International Undergraduate Application Instructions
Applications for undergraduate admission to UWSP are considered on an individual basis only after all required materials have been received by the Foreign Student Office.
Admission decisions for undergraduate applicants are typically made within 10 business days.
Required Documents for International Undergraduate Applicants
1. A signed application for undergraduate admission and the non-refundable application fee
The application for admission must be an original document (not faxed or emailed), complete, and signed. The check or money order for the application fee should be drawn on U.S. Dollars (USD) and made payable to "UWSP". The application fee should be included with the application and other required materials to avoid processing delays.
Important: Please be certain to complete & sign the UWSP Housing Policies & Room Assignment Questionnaire on the back page of the application form.
2. Original or certified true copies of academic records that bear the fresh seal or stamp of each institution attended
Applicants must submit official academic records from all secondary and postsecondary schools attended, whether or not a degree, certificate, or diploma was earned. Academic records include: (a) yearly secondary school records showing marks earned by subject and rank in class; (b) certified results from external examinations; and (c) year-by-year records from each college and/or university.
Certification of official documents should be made by a school official. Any translated record should be an exact translation (not interpretive) and be accompanied by the official (original-language) document. Transcripts from U.S. high schools, colleges, or universities should be sent directly from that institution to the UWSP Foreign Student Office.
Transfer credits will be evaluated to determine applicability after admission status is determined. Course syllabi or descriptions should be submitted in order to ensure an accurate evaluation of transfer credit.
3. Certification of English Language Proficiency
A satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose native language is not English.
The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for undergraduate admission is 523 paper-based, 193 computer-based, or 70 internet-based. UWSP's ETS/TOEFL Institution Code is 1919. Official score sheets (not photocopies) are required.
The minimum acceptable IELTS score for undergraduate admission is 6.0.
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours at an accredited college or university in the United States or who are citizens of a country whose native language is English.
4. Declaration and Verification of Financial Support
U.S. government regulations require all international applicants to produce evidence of their ability to meet all financial obligations while studying in the United States. It is absolutely essential for you to submit the two documents described below. Applications will not be reviewed until the documents have been received by the FSO. Furthermore, the FSO cannot process your request for the issuance of an I-20 or DS-2019 Form without these documents.
The required documents are:
a. A completed and signed UWSP Financial Support Statement from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at UWSP. Applicants will find the UWSP Financial Support Statements on pages 2 and 3 of the ESL/Undergraduate Application for Admission.
b. An original bank statement or letter (certification) from the sponsor's bank verifying that such funds currently are available for your study at UWSP. The financial evidence must cover at least the amount of UWSP’s estimated expenses for the first year of your study (see the UWSP Financial Support Statements for estimated expenses).
5. A photocopy of the biographic information page from your passport (the page showing one's photo, name, date of birth, etc.)
Summary
The following items must be on file with the FSO before an application may be considered for admission --Undergraduate Applicants:
- Application for Admission
- The $100 non-refundable application fee by check payable to "UWSP"
- Official secondary school and external examination results translated into English
- Certification of English Language Proficiency
- UWSP Financial Support Statement accompanied by a bank statement or letter
- A photocopy of the biographic information page from your passport
- (optional)A brief statement describing educational objectives and career goals
Transfer Applicants:
- Application for Admission
- The $100 non-refundable application fee by check payable to "UWSP"
- Official academic records from each postsecondary institution attended
- Official secondary school and external examination results translated into English
- Certification of English Language Proficiency
- UWSP Financial Support Statement accompanied by a bank statement or letter
- A photocopy of the biographic information page from your passport
- (optional) A brief statement describing educational objectives and career goals
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Applicants:
- Application for Admission
- The $100 non-refundable application fee by check payable to "UWSP"
- Official academic records from previous educational institutions attended
- UWSP Financial Support Statement accompanied by a bank statement or letter
- A photocopy of the biographic information page from your passport
- ESL Program students must be high school graduates. In order to achieve maximum success in the ESL Program it is recommended that you have had at least 2 years of English at the high school level.
Those applying for both ESL Program and undergraduate study must submit a non-refundable application fee totaling USD $150.
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to complete and forward their applications to UWSP as early as possible. This allows for sufficient time to obtain visas and arrange for transportation. The priority deadlines for receipt of all admission materials are listed below. Applications received after these deadlines will be processed as promptly as possible, though admission may be deferred to the following semester.
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (August) | July 1 |
| Spring (January) | November 1 |
Required Tuition Deposit for Applicants from Africa
Unfortunately, we have observed that applicants from Africa often face difficulties with their student visa applications. A common challenge is demonstrating to U.S. consular officers sufficient funds to cover one’s educational expenses.
As a result, UWSP requires African applicants to make a deposit of USD $10,000 against their tuition and fees at the time of application to the university. This deposit will be held by the university until the student's final semester of enrollment, at which time the funds will be applied to the student's account with any excess refunded to the student. These deposits are clearly noted on the applicant’s I-20 as a deposit against future expenses.
Tuition deposits made by applicants whose student visa applications are denied or who for any other reason do not enroll at UWSP are fully refundable (less any bank fees). Applicants who not admissible to the university will also receive a full refund of their tuition deposits (less any bank fees).
When applying, kindly include a check or money order for USD $10,000 made payable to “University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.” Please contact the Foreign Student Office with any questions.