International Admission Requirements

Photo of students sitting at a table outsideInternational 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.

English proficiency

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

There are two 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. 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.
  • Complete level 5 of the WSU IALC program on the Pullman campus with a "B" average.
    • Please note that WSU Vancouver does not do conditional admission for students enrolling in the IALC program in Pullman; students cannot be admitted to the IALC and to WSU Vancouver for the same semester. Prospective WSU Vancouver students must complete level 5 at IALC with a B average before being considered for admission to WSU Vancouver.

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. Please read the instructions on the form carefully.

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

For graduate admission, see the WSU Graduate School.

Applying for admission

Follow these steps to apply for admission to WSU.

1. Complete the international student application.

Find the international admission application here.

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. Send educational credentials and supporting information

You will need to have an evaluation sent directly to Washington State University from a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or an AACRAO international education services evaluation.

Freshman applicants should send a general secondary school evaluation report that includes a grade point average (GPA). Transfer applicants should provide a course-by-course detailed transcript evaluation.

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 at the WSU International Enrollment website and mail it to Washington State University. 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. Do not send copies or faxes.

Send all mailed materials to:

Washington State University Vancouver
Office of Admissions
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA, USA 98686-9600

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. 360-546-9779 or admissions@vancouver.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.