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Information For

International Graduate Students

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 US bachelor’s degrees under the following conditions: 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

WVU will review your application based on unofficial transcripts. You can upload unofficial transcripts with your application. If more academic documents are necessary, you can email them to us. WVU will email you with the program’s decision. If the program approves your admission, you will need to provide official transcripts.  WVU needs to have your official bachelor’s degree transcript before we send your University admission letter or your I-20. 

Scans, uploads, faxes, or unverified photocopies are  NOT official. If your school uses  eScrip-Safe, the  National Student Clearinghouse, or  Parchment, please use that to send transcripts to  graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu. If not, you need to send original or certified paper documents to: 

West Virginia University 
Office of International Admissions 
2nd Floor One Waterfront Place 
Morgantown, WV 26506 

Tips:

No documents are returned to applicants.  

It is important that you use the same name and spelling of your name on all documents, scores, and forms. Your name on your WVU record needs match your name on your passport.

If you have not completed your degree when you send your transcripts, you will need to send transcripts to-date. To enroll, you will need to provide final transcripts that show all courses and your degree. 

If your transcript does not have complete information about your degree, you also need to provide a diploma.

If your documents are not in English, you will need to provide an English translation.

If you will get your bachelor’s degree from WVU, you do not need to send transcripts. 

If you were admitted based on an unofficial WES evaluation, you will need to provide an official WES ICAP evaluation for admission.

WVU does not require official masters or doctoral transcripts, but  your program may require them. 

WVU’s Office of Admissions may make exceptions to the requirement for official transcripts in cases of war, civil unrest, or extenuating circumstances deemed out of the student’s control.


English Language Proficiency

WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: 

If you completed your bachelor’s degree in one of the following countries, then you do not have to submit a test score for English proficiency: ustralia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and its territories, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos).

Some programs consider applicants who do not meet those requirements for Intensive English Program (IEP) conditional admission. You may   ask your program about conditional admission. Conditionally admitted students must enroll in the WVU IEP until they achieve one of the English proficiency scores listed above.

Apply for IEP

Admission to the WVU IEP does not guarantee admission to an academic program.

Tips:


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 and 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.


Application Fee Waivers

Application fee waivers are available for current WVU and WVU Medicine employees, active United States military personnel and veterans, McNair Scholars, and AmeriCorps and Peace Corps members.


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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