Undergraduate Admission

International

International students welcome

You're considered an international student for admission purposes if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Here's an overview of the international admission requirements and a step-by-step guide to the application process.

International requirements

+Secondary school

Applicants must complete at least 12 years of elementary through secondary school, culminating in an appropriate secondary certificate or external examination. Grades must be distinctly above average. We may consider the first year or two of university in some countries to be secondary level.

Applicants graduating from accredited high schools outside the U.S. must have a minimum grade point average of 2.70 (on a 4.00 scale). Your schooling should include preparation in humanities, mathematics, basic sciences, and social sciences.

+College or university transfer

International transfer applicants need to have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) in at least one full year of study at a recognized or accredited post-secondary school.

You'll be notified if any additional documents are needed to review your application.

Transfering from a U.S. institution? Submit your transfer-in I-20 request form.

+English proficiency

All international students need to demonstrate basic proficiency in the English language.

There are three ways you can meet the language proficiency requirement:

1. Take a language exam

The two most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Other examinations may also be accepted.

Effective for spring 2012, applicants will need to score at least 550 (paper test) or 79 (electronic test) or 213 (computer based) on the TOEFL. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5.  MELAB minimum is 77.

2. Study English at WSU

If you qualify academically but can't meet the minimum English proficiency requirement, you may be able to study English at the University's Intensive American Language Center (IALC). If you complete level 5 of the IALC program with a "B" average and meet all other eligibility requirements, you will be considered for admission.

3. Qualify for a language waiver

You can qualify for a language proficiency waiver if you meet one of these criteria at the time you apply:

  • Earn a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better in a transferable equivalent of WSU's English 101 and 102 and have 27 semester (40 quarter) transferable credits at the time of application.
  • At least 3 years of attendance at a U.S. high school.
  • Earn at least 53 semester (80 quarter) hours of transferable credits at the time of enrollment with grades averaging at least 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. college or university.

 

Applicants from these countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, British Guyana, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Trinidad, Tobago, and Zambia.

+Finances

Along with the admission application, you'll need to submit the Certificate of Financial Responsibility to demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to meet your educational expenses.


If you meet the prerequisite requirements, you're ready to apply for admission.


For graduate admission, see the WSU Graduate School.

Applying for Admission

The priority application date for spring semester is November 15, while the priority application date for fall semester is January 31.  Follow these steps to apply for admission to WSU. Please note we are still accepting applications for summer and fall 2012.

1. Complete the international student application.

Summer 2012

Fall 2012

2. Send proof of English proficiency

Scores must come directly from the testing agency to Washington State University; do not send copies.

Request official TOEFL scores from Educational Testing Service (phone 609-771-7500), or IELTS scores be sent. For other ways to meet English proficiency requirements, refer to the English proficiency information.

3. Have your transcripts evaluated

All coursework completed outside the United States must be reviewed by a credential evaluation service. Learn more about this requirement.

Applicants with high school work only need to request that the evalaution include a cumulative grade point average (GPA).  Applicants with college/university credit need to request a course by course detailed transcript evaluation.  Do not send transcripts to Washington State University.

4. Complete and return the Certificate of Financial Responsibility

For students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa the USA government requires proof of financial ability to pay for studies and living expenses. You'll need to show assured support for the first year and projected support for the total years needed to complete your degree.

Download the financial responsibility form and mail it to the Office of Admissions:

Additionally, if you are partially or totally supported by personal savings and/or parents' savings, a bank letter with the bank official's original signature and seal are required, and cannot be older than three months. The bank letter must accompany the Certificate of Financial Responsibility in order to meet financial proof. Please be aware that the name(s) listed on the bank verification need to also be listed in English and must match the name(s) listed on the Certificate of Financial Responsibility.  Do not send electronic copies, paper copies and/or faxes as they will not be accepted as official.

Send all mailed materials to:

Washington State University
Office of Admissions
370 Lighty Student Services Building
PO Box 641067
Pullman, WA 99164-1067
USA

Materials sent to Washington State University will not be returned.

Need help?

Contact the Office of Admission for answers to your questions or assistance with meeting WSU requirements.

1-888-468-6978
admissions@wsu.edu


Note: This is a guide to the admission process, not a statement of policy. See the WSU General Catalog for official requirements and regulations.

More WSU information

Graduate studies at WSU

See the WSU Graduate School for information on graduate programs and to apply for graduate study.

Applying for summer term?

If you're applying for summer term only, please see the WSU Summer Session website for an application. If you have questions about summer term at WSU, contact the Registrar's office:

Office of the Registrar
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-1035
USA

Phone: 509-335-2238

Degree requirements at WSU

Many academic departments at WSU have additional certification requirements over and above the general university admission requirements. Contact the department you want to join to make sure you'll be able to meet the specific requirements of the program.

Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment, Washington State University, PO Box 641067, Lighty Student Services 360, Pullman WA 99164-1067
509-335-5586 Contact Us