International Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements for International Admissions

  • Application – Complete the UWest online application
  • $100 Application Fee – This is non-refundable and may be made by check or credit card. Please make checks out to: University of the West.
  • Personal Statement – A 400-500 word essay answering the question, “What skills and attitudes do you believe are necessary for a successful life?”
  • Official Transcripts – Copies of your high school transcript and transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
  • Diploma – Copies of official high school diploma, or its equivalent.
  • Official Documents – All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
  • Current Passport
  • Current US visa (if applicable)
  • English Proficiency Verification – All instruction at University of the West is in English. Non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores . Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with UWest for a fee of $50 USD.
  • Documentation of Finances – After admission, all international students are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Once you are admitted, you will be asked to submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.

Test Score Requirements

TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 59-68 14 14 16 15
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 69 & above 16 16 16 18
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 59-68 14 14 16 15
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 69 & above 16 16 16 18
IELTS – Academic Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 5.0 4.5 4.5 5.5 5.5
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 5.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0
IELTS – Academic Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 5.0 4.5 4.5 5.5 5.5
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 5.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0

Applicants who submit minimum test scores may be conditionally admitted. Students who are admitted on a conditional basis are required to complete Univeristy of the West’s English Placement Test before beginning classes. International students who have successfully completed three or more years of substantive academic coursework at or above the baccalaureate level at an institution where English is the language of instruction may not be required to submit TOEFL or Academic IELTS scores or take University of the West’s EPT. 

Graduate Requirements for International Admissions

  • Application – Complete the UWest online application.
  • $100 Application fee – This is non-refundable and may be made by check or credit card. Please make checks out to: University of the West.
  • Statement of Purpose – Your original statement of purpose should be 500-600 words (typed, double-spaced), describing your interest in a specific area of study at UWest and your goals beyond achieving an advanced degree. The statement should include why you chose to study at University of the West, desired focus and/or research area, and personal goals or aspirations.
  • Official Transcripts – Copies of transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Three letters of recommendation submitted directly from the references in a sealed envelope or from an email with a professional domain. Academic letters of recommendation are highly encouraged. References may not be a relative of the applicant.
  • Diploma – Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.
  • Official documents – All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
  • Current passport
  • Current US visa (if applicable)
  • English Proficiency Verification – All instruction at University of the West is in English. Non-native English speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with UWest for $50 USD.
  • Documentation of Finances – All international student applicants are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Please submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.

Test Score Requirements

 

IELTS – Academic Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 5.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 6.0 5.5 5.5 6.5 6.5
IELTS – Academic Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required 5.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required 6.0 5.5 5.5 6.5 6.5

Applicants who submit minimum test scores may be conditionally admitted. Students who are admitted on a conditional basis are required to complete University of the West’s English Placement Test before beginning classes.

International students who have successfully completed three or more years of substantive academic coursework at or above the baccalaureate level at an institution where English is the language of instruction may not be required to submit TOEFL or Academic IELTS scores or take University of the West’s EPT. 

Additional Requirements for Undergrad & Grad Transfer Students

Transfer students are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:

  1. Current US visa (if applicable)
  2. Current I-20
  3. OPT card (if applicable)
  4. F1 Status Verification Form

Awaken Your Purpose at Uwest

Education is more than a degree—it’s a journey toward meaning, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Rooted in a rich tradition of wisdom and compassion, UWest empowers you to discover your path, cultivate inner clarity, and make a lasting impact in the world.

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