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International students must submit a complete application packet to the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs (ISAP) prior to the deadline of the desired program*. If the application is incomplete after the deadline has passed for the semester in which admission is sought, the application may be considered for the following semester pending receipt of all necessary materials to complete the application packet.
*Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply four (4) to six (6) months prior to program deadline. Due to the need to complete the application for a student visa, programs that have a late deadline may not allow for sufficient time to obtain the necessary travel authorizations.
Admission Requirements
Admission of international students is based on academic admissibility and English proficiency. International students, who are seeking sponsorship for an F-1 or J-1 student visa, must also provide proof of financial means to study in the United States, as per the requirements for a U.S. student visa. Applicants wanting to apply for admission to the Graduate School at the University of West Georgia must comply with all requirements listed by the program, as well as the below general requirements that apply to all international applicants:
- Previous Education - Submit official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. If this institution is based internationally and does not currently hold United States regional accreditation, an internal academic credential evaluation will be performed to determine the American equivalent of the courses/degrees earned. The University of West Georgia reserves the right to request a formal Academic Credential Evaluation of transcripts/documents submitted to the University as part of the student’s application. If requested, the student must provide a course-by-course evaluation, with a GPA conversion of all post-secondary coursework from a service belonging to either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
- Students applying to the College of Education must have their evaluation completed by Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. Failing to have an evaluation from one of these two agencies will result in the applicant being denied admission to the College of Education.
- Proof of English - All students must prove their English language proficiency. Waivers for formal ESL examination are available to those who have completed an approved educational program from one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Exemptions from other countries are possible and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. These requests will be reviewed and approved by the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs (ISAP).
For students who require external verification of their English proficiency, one of the below must be submitted in support of their application:
Official Scores from an approved test of English:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) “Academic”
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) “Academic,”
- Cambridge tests of Advanced English (CAE) or Proficiency in English (CPE)
- EIKAN Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKAN).
Please see the USG policy at https://www.usg.edu/international_education/esl_programs/english_proficiency_requirements for the minimum score requirements for these exams.
- Financial Certification - All international applicants, who require sponsorship for an F-1 or J-1 visa, must submit financial documentation indicating evidence of sufficient funds available for study at UWG. These documents are not required to receive a decision on an application but are required prior to the release of any documents needed for the visa application process.
In order to attract international students, the University may waive all or a part of the nonresident portion of tuition for select graduate international applicants who meet certain academic criteria. Upon acceptance, an international student may apply for this waiver with the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs (ISAP).
A limited number of waivers are available, and not all eligible international applicants will receive a waiver. Students awarded a waiver must maintain minimum requirements, including GPA, and apply for a renewal of the waiver for each academic year of their study. These awards can be included in the Financial Certification as part of the I-20 creation process. Receipt of all official documents and confirmed offer of admission is required for the release of the I-20.
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