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International

for students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Application Instructions

on this page:
Complete Application File

A complete International student application file consists of:

It is important that you read all instructions as you complete the application for admission. It is your responsibility to be aware of all pertinent application requirements.

All documents submitted with the application become the property of the Office of Admissions and will not be released to the student. Notarized copies of international transcripts are acceptable for the admissions decision; however, if admitted, the student must present the original upon request.

Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email within 2 weeks after Western receives your application. If you don't receive confirmation, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Application Fee

A non-refundable $55 application fee is required with your application. When you apply online, you will be asked to submit, over a secure connection, a credit card, debit card, or electronic check to complete your application. If you use a paper application, your application fee must be in the form of a check or draft payable through a U.S. bank. Payment should be made to "Western Washington University". Please also include your full name and birth date with your method of payment.

Official Academic Credentials

Applicants are responsible for requesting official credentials/transcripts from the appropriate institutions as defined below. A transcript is considered "official" if is:

  • sent directly from the institution of origin or the Ministry of Education to the Office of Admissions. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL YOUR OWN TRANSCRIPTS. THEY CANNOT BE ACCEPTED, EVEN IN A SEALED ENVELOPE.

If we are unable to interpret your academic credentials, we will notify you that it is necessary for you to provide a course-by-course evaluation of college credit.

Transfer Applicants

All transfer applicants must submit official credentials from all postsecondary institutions attended, even if you do not expect to transfer credit. Your credentials should include certified English translations when necessary. Students who have attended Washington State community colleges are encouraged to have their transcripts sent electronically. These electronic transcripts will enable Admissions to process your application more efficiently and expedite the awarding of transfer credit.

Transfer applicants with fewer than 45 quarter credits (30 semester credits) must also submit:

Freshman Applicants

All freshman applicants must submit:

SATI and ACT Scores

Freshman applicants and transfer students with fewer than 45 quarter credits (30 semester credits) must submit official SATI or ACT test scores. SATI and ACT test scores are official if they are:

  • Sent directly from the testing agency; or
  • Sent directly from the high school (handwritten scores are not acceptable)

Test scores sent directly from the testing agency will enable the Office of Admissions to process your application more quickly.

How To Order Test Scores

Scholastic Assessment Test (SATI)
College Board/SAT
Box 6201
Princeton, NJ 08541-6201
USA

Phone: (609) 771-7600
FAX: (609) 771-7681
Website: College Board
WWU Institutional Code: 4947
American College Test (ACT)
ACT Records
P.O. Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243
USA

Phone: (319) 337-1313
Website: ACT Records
WWU Institutional Code: 4490
English Language Proficiency (TOEFL Scores)

English proficiency is generally demonstrated by a minimum score on the TOEFL of 80 (internet-based), 213 (computer-based), or 550 (paper-based). Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service and must be postmarked by the application deadline. Photocopies of TOEFL score reports cannot be accepted. Western's institution code is 4947.

For detailed information about TOEFL Services, contact:

TOEFL Services
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
USA

Phone: (877) 863-3546
Fax: (610) 290-8972
Email: TOEFL Service Team
Website: TOEFL Services
Text Telephone (TTY): (609) 771-7714

Transfer students whose TOEFL scores are below the minimum requirements may be considered for admission with an Academic English Program (AEP) provision. In addition, students unable to take the TOEFL may be considered for admission with an AEP provision; however, applications that include TOEFL scores will be given the strongest consideration.

Students may also be considered for Conditional Admission, a program that allows students to be fully admitted to the university upon successfully completing at least one quarter of the Intensive English Program.

Statement of Financial Responsibility

Proof of sufficient funds is required prior to admission to Western and for the visa application process to gain entrance into the U.S. This proof is met by:

  • completing the Statement of Financial Responsibility on the application for admission; and
  • submitting financial documents from a bank, sponsor, or foundation, agency, government, etc.

For detailed information about acceptable evidence of financial resources and the estimated expenses for International Students, please visit our Financial Responsibility website.

Submit Your Application Documents

To help the Admissions Office match up your documents, we recommend that you include your full name and birth date on all materials mailed separately from your application.

Mail all application materials to:

Western Washington University
Office of Admissions
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
USA

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