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 United States of America (USA) 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

You're considered an international transfer applicant if you have completed the equivalent of a "B" average (2.5 on a 4.0 scale) in at least one full year of study at a recognized or accredited post-secondary school.

As an international transfer applicant, you don't have to submit secondary school information — instead, you'll be considered for admission on the basis of the college-level work you have completed.

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.

You will need to score at least 550 (paper-based), 79 (internet-based), or 213 (computer-based) on the TOEFL. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5. The minimum score is 77 on the MELAB.

The required competency level for transition from the Intensive American Language Center (IALC) to undergraduate admission will remain at Level 5.    We will continue to monitor international students’ progress and other ramifications associated with this change in admissions criteria.  

Please see the current International Student Application for up-to-date information.

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 "B" grade 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 2.50 (or above) 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. Please read the instructions on the form carefully.

Follow these steps to apply for admission to WSU Tri-Cities.

1. Complete the international student application.

Find the international admission application here.

2. Send proof of English proficency

Scores must come directly from the testing agency to WSU; do not send copies.

Request official TOEFL scores from Educational Testing Service (phone 609-771-7500). For other ways to meet English proficiency requirements, please refer to the English proficiency information under "International Requirements" on this page.

3. Send educational credentials and supporting information

You will need to send an evaluation directly from a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

Freshman applicants should send a general secondary school evaluation report while transfer applicants should provide a course by course/detailed transcript evaluation. Materials sent directly to Washington State University will not be returned.

See which credentials WSU accepts from your country at the WSU International Enrollment website.

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: