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How to Apply

International Graduate Applicant

You are considered an international applicant if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Steps to Apply and Enroll

  1. Research the admission requirements for WVU and your program
  2. Establish English language proficiency
  3. Create an account and complete the graduate application
  4. Upload unofficial transcripts and supplemental materials
  5. Pay the non-refundable $60 application fee to submit the application
  6. Check your checklist and provide any required items
  7. After application approval, send official transcript for admission
  8. Plan for your travel and arrival


Thank you for your interest in graduate study at West Virginia University!

It is an exciting time to be an international student in Morgantown, WV. We have outlined some resources for you:

University GPA and Degree Requirements

You must have a bachelor's degree from a properly recognized institution.

The minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs have higher minimum GPA requirements. Please  consult with a representative from your program for details.

Tips

WVU considers Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana to be comparable to U.S. bachelor’s degrees if the HND is a 2-year program that followed a 2-year National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program for a total of at least 4 years of post-secondary study.

Applicants with 3-year bachelor’s degrees can be reviewed for admission to graduate programs. We recommend asking your program contact if your coursework meets their expectations.

WVU doesn’t require external credential evaluations. We can convert your GPA based on your academic records.

WVU will accept the GPA, credential equivalency and university recognition status from official WES ICAP evaluations if provided. This does not apply to other evaluation agencies.

Document Requirements

Explore Document Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Explore English Proficiency Requirements

Sending Test Scores

If your program requires GRE scores, they must be sent through ETS before your application is reviewed. WVU’s institution code is 5904. It’s ok if it’s listed as an undergraduate organization. Use the generic department code 00.

WVU accepts electronic score delivery for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo scores. WVU also accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo scores that can be verified through the testing agency.

For other scores, ask your program about the procedure.

Programs set their own requirements for which exams/subjects are required and the minimum scores. Please ask the program contact for more information.

Program Specific Application Requirements

Applicants must meet both University and program requirements. Each graduate program sets their own admissions requirements. These requirements may include:

We recommend contacting a representative from your program to discuss their requirements. Visit the program database to find contact information.

Submitting the Application

The application runs best in the Google Chrome browser.

You will need to complete all required sections and upload all required documents before submitting your application.

The percent complete feature of the application only applies to the application document itself. You may still need to provide additional items even after the application is 100% complete and submitted. Use the checklist to see if any items are missing.

Some checklist items are not automatically updated. Please allow 48 hours for someone to review your checklist after submission of the application or submission of new material.

If you experience any technical difficulties or payment errors, please email graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.

If you applied to WVU as an undergraduate applicant in 2017 or later, you can use the same account to apply as a graduate student.

Research Graduate Programs

WVU offers over 220 graduate programs. Let us help you find the perfect graduate program that aligns with your interests and goals! Follow our simple three-step process.

Visa Information

Once you have been notified of acceptance into your graduate program of interest, the Office of International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) can assist with your student visa.

All visa related questions can be directed to isss-students@mail.wvu.edu.

Orientation

International graduate students are welcomed to campus for check-in and orientation in early-August. Check your MIX email account for more information.
Note: If you have secured a graduate teaching assistantship you will have additional orientation.

Activities and Organizations

It’s easy to get involved at WVU! ISSS offers cross-cultural programs and activities for international students on-campus. Additionally, there are many student organizations related to areas of study, areas of interest, international student groups and professional organizations.

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Have Questions?

Contact International Admissions 

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