International/Permanent Resident Student
An international applicant is defined as an individual that is not a 'legally domiciled resident' of the United States and plans to pursue studies on an F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange student) visa. A permanent resident is an applicant from another country who has obtained permanent residency in the United States (holds a "green card"). It is recommended that international students apply four (4) to six (6) months prior to the semester of desired enrollment.
UWG supports the concept of international education and welcomes applications from all students. In addition to admissions requirements discussed elsewhere in this section (freshmen, transfer, non-traditional students, etc.), please note the following requirements for international and permanent resident applicants: .
- All applicants, regardless of immigration status, whose native language is not English, must meet English language proficiency requirements.*
- All applicants, regardless of immigration status, are required to obtain a foreign academic credential evaluation of education (secondary and/or university) received outside of the United States by an independent foreign credential evaluation agency.**
- International applicants must submit financial documentation indicating evidence of sufficient funds available for study at UWG. Because the University has no financial assistance designated for international students, only those who can demonstrate their financial solvency will be considered for admission.
* English language proficiency requirements (submit 1 of the following):
- Official test results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 193 computer-based, 523 paper-based, or 70 internet-based (www.toefl.org or 609-771-7100)
- Official test results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.
- A Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) recommendation for full academic admission, administered by Georgia State University (404-651-3650)
- A grade of "C" or better in a non-remedial, college level English course (English 1101 equivalent or higher level course) from an accredited college or university in the United States
- Three (3) years (9th, 10th & 11th grade) of English as a second language (ESL) and a grade of "C" or higher in a College Preparatory Senior (12th grade) English at an accredited high school in the United States. Four years of ESL at an accredited high school in the United States does not fulfill English language proficiency requirements.
**Recommended foreign academic credential evaluation agency:
WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
www.wes.org/contact
www.wes.org/apply
In order to attract international students, the University may waive the non-resident portion of tuition for select undergraduate international applicants who meet certain academic criteria. Upon acceptance, each international applicant is screened for this waiver. This waiver does not apply to permanent residents. A limited number of waivers are available for "F" or "J" visa holders; therefore, not all eligible international applicants will receive a waiver. The waivers are issued to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and undergraduate students receiving this waiver are required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, monitored on an annual basis by the Associate Director of International Services and Programs.
