3 Best Public Universities in Hawaii for International Students

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Hawaii, is one of the states in United States you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, you can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it. In addition, studying in Hawaii can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Hawaii, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Hawaii

1. University of Hawaii at Mānoa

  • University of Hawaii at Mānoa Page
  • Founded as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanic arts under the Morrill Act, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa started with 10 students and 13 faculty. 13 years from its establishment, the college was granted university status and later on offered various other programs. The university continued to expand and offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

    2. University of Hawaii at Hilo

  • University of Hawaii at Hilo Page
  • The University of Hawaii at Hilo is, as its name states, located in the town of Hilo, Hawaii. It was founded in 1947 and has a more hands-on direct approach by making smaller classes. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, with a diverse population taught with Hawaiian culture and tradition in mind. As cliché as it sounds, their mission and vision focus on family, responsibility, and diversity to guide the learning process of their students. In their 70 years of service, they have produced students that are highly competent, innovative, and involved in society.

    3. University of Hawaii-West Oahu

  • University of Hawaii-West Oahu Page
  • The University of Hawaii-West Oahu provides a safe space for students to learn and experience the career they are passionate about. The university reflects the uniqueness and authenticity of the Hawaiian tradition, which is why it is famous among international students. The University of Hawaii-West Oahu is one of the fastest-growing public baccalaureate schools in the country.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Hawaii?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Hawaii can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Hawaii charge up to 41,100 USD for bachelor’s and 26,600 USD for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Hawaii. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.