Graduate Studies and Research

Frequently Asked Questions

• Applications and Documentation

  What are the application deadlines for international students? 

  International students should plan to apply earlier than the general application deadline. It can take additional time to submit official transcripts, and if admitted, receive a visa appointment.

  The general application deadlines are as follows:
  

  • Fall Quarter: February 1 
  • Winter Quarter: October 1 
  • Spring quarter: January 1 
  • Summer Quarter: April 8 

  Not all programs admit students each quarter, regardless if they have classes available each quarter. Please follow the deadlines above or check with the graduate school by emailing masters@cwu.edu 

  International students should plan to apply earlier than the deadline. It can take additional time to submit official transcripts, and if admitted, receive a visa appointment. 

  What is the I-20 and when will I receive it? 

  The I-20 is a "Certificate of Eligibility" that is issued to international students who have been fully admitted to Central Washington University and is necessary to have in order to apply for a F-1 student visa. ONLY STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO CWU WILL BE ISSUED AN I-20. After you are admitted to CWU, you will receive your acceptance letter via the email address you list on your application, as well as, next steps to obtain your document I-20. Questions can be directed to sevis@cwu.edu

  *Please note, students must also attend classes in-person and full-time to be eligible for the F-1 student visa. 

  Is proof of English language proficiency required?

  We require that all students speak and understand the English language to attend CWU. As part of the application, international students must provide proof of English proficiency.

  International Students must submit test scores from one of the following English proficiency tests unless the student is from a country where English if an official language, or has received a bachelor's degree or higher post-baccalaureate (master’s or doctorate) degree from an institution where all courses are fully taught fully in English. 

  TOEFL: Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores should be sent directly to CWU from ETS (Educational Testing Services). Photocopies or the "examinee copy" are not acceptable. Scores more than two years old, and scores from the Institutional TOEFL cannot be used for Admissions. You can register for the TOEFL or request to have scores sent by contacting the TOEFL website. Central Washington University's school code is #4044. Minimum score needed: 79

  *Please note that the Department of English requires minimum score of 88 for TOEFL iBT

  Duolingo English Test

  The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken in under an hour for $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera, audio and reliable internet. The test includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with CWU when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. Minimum score needed: 120

  IELTS

  Official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores should be sent directly to CWU from IELTS. Photocopies are not acceptable. Scores more than two years old cannot be used for Admissions. You can register for the IELTS or request to have scores sent by contacting the IELTS website. Central Washington University's school code is #4044. Minimum score needed: 6.5.

  What is the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement and scale?

  The GPA requirement is a 3.0 on a 4-point scale. We look at your last 90 quarter credits, or 60 semester credits. If your institution uses units, it will be your most recent 15 units.

  How do I submit my official transcript, and do I need to submit a transcript evaluation? 

  Because educational systems around the world are different, academic transcripts will vary. We require an original, official transcript that shows a complete list of courses taken, grades received, and number of credits awarded.

  • Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended - In order for a transcript to be official, it must come directly from the school that you attended or a provider such as Parchment or National Clearing House.

  These documents need to be in the language of the country and in English.  If the institution attended does not send certified English translated documents you may have the translations processed and certified with University Language Services (ULS). Their information can be found at their website. The transcript should also show date of graduation (if you completed your studies) and any certificates, diplomas, or degrees received.  

  If you are currently attending a school, submit a transcript of work to date and request a final transcript to be sent when you complete your studies. A transcript is considered official when it comes directly from the issuing institute. 

  If the transcript is not in English, then you will need to also submit a certified translation from the school who issued the transcript, the Ministry of Education, Consulate, or Embassy. 

  If you attended a foreign university you must have the transcripts evaluated by one of the methods below. Applicants who have attended universities in China, India, Pakistan or Nigeria please note additional information below. 

  • Central Washington University's (CWU) In House credential evaluator. 
  • If CWU's evaluator is unable to determine the US equivalency of the transcript, then you must use a translation service agency. Please be sure to request that the agency perform a complete course-by-course evaluation and submit the completed evaluation to CWU with a copy (original or photocopy) of the transcript. Some of the agencies that we use are below, however, Naces offers a full list of agencies. 
  • World Education Services (WES) 
  • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) 
  • Foundation for International Services (FIS) (note: FIS provides a CWU-specific application and evaluation) 

  If the original transcript is not written in English you must also include a certified English translation. If you use one of the agencies, you do not need to send your transcripts to Central Washington University. Send your Official transcripts directly to one of the evaluation agencies listed above, and they will send us the information that we require. 

  Chinese Universities (Additional Information) 

  If you have been awarded a Bachelors, Masters and or Doctoral degree, the official Chinese transcript must be given to the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) for the translation. Once the transcript has been translated the CDGDC will send documents to the school the student has requested it be sent to. Verification Reports sent directly to Central Washington University by one of the Ministry authorized verification offices include: 

  • Graduation Certificates 
  • Degree Certificates 

  If you are in the process of earning a degree, or have taken courses at a Chinese university but did not earn a degree, or need verification of secondary credentials, tertiary technical/vocational institutions credentials you will have to use the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) for translation and verification purposes. 

  Indian Universities (Additional Information)

  Central Washington University's In House evaluator will not evaluate transcripts from India. The official Indian transcript must be evaluated by either International Services (FIS) Or WES.

  Nigerian Universities (Additional Information)

  Central Washington University's In House evaluator will not evaluate transcripts from Nigeria. The official Nigerian transcript must be evaluated by either International Services (FIS) Or WES.

  Pakistani Universities (Additional Information)

  Central Washington University's in-house evaluator will not evaluate transcripts from Pakistan. The official Pakistani transcript must be evaluated by either International Services (FIS) Or WES.

  Should I send documentation to the academic departments? 

  No, never send official documents to the academic departments. Instead, please submit all application documents directly to the graduate school.

  Please do not send copies of your transcripts or any documentation prior to applying to the graduate school. We do not review any documentation until an application has been submitted. 

• Housing and Dependents

  How do I apply for housing? 

  After acceptance into your program, you will receive email communication from both the International Department and Housing Services regarding your options to live on or off campus. If you plan to live on-campus, you will apply through MyCWU. You can contact housing@cwu.edu for more information.

  What should I do if I am bringing dependents with me? 

  If you plan to bring dependents (spouse or children) with you to the U.S., you must provide additional financial support, $5,000 per dependent, and submit their passport and information to the International Department at sevis@cwu.edu. They will be added to your I-20 and will need to apply for F-2 dependent visa.

• Name Usage

  What does first name and last name mean?

  The first name refers to the name given to an individual at birth. It is also called the given name. The last is common to all family members and is also referred to as the surname.

  What name should I use when contacting the Graduate School?

  You should use your first (given) name and your last (surname or family) name when contacting the Graduate School.

  Please do not use nicknames or middle names as we may be unable to find your application. 

• When will I hear an admissions decision?

  Files are reviewed by the department you are applying to once they are complete, which means having all your official documents provided will ensure your file will be reviewed in a timely manner.

  Once you have applied to the graduate school, it usually takes two to three days to process your application once we have received all your official transcripts (or official transcript evaluations), letters of recommendation and test scores (if applicable), applications are then forwarded to the major department for review and admission recommendation. The application review can take four to six weeks.

  Once an admissions decision is made, it can take up to four weeks to receive your acceptance letter and I-20 depending on what country the documents are being sent to (some take longer than others). For this reason, it is extremely important to get your application materials submitted as soon as possible before the quarter starts to allow plenty of time for the I-20 to reach you.

• Are there scholarships available for international students?

  CWU offers merit-based international student scholarships, however, CWU does not offer fully-funded scholarships. International students with a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher will  automatically be considered for the scholarship at time of acceptance. You can find more information be contacting the International Student Services department by email:  intladm@cwu.edu

• Is health insurance mandatory for international students?

  Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Prices will vary based on plan and provider. (All costs subject to change without notice.)

  Please contact the International Student Scholars Services Staff for details; intl_insurance@cwu.edu 

• Who will be my advisor?

  After you receive your acceptance letter and I-20, you will be sent a welcome packet of information from International Student Services. The packet will include important information about registration and orientation. Once you are on campus you can contact your major department to find out who your advisor will be. 

• Are there curricular practical training or optional practical training options?

  Computational Science Program International students on a F1 student visa will need departmental approval prior to being authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT will be accepted only for the Summer Quarters and for one of the Fall/Winter/Spring quarters of the second year, for a single employer. The necessary information and signatures will be obtained by completion of the “learning agreement” which can be downloaded from the Career Services website.