn't operate on a single high-stakes deadline. We have priority deadlines for each semester, but we often work with students beyond those dates when circumstances allow.
Fall Semester
Accepting Applications
Apply now for the most course options
Winter Semester
Opens Soon
Dates announced in the Fall
Spring/Summer Terms
Opens Soon
Dates announced in the Winter
Missed a priority deadline? Reach out anyway. We may still be able to help you enroll.
Common Questions About the Process
Most applications are reviewed and approved within one to three business days after being submitted.
We use a self-reported application process. You'll tell us about your academic background, and we take you at your word.
Yes. Many students apply first and then work with an advisor to identify the right courses. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start.
No. The application is completely free.
Yes. You can apply well in advance, for example, apply for Fall in February even though enrollment doesn't open until June. Early applicants are ready to register as soon as enrollment begins ensuring you have the most course options to choose from.
Yes. You can apply well in advance, for example, apply for Fall in February even though enrollment doesn't open until June. Early applicants are ready to register as soon as enrollment begins ensuring you have the most course options to choose from.
If desired, you can meet with an advisor to plan your courses. Otherwise, you can start course registration on MyMAP and attend courses once they start.
If you're an international student already in the United States on a valid visa from another institution, you may be able to take courses with us while on a leave of absence. However, BYU Visiting Students cannot provide visa sponsorship or immigration paperwork. Talk to an advisor about your specific situation.
Ready to Get Started?
The application takes about 10 minutes. It's free.
And it's the first step toward taking the classes
you need at BYU.
Free, about 10 minutes — no transcripts required
