Apply for 2027
Applications are now being accepted for spring, summer, and fall terms.
Transfer Students
Who Should Use This Application?
Apply as a transfer applicant if you attempted college credit at a community college or university after graduating high school or earning your GED.
Western Washington University welcomes transfer students from all types of colleges and universities.
You should apply as a first-year student if you’ve taken college coursework only while also fulfilling high school requirements, such as Running Start or College in the High School. If you require a student visa to study in the United States, you should apply as an international student.
What You’ll Need to Submit
A complete application includes:
- The application for admission – Submitted by the application deadline.
- $70 non-refundable application fee – Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need.
- Official college transcripts – You must submit transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended, even if you do not expect or want to transfer credit. Transcripts can be sent electronically by the college or university to admissions@wwu.edu.
- For students applying for summer or fall quarters: Your transcripts must include grades from the previous fall quarter before your application is reviewed. For example, if you are applying for summer or fall 2027, your transcript should include grades for fall 2026.
- Official high school transcripts – This is only required if you have completed fewer than 40 transferable quarter (27 semester) credits. High school transcripts can be sent electronically by the high school or transcript services (Naviance/Parchment, Scoir, or Scribbles) to admissions.documents@wwu.edu.
Optional but helpful:
Essay – An essay helps us understand your goals, interests, and any challenges you’ve overcome.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, we strongly encourage you to include an essay that helps us understand your grades, trends, and growth over time. The Admissions Committee may also request an essay during the review process if additional context is needed for their assessment of your candidacy.
I'm here to help!
Lisa Ochs
Transfer Admissions Advisor
If you have any questions about the transfer application process, please feel free to reach out!
For quick questions, email me at lisa.ochs@wwu.edu.
Upcoming Online Transfer Information Sessions
Applying for one of our location programs?
We encourage you to contact your intended program for additional information about application requirements.
Guaranteed Transfer Admissions
Western has developed partnerships with several community colleges in Washington state and guarantees admission to any transfer student who enrolls directly from one of our partner community colleges and meets eligibility requirements.
Western's Transfer Application Deadlines
Deadline Type | Date | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Quarter Priority Deadline | March 1 |
|
| Fall Quarter Bellingham Campus Regular Deadline | June 1 |
|
| Fall Quarter Locations Programs Regular Deadline | July 1 |
|
| Winter Quarter Priority Deadline | September 15 |
|
| Spring Quarter Priority Deadline | January 1 |
|
| Summer Quarter Priority Deadline | March 1 |
|
What to Expect After You Apply
- Within 1 hour of submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we received it.
- Within 48 hours, your WWU Admissions Portal will display your personalized applicant checklist, showing what materials we have received and any outstanding items needed to complete your application.
- Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and you will be notified of your admission decision by email.
Admission to Majors
At Western, admission to a major depends on your program of interest. A select number of majors offer Direct Admission, meaning if you’re admitted to Western, you’re also automatically admitted to that major. For all other programs, you may be required to submit an additional application or other materials.
View full list of Direct Admission Majors
| Major | Extra Step |
|---|---|
| Art | Requires Portfolio |
| Computer Science | Requires Program Application |
| Design | Requires Portfolio |
| Early Childhood Education | Requires Program Application |
| Elementary Education | Requires Program Application |
| Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies | Requires Program Application (not required for Fall 2027 applicants) |
| Human Services | Requires Program Application |
| Industrial Design | Requires Portfolio |
| Music | Requires Audition |
| Psychology | Requires Program Application |
| Secondary Education | Requires Program Application |
| Special Education | Requires Program Application |
Academic Information Sessions
Academic Advising & Career Readiness offers Virtual Academic Information Sessions for prospective Transfer students interested in learning more about specific programs and majors. The sessions provide an overview of the academic program, application process (if applicable), student experience, and major planning.