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International Applicant FAQ

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Foreign Transcript Evaluations

Need a foreign transcript evaluation? Use one of the approved evaluators found on NACES.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, providing a foreign transcript evaluation is required.

No, the only accepted transcript will either be an unofficial (sent by applicant) or official (sent directly from approved evaluator) foreign transcript evaluation. Please note, you are required to submit an official foreign language transcript if you are accepted into your program.

No, we cannot waive or pay for your application fee or foreign transcript evaluation. 

Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test are required for applicants from countries where English is not the primary language (scores cannot be more than 2 years old). A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based) is required on the TOEFL. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required on IELTS, with a minimum band score of 6 on each of the four modules.

As a result of test center closings in many countries impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School now accepts Duolingo English Test examination results. Duolingo English tests taken after January 1, 2021 will be accepted.

To be admitted, a minimum score of 105 will be required. In addition to providing a score at or above the minimum, the Graduate School or graduate programs may choose to require students to participate in a video conference interview prior to making an admission decision.

A TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo is not required for applicants who

  • Are from countries where English is the SOLE OFFICIAL language of instruction (Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada-except Quebec, England, Ghana, Ireland, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales)
  • Have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university in the United States. If you are currently enrolled at a US institution, you must submit an official transcript and verification of degree candidate status from that institution to qualify for a standardized test exemption.
  • Have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university where English is the SOLE language of instruction. If you are a degree candidate in a university where English is the SOLE language of instruction, you must submit an official verification from that English is the SOLE language of instruction along with your anticipated date of graduation to qualify for a testing exemption

 

Please explore the program webpage and reach out to the program director for more information on graduate assistantships.

No, this is done after you are accepted to your program.

Make sure you have the correct number of recommenders (some programs require up to 3) and that you are not missing any required application information.

The application fee until Summer 2024 has been waived. Other application terms must pay their $65 application fee, which is not waived.

 

Helpful Links

  • Scholarships - general scholarship application for WCU. For program specific scholarship questions, please reach out to your program director. Graduate Excellence Awards are also available for select programs.
  • Assistantships - please see the "Graduate Assistantships" tab on this webpage for general information. To find out if there are assistantships available for your program, please contact your program director. 

As an international applicant please be aware of following:

  • Applications cannot be moved (or deferred) to different terms unless you are accepted by your program and approved for defferal. 
  • Programs will not view your application without a foreign transcript evaluation. 
  • Programs have individual timelines for decisions - if you want to know when a decision is made, contact your program
  • As an international applicant, you must be aware of the timeline for your programs application deadline and application term in relation to your ability to get a VISA and funding. Apply to your program of interest with enough time to complete all the necessary steps including 
  • Graduate School Catalog
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