Five students wearing CWU branded sweaters, smiling while sitting on stairs.

International Student Admissions

Apply as an International Student

We’re excited you're considering Central Washington University and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

As part of our Wildcat community, you’ll have access to the support you need to transition to life in the U.S., reach your academic goals, and feel at home. 

Who Should Apply as an International Student? 

If you need an F-1 student visa to study in the United States, you’ll apply as an international student. With more than 400 international students from over 60 countries, CWU is a welcoming place to learn, grow, and build your future.

Looking for graduate school? Visit our International Graduate Admissions page for steps and requirements.

Start Your Application

Steps to Apply

Step 1: Check Admission Requirements and Deadlines 

Be sure to review requirements for your program and any key deadlines. 

Step 2: Complete Your Online Application  

You can apply through our CWU application portal or Common App. Already started? Return to the portal to finish or check your status. 

Step 3: Pay the $60 Application Fee 

This fee is nonrefundable.

Step 4: Provide Proof of English Proficiency 

If your first language isn’t English, you’ll need to submit official test scores. There are many ways to meet this requirement. Students from the following countries are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.

Step 5: Submit Official Transcripts  

Official transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to CWU. Electronic transcripts sent directly from your school are accepted. If documents will be mailed, have them sent to:

Central Washington University
Office of International Studies and Programs
400 E University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7408
U.S.A.

Step 6: Complete the Student Visa Process 

  • Outside the U.S.: Complete the steps to obtain your I-20 document and apply for an F-1 visa. 
  • Inside the U.S.: Submit immigration and financial documents and transfer your SEVIS record to CWU to receive your new I-20. 

*A $400 enrollment deposit is required for all first-year international students before we can issue your I-20.  

Priority Application Dates

CWU welcomes students all year round so you can begin your future when you’re ready. Applications are accepted after the application priority date on a space available basis. We are accepting applications for Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 as well.

Start Quarter First-Year Priority Date Transfer Priority Date
Fall Quarter 2026 January 31st, 2025 March 1st, 2026
Winter Quarter 2027 November 1st, 2026 November 1st, 2026
Spring Quarter 2027 February 1st, 2027 February 1st, 2027

I'm admitted. What's next?

Congratulations! Your first step is to accept your admission offer. You’ll also need to start the process of applying for your F-1 visa and want to start exploring housing and meal plan options. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Take the next steps.

Financial Resources

Financial documentation will need to be provided before your I-20 can be issued.

Scholarships for International Students

CWU offers international students a merit-based scholarship with awards up to $12,000.  All international students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon acceptance. 

  • 2.7 to 2.9: $6,756 
  • 3.0 to 3.6: $8,997 
  • 3.7 to 4.0: $11,985 

The maximum graduate award is $12,000.00 based on merit and 2025/2026 tuition rates.

How to Apply

  • Apply online for undergraduate or graduate admissions
  • Once accepted to CWU, your official, overall incoming grade will be assessed for scholarship eligibility. You will need to confirm your scholarship, if eligible, through the International Student Scholarship

Award Notification

  • Qualified students will be notified via email of scholarship award within 2-3 weeks after they are officially admitted by CWU.

Additional Info

  • Scholarships are re-awarded each academic year based off of students’ spring quarter cumulative GPA.
  • Exchange, government sponsored and English language learning students (UESL), and those charged resident tuition rates do not qualify.

For more information, please email us.

Confidential Financial Statement

Ellensburg campus students must complete the Confidential Financial Statement Form 1 or Confidential Financial Statement Form 2. This form must be signed by the student and by the person who will be sponsoring the student financially.

Bank Statement

Along with the Confidential Financial Statement form, students must also submit a current bank statement. The bank statement should be in the name of the student's sponsor or the student, should be dated and no older than three months old by the time we receive it, and should be an original that is in English or translated into English.

The bank statement should show that the account holder has the funds to pay for the estimated costs of attending CWU for at least one academic year. Refer to the Confidential Financial Statement form for the estimated costs.

Please keep copies of your financial documentation for yourself, as you will need to present them to the U.S. Consulate when applying for your student visa.

Additional Information

  • Countries Exempt from English proficiency

    You do not need to supply proof of English proficiency if you are from:  

    • Antigua and Barbuda  
    • Australia  
    • Bahamas  
    • Barbados  
    • Belize  
    • Bermuda  
    • British Virgin Islands  
    • Botswana  
    • Canada (except Quebec)  
    • Cayman Islands  
    • Dominica  
    • Gambia  
    • Ghana  
    • Grenada  
    • Guyana  
    • Ireland  
    • Jamaica  
    • Kenya  
    • Kiribati  
    • Liberia  
    • Malawi  
    • Micronesia  
    • Namibia  
    • New Zealand  
    • Nigeria  
    • Palau  
    • Papua New Guinea  
    • Sierra Leone  
    • Singapore  
    • Solomon Islands  
    • South Africa  
    • St. Kitts & Nevis  
    • St. Lucia  
    • St. Vincent and the Grenadines  
    • Trinidad & Tobago  
    • Turks and Caicos Islands  
    • Uganda  
    • United Kingdom  
    • Zambia  
    • Zimbabwe 
  • Demonstrating English Proficiency

    TOEFL score

    • Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions 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: 71

    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 Central Washington University when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. 
    • Minimum score needed: 105

    IELTS

    • Official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions 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: 6.0

    English Composition Courses

    • Grade of C or 2.0 or higher in two college-level English composition courses from a U.S. college/university.

    Cambridge IGCSE/GCE/GCSE or A level result of First Language

    • English minimum grade of C.

    International Baccalaureate (IB)

    • Higher level English grade of 5 or better.

    Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam

    Certificate in C1 Advanced English

    Certificate in C2 Proficiency

    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

    • Minimum score of 530
    ACT English Score
    • Minimum Score of 19

    Completion of School Outside the U.S. where the Language of Instruction was English.

    • Official letter from school stating English was the language of instruction to be provided.
    • English proficiency requirement will be waived for students who completed PEAP Level 6 or higher.
    • Complete UESL with a B or higher and recommendation from the UESL program.
  • Information About Official Transcripts or Equivalents

    Depending on your academic background, we may ask for results from: 

    • Cambridge Examinations 
    • International Baccalaureate (IB) 
    • West African Senior School Examination (WAEC) 
    • China’s Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) 
    Results must be verified by the testing authority. CWU may also require a course-by-course evaluation from a credential evaluation agency. Accepted services include: 
    • Foundation for International Services (FIS) 
    • World Education Services (WES) 
    • SpanTran 

    Need Help? 

    We're here for you. For questions about your visa, application, or next steps, reach out to our SEVIS Coordinator at 
     509-963-3612 
     sevis@cwu.edu 

CWU News

A window banner at Grandview School District

$4 million federal grant aimed at helping with school psychologist shortage

February 25, 2026 by

Photo of Kendall Smart working with a student at the Disability Services office

CWU Disability Services aims to provide equitable access to education

February 23, 2026 by

More News

Ready? Let's go.

Questions? Contact Us.

Office of International Studies and Programs

Hebeler Hall 102