In its short history the University of Hawaii, Hilo has grown from humble beginnings as a vocational college to become an internationally respected university specializing in marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and Hawaiian studies. With an average temperature of 84-degrees, an island backdrop as close to paradise as they come, and blue waters all around, your study abroad experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.
University of Hawaii, Hilo Academic Program









About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Yuki Tanabe
I live in a university dormitory and have a large lounge on the ground floor where I do my homework and chat with my friends every day.
University of Hawaii, Hilo SAF Alumni

About the University
University of Hawaii at Hilo
A small university of a few thousand students, University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) has grown from humble beginnings as a vocational college to an internationally respected university specializing in marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and Hawaiian studies.
Hilo is the largest of Hawaii’s islands and is home to one of the most unique cultures in the world. The island's average temperature of 84 degrees makes study and life here a truly unforgettable experience.
Learn more at University of Hawaii at Hilo's official website.
Academics

University of Hawaii, Hilo's Academic Approach
You have an exciting range of options for length of study at University of Hawaii, Hilo. Surrounded by mountains, oceans, rainforest, and fields of lava, at Hawaii Hilo you are inspired to understand the world through courageous scholarship and care for the environment through accountable connection with the earth and the community it sustains.
Courses
You can register online before you arrive.
Course & Departmental Restrictions
You must meet prerequisites. If you can provide a description of a home university course that matches a prerequisite course description, the prerequisites may be waived.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- IELTS: 5.5
- STEP Eiken: 2A
- *TOEFL iBT: 61
- *TOEFL PBT: 500 *Computer Delivered IELTS accepted *TOEFL MyBest score is not accepted
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2022
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Fall 2022 + Spring 2023
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Spring 2023
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Housing Information

On-campus apartment
Hale ‘Alahonua—"house of the breeze upon which the fragrance of the earth is carried”—is the on-campus residence you call home during your time in Hawaii. Just 10 minutes from class, you have a single bedroom and shared bathroom with a small living space in your own apartment. There is also a large communal area and kitchen for socializing.
The SAF program fee covers meal Plan A (7 All-You-Care-To-Eat Meals a week, plus $500) and break-stay housing. It does not include early arrival accommodation.
About Hilo

Why Hilo
On the largest of Hawaii’s astonishing islands, Hilo has an extraordinarily interesting culture, with adventures and experiences around every corner. Its ethnically diverse locals are genuinely kind and welcoming—as is the average temperature of 84 degrees. Aside from its old-town vibe and incredible collection of dramatic waterfalls, lush mountainsides, and stunning beaches, Hilo is a truly unforgettable place to live and study.
The Student Experience

Beyond the Beaches: The History that Made Hilo
It can be easy to look at the stunning landscape of the island of Hawaii and think no further, but Hilo has a rich history. Here are a few of Hilo’s most...
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
