The world-class faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Mechanical Engineering places an emphasis on teaching while conducting a broad range of research. As a student you will be immersed in hands-on learning—working in teams to design and build prototypes, solving real-world problems in real-world settings.
Program Overview
Experience the UW–Madison Mechanical Engineering Visiting International Student Program! As a participant you are guaranteed enrollment in a cohesive set of senior-level courses in our department. Additionally, you have access to the entire course catalog in the College of Engineering in order to put together a program that meets your needs.
VISP participants who successfully complete an academic year in our program and receive a grade of B or better in classes have the option to apply for preferred admission to the accelerated Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program.
Student Support
From the time you apply to the end of your stay, the VISP staff will be there to assist you. As a VISP participant you have full access to all academic and student support services, such as libraries, computer labs, clubs, and sports facilities; the opportunity to participate in VISP sponsored social and cultural events; and upon completion you will receive an official UW–Madison transcript.
Program Eligibility
Participants must meet the VISP eligibility criteria for admission into this program. Applicants to this Thematic Track should have at least completed their junior or senior level in their mechanical engineering curriculum. This Thematic Track admits students at the Undergraduate, Graduate, or Dissertator level.
Available Terms
Students can participate in the fall and/or spring semester as well as in the summer term.
Academics & Course Offerings
Spots for VISP students will be reserved in the courses listed below, though students can add or remove courses according to their interests and academic needs. Course descriptions can be found on the Mechanical Engineering course guide.
Fall Semester (September – December)
ME 370 Energy Systems Lab
ME 469 Internal Combustion Engines
ME 440 Intermediate VibrationsSpring Semester (January – May)
ME 368 Engineering Measurements & Instrumentation
ME 342 Design of Machine Elements
ME 461 Thermal Fluid System ModelingSummer Term (June – August)
ME 364 Elementary Heat Transfer
ME 418 Engineering Design with Polymers
Cost of Attendance
Estimated cost of attendance information is available on the VISP website.
Application Instructions
Submit your VISP application and in your essay please include: “I am applying for the Mechanical Engineering VISP track.”
Questions? Please contact the VISP coordinators.
Interested in learning more?
Fill out this form to learn more about our non-degree programs.