International
The University of West Georgia (UWG) is a co-educational, residential institution with over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. Located in Carrollton, Georgia, UWG is just 50 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. An active international student organization consists of students from over 40 countries! With a friendly atmosphere, over 55 programs of study at the undergraduate level, and a beautiful campus, UWG welcomes international students.
Requirements of Admission
International students who are applying to the University of West Georgia and will need a student visa in order to study here in the United States must complete the entire International Application and are instructed NOT to complete the Online Application.
At UWG, admission of international students is based on academic admissibility, English proficiency, and proof of financial means to study in the United States. The required documents, listed below, help our office to determine if an applicant meets these standards. Financial Verification is required in order to issue an accepted applicant an I-20. The I-20 is a document used by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to issue visas. This documentation must be obtained in order for a student to enter the United States.
Admission to the University of West Georgia as an undergraduate may not be the final step in gaining admission to the desired College or academic program of your choice. For admissions to the College of Education, College of Business, and certain majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, significant additional steps are required.
Further information on the additional requirements may be found in the University catalog (pdf).
Please be aware that the educational system in the United States may vary a great deal from that of your home country. In addition to courses in your chosen major area, the American university educational system requires completion of "core curriculum" courses. The core curriculum may include university level courses in math, English/humanities, science, and social science. For specific information on these courses, please see the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia website at http://www.peachnet.edu/.
Transfer students: So that the University of West Georgia may determine transfer course credit, applicants must provide the Registrar with course descriptions and catalogs from each foreign university/college attended. Please note that a transfer credit evaluation will not be possible until these materials have been received by the Registrar. Generally, students receive transfer credit evaluations once they have registered for courses at West Georgia, or shortly thereafter. The maximum number of academic hours accepted is 90 semester hours from all institutions attended.
Deadlines for International Applications
Spring Semester 2009
Classes begin January 2009
Deadline for receipt of all application materials is October 20, 2008
Summer Semester 2009
Classes begin June 2009
Deadline for receipt of all application materials is March 30, 2009
Fall Semester 2009
Classes Begin August 2009
Deadline for receipt of all application materials is June 1, 2009
Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply six (6) months prior to the term of desired enrollment. The required original documentation must be in the applicant's file by the above stated deadline. If a deadline is missed, the applicant may apply for another term by notifying the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Documents Required for Completing an International Application
- Completed application (pdf) with $30 non-refundable application fee. (Applications will not be processed without this fee.)
- Official records sent directly from each secondary school, university and/or professional school, showing courses taken and marks earned. All school documents must be originals, signed by the school official, carry the school seal, and be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in an unopened envelope with official seals. (A certified English translation must be included, if necessary. No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.)
- Applicants pursuing an F-1Visa must provide evidence of sufficient funds available for education at the University of West Georgia. A completed Financial Certificate (pdf) and a letter from the sponsor's bank official stating a dollar amount of readily available deposits in U.S. currency must be provided. (No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.)
- Applicants with a native language other than English must submit minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or minimum IELTS scores. For the TOEFL, we require a minimum of 523 on the paper-based version, or 193 on the computer-based version, or 70 on the internet-based version. Official scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. For more information on TOEFL, visit their web site at http://www.toefl.org/. For the IELTS, we require a mimium of 6.0. For more information on the IELTS, visit their web site at http://www.ielts.org/. (No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.)
- All entering freshman or transfer students with fewer than 45 quarter hours, or 30 semester hours of transferable credit are required to submit satisfactory official scores on the SAT (430 Verbal, 410 Math) or ACT (17 English, 17 Math). Official scores must be sent directly from the testing center to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. For more information on the SAT, visit their web site at http://www.collegeboard.org/ or for the ACT visit http://www.act.org/. (No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.)
- Completed UWG Certificate of Immunization Form. All immunization documentation must be recorded and submitted on a UWG Certificate of Immunization Form!
- If applicable, submit a copy of your Visa, I-94, Form I-20 and American Social Security Card.
- If transferring from an institution within the United States, a completed "Transfer Clearance Form" is required.
- Foreign Credential Evaluation for all course work (secondary and/or university) obtained outside of the United States by an independent credential evaluation service is required. Upon receipt of completed application, additional information will be sent to the applicant. Although you may use any credential evaluation agency that is accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluators (NACES), UWG recommends Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. for this evaluation. You may contact them at (305) 273-1616 or http://www.jsilny.com/.
- Upon acceptance into the university, a $85.00 international orientation fee for fall semester (or $75.00 for spring or summer entry) is required prior to the issuance of an I-20. Please do NOT send the orientation fee prior to acceptance.
Please note that "Official" is defined as an original document with signatures/seals and translated into English, if necessary. No photocopies or faxes will be accepted. All educational records must be sent directly to the University from the previous institution(s) in an unopened envelope with the official seal.
General Information
Please note that in addition to tuition and fees, an immigration fee of $50.00 for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) will be required for each semester that you attend classes at UWG. International students are also required by the University System of Georgia to purchase additional health insurance. Information regarding this insurance policy may be accessed at http://www.usg.edu/student_affairs/faq/health/
Financial Resources: UWG is a publicly supported institution and does not have funds appropriated for use as scholarships or loans for incoming international students.
Immigration/Visa Information: Eligibility for admission to UWG cannot be determined until all of your credentials have been received and evaluated. If you are arriving from a foreign country, present your I-20 form to the nearest United States Consultate to apply for a Visa. You are required to be enrolled full-time (12 semester hours or more) during each semester. New international students are not allowed to work off-campus.
On-campus Housing/Residence Halls: On-campus housing may be available. Please mark the appropriate box on your application. Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year and purchase a meal plan.
Health Insurance: UWG requires you to purchase health insurance at the time of registration. If you are already protected by an insurance policy, you must have it approved by the International Student Advisor before registration. (Insurance verification must be in the English language)
Catalog: Unfortunately we can not mail catalogs, but you may view it on the web (pdf).
Submit Completed application and all materials to:
University of West Georgia
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Mandeville Hall/Front Campus Drive
Carrollton, GA 30118
intladm@westga.edu
