International Admissions

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. Please note the following requirements for international and permanent resident applicants:

International Beginning Freshman

All applicants, regardless of immigration status, whose native language is not English, must meet English language proficiency requirements. This requirement can be fulfilled by submitting results from one of the approved English Language Proficiency options listed below.
Students who identify as native English speakers are exempt from having to provide an English Language Proficiency document. Native speaking students will need to submit official scores from either the SAT or ACT academic examination. Minimum SAT/ACT score requirements for freshman or transfer freshman admission are:
SAT Critical Reading-430 and SAT Math-410; ACT English-17, and ACT Math-17.
It is the policy of the Office of Admissions to take a student’s best Critical Reading/English and best math score should the student take the SAT or ACT more than once; however, SAT scores and ACT scores cannot be “mixed” in determining admission eligibility.
The University System of Georgia requires completion of a College Preparatory Curriculum from an accredited institution for Freshman admission. A student applying while in high school should have a transcript of work through the junior year sent to the Admissions Office at the time of application. Students completing secondary school must provide official copies of their transcripts to the University of West Georgia for evaluation. If this official copy is not in the English language, it must be accompanied by a certified translation to the English language. The University of West Georgia reserves the right to request for a formal Academic Credential Evaluation of transcripts/documents submitted to the University as part of a student’s application. If requested, the student must provide an evaluation of secondary school credentials that has been completed by a service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
All students, regardless of immigration status, are required to obtain a foreign credential evaluation of university/post-secondary education that is not awarded by a recognized institution holding United States accreditation. The student must provide an evaluation of these credentials that has been completed by a service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). University/Post-secondary education must include a course-by-course evaluation, and a GPA conversion.
International applicants, which require sponsorship for an F-1 or J-1 visa, must submit a copy of their passport and any previously issued United States visas as part of the application process.
International applicants, which 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.

International Transfer

Any international applicant who has completed a minimum of 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours of transferable work must submit an official copy of transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. If this institution is based internationally, and does not currently hold United States accreditation, the student must obtain an evaluation of these credentials that has been completed by a service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). University/Post-secondary education must include a course-by-course evaluation, and a GPA conversion.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all transferable college work attempted. Students must also be in good social and academic standing at their former institutions.
Admission acceptance by the Office of International Student Admissions & Programs does not guarantee admission to a specific program or department.
Students are eligible to apply for transfer credit based on previously completed studies. Please see the University of West Georgia’s transfer credit policy located in the “Transfer Student” policy.
International applicants, which require sponsorship for an F-1 or J-1 visa, must submit a copy of their passport and any previously issued United States visas as part of the application process.
International applicants, which 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.

* 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 69 internet-based (www.toefl.org or 609-771-7100)
Official test results from the “Academic” variant of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.
Official test results from the “Academic” variant of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a minimum score of 53.
Official test results from the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum score of 52.
Official test result from the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a passing score.
Official test score of the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 77.
Official test results from the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKEN) with a minimum score of Pre-1.
A Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) recommendation for full academic admission, administered by Georgia State University (404-651-3650)
Official certificate of successful completion of an Intensive English Program (IEP) offered by a university operated by the USG.
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, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.
Official score report from a Cambridge International Examination (CIE) or EdExcel IGCSE (“O” or “A” Level) English exam, with a minim score of D.
Official score report from one of the five UK examination boards offering GCSE and GCE English exam, with a minimum score of C.
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.
Exemptions from the above requirements can be considered in circumstances when a student has completed their education in the English medium, upon the approval of International Student Admissions and Programs.

In order to attract international students, the University may waive all or a part of the non-resident portion of tuition for select undergraduate 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 Program (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.