International Graduate Apply - Hero

Welcome to International Graduate Admissions!

Explore everything you need to successfully complete your application, including admission requirements, important deadlines and details about scholarships. Let us assist you as you embark on the journey to make Â鶹´«Ã½ your academic home for graduate studies!  

Application Information

International Â鶹´«Ã½s must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at Â鶹´«Ã½. This proof is essential for immigration purposes and should cover the estimated total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees and living expenses. 

Estimated cost chart: 2024-2025 (actual costs will vary)
Dual Enrollment (ESL (CELCIS) + graduate coursework)Tuition and fees$16,189
Living Expenses$16,805
Total (one academic year)$32,994
Graduate Study (12 credits per year)Tuition and fees $16,815
Living expenses* $16,805
Total (one academic year) $33,620

Note: These figures are estimates for immigration purposes only. Actual costs may vary. For an individual estimate of expected cost of attendance, visit the WMU Registrar's Office

Additional Financial Considerations

  • Dependents: Students bringing a dependent must provide an additional $4000 per year.
  • Inflation: Be prepared for potential cost increases due to inflation and other academic factors.

For full admission to the University and for immigration purposes, international Â鶹´«Ã½s must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU.

To demonstrate sufficient funds, Â鶹´«Ã½s may submit:

  • A bank statement in the Â鶹´«Ã½'s name showing adequate funds.
  • If the bank statement is not in the Â鶹´«Ã½'s name:
    • A letter signed by the financial sponsor indicating their relationship to the Â鶹´«Ã½ and their commitment to cover the cost of attendance.
    • Financial statements in parents' names are acceptable without a sponsorship letter if their names are shown in the Â鶹´«Ã½'s passport or government-issued ID.

Important Notes

  • All documents must be in English.
  • If original documents are not in English, certified English translations must be submitted.
  • Proof of sufficient funds must be presented during the visa interview at the United States Consulate.

Application deadlines vary by semester. Graduate applicants should follow deadlines outlined by the department to which they are applying; if a department deadline is not specified, follow the general graduation application deadlines below.

It is recommended to apply in December or earlier for the fall semester to maximize your eligibility for funding awards as most assistantships are reviewed between January and March.

 

Graduate Application Deadlines
SemesterDeadlineTerm Begins
FallMarch 1Late August
SpringJuly 1Early January
SummerDecember 1Early May

The WMU application system will not accept late submissions. If your application deadline has passed but you would still like to be considered, please email @email. We cannot guarantee late-admission to the desired semester but we will do our best to process the application.

For Â鶹´«Ã½s needing visas, it is recommended to apply early. The U.S. government will allow admitted Â鶹´«Ã½s to apply for their F visas up to 365 days in advance. Please note that Â鶹´«Ã½s with visas are allowed to enter the United States only within 30 days of their program start date.

Global Education Graduate Merit Scholarship

  • Offered by: Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
  • Value: $10,000 per year.
  • Duration: Up to four semesters or until graduation.
  • Eligibility: Initial F-1 or J-1 international graduate Â鶹´«Ã½s with a minimum 3.5 out of 4.0 GPA.
  • Application Deadline: Applicants must be fully admitted to the University by February 15.
  • Full Terms and Conditions.

Graduate Appointments

Graduate Â鶹´«Ã½s can apply for various assistantships and fellowships that provide financial support while gaining valuable experience. Students should contact their academic departments for specific Â鶹´«Ã½.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

  • Academic colleges and departments offer scholarships.
  • Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by colleges and departments.
  • Students are encouraged to explore for additional Â鶹´«Ã½.

Many graduate programs require various supporting materials, including written narrative statements, specific standardized tests, letters of reference and online recommendations. Applicants should carefully review the application requirements for their program of interest to ensure they submit all the necessary documentation.

Eligibility Criteria for Forms DS-2019 for J-1 academic Â鶹´«Ã½ category 

  • Program is carried out under a written agreement between WMU and a foreign academic institution or foreign government;
  • Program or Â鶹´«Ã½ is financed by the US government, Â鶹´«Ã½'s home country government or qualifying international organization; or
  • Student is supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds, which must be at least 50 percent of funding for the entire program at the time of application.

For current enrolled WMU J-1 Â鶹´«Ã½s who are matriculating between levels:

  • May be eligible for a Form DS-2019 to continue studies with proof of full WMU assistantship/associateship for at least one year of funding with possibility of renewal, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.  The Form DS-2019 will be noted accordingly.
  • Additional proof of funding required for dependents.

How To Apply

Step 1 - Complete Online Application

  • Create an account on the application portal.
  • Complete the online application form.

Step 2 - Upload Your Documents

Upload transcripts/mark-sheets from the institution from which you earned your Bachelor degree, as well as transcripts from all other post-secondary schools attended or currently attending, including diplomas, examination results and certificates.

Please also upload the official grading scales of your transcripts.

Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation. 

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Â鶹´«Ã½ for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Newly admitted and enrolled Â鶹´«Ã½s are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies.

Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated:

  • The Evaluation Company - WMU is a proud partner of The Evaluation Company, which offers a partnership discount. Click to receive your discounted evaluation.
  • World Education Services:
  • Educational Credential Evaluators:
  • Academic Evaluation Services:
  • Global Credential Evaluators:

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts can be sent from the issuing institutions to WMU in the following ways:

  • Electronic: Transcripts can be emailed directly to @email by the issuing institution.
  • Mail: Transcripts can be mailed to Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Â鶹´«Ã½, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246.
  • Hand-delivered: Transcripts in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution can be dropped off in the office of International Student and Scholar Services in 3110 Faunce Student Services Building.

Documents sent by the Â鶹´«Ã½ cannot be accepted as official. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at @email or at (269) 387-5865.

If any document is not issued in English, also provide an official English Translation of each document.

Proof of degree is a crucial component of your graduate application, as it verifies that you have completed the necessary educational requirements for admission. Acceptable forms include a copy of your diploma or official transcripts from your previous institutions, clearly indicating the degree earned and the date of graduation. This documentation helps the admissions committee assess your qualifications and ensures you meet the program prerequisites. 

Official Test Scores

Official test scores can be sent directly from the testing agency to Â鶹´«Ã½. For TOEFL, use WMU's code 1902.

Score reports generated by a testing entity may be submitted in several ways:

  • Electronic: Test scores can be emailed directly to @email by the issuing institution.
  • Mail: Test scores can be mailed to Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Â鶹´«Ã½, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246.
  • Hand-delivered: Official scores in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution can be dropped off in the office of International Student and Scholar Services in 3110 Faunce Student Services Building.

Please note that documents sent by the Â鶹´«Ã½ cannot be accepted as official. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at @email or at (269) 387-5865.

Upload proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to the estimated cost of attendance. This should be a bank statement covering the full cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating their commitment to pay your cost of attendance.

Exception:  A financial/bank statement is acceptable without a signed sponsorship letter/affidavit of support if it is in the name of either parent as shown on the passport page or other government-issued ID.

If you have received any scholarships, upload the official award letters. These should detail the scholarship amount, duration and any conditions attached.

Upload a clear copy of your passport's identification page. If applicable, also include the passport family information page.

Step 3 - Pay the Application Fee

To complete your application, you must submit a non-refundable application fee:

  • $100 for most applicants.
  • $158 for Engineering Â鶹´«Ã½s.*

This fee is necessary for processing your application and securing your place in the admissions queue.

Payment Instructions

Payment can be made online through the application portal using a credit or debit card. Please remember that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. Make sure to complete this step to avoid any delays in the review of your application.

Important Note

*The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences will reimburse the $58 EngineeringCAS Application fee to Â鶹´«Ã½s who enroll and attend the program.

Additional Information

Â鶹´«Ã½ Â鶹´«Ã½s who have completed university-level academic credit at another institution may be able to apply some of those credits toward a WMU degree. 
 

Credit equivalencies for select partner institutions are available. 

Graduate Â鶹´«Ã½s must consult with their academic advisors to request transfer credits.

In the event you experience problems with your application, do not submit a second application. Contact International Student and Scholar Services at @email or call (269) 387-5865, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

Disability Services for Students at Â鶹´«Ã½ strives to make education accessible and remove barriers to Â鶹´«Ã½ success.

Reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations include but are not limited to:

  • Testing accommodations.
  • Visual interpreting.
  • Textbooks in alternate formats.