International Students

Admission Requirements

A Transformative Education

in the Heart of Los Angeles

At UWest, you’ll be part of a welcoming, international community that supports you from the moment you apply. Our admissions process is simple, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a campus rooted in mindfulness and diversity, you’ll have everything you need to succeed—in school, in your career, and in life.

Minimum Admission Standards

To ensure each of our incoming students is prepared to succeed at UWest, we seek applicants who meet the following minimum prior grade point average (GPA) requirements.

Freshman Minimum Standard

Cumulative High School GPA: 2.50

Transfer Minimum Standard

Cumulative College GPA: 2.0

Graduate Minimum Standard

Graduate Minimum GPA

MBA, Professional MBA: 2.50
MA Religious Studies: 3.00
MA Psychology: 3.00
MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy: 3.00
DBMin Buddhist Ministry: 3.00
PhD Religious Studies: 3.00

Minimum Admission Standards

To ensure each of our incoming students is prepared to succeed at UWest, we seek applicants who meet the following minimum prior grade point average (GPA) requirements.

Freshman Minimum Standard

Cumulative High School GPA: 2.50

Transfer Minimum Standard

Cumulative College GPA: 2.0

Graduate Minimum Standard

Graduate Minimum GPA

MBA, Professional MBA: 2.50
MA Religious Studies: 3.00
MA Psychology: 3.00
MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy: 3.00
DBMin Buddhist Ministry: 3.00
PhD Religious Studies: 3.00

Transfer Minimum Standard

Cumulative College GPA: 2.00

Undergraduate Priority Deadlines

Application Type	Fall	Spring	Summer
All Undergraduate Programs	June 15th	November 15th	Not applicable

Graduate Priority Deadlines

Application Type	Fall	Spring	Summer
MA Religious Studies	June 15	Nov 15	Not Applicable
MBA, Professional MBA	June 15	Nov 15	April 1st
MA Psychology, MFT	March 15*	Application accepted for Fall Semester Only
MA, Buddhist Spirital Care	March 15	Nov 15	Not Applicable
MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy	March 15	Nov 15	Not Applicable
Doctor of Buddhist Ministry	March 15	Nov 15	Not Applicable
Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies	March 15*	Application accepted for Fall Semester Only

Early Admission (Freshman Only)

By applying through Early Admission, you have the possibility to receive an admission decision before you graduate from high school. This means more time to spend on identifying your financial aid package, planning campus visits, meeting with your academic advisors, and getting ready to make a strong start in your first college semester.

High school seniors are eligible to apply for early admission; conditional admission may be granted to those who qualify based on the applicant’s transcript date. An official high school transcript copy showing graduation and cumulative GPA must be submitted prior to the first day of class at UWest.

*Note: When space is available, programs may accept applications after the official deadline. For late application questions, contact INFO@UWEST.EDU.

**International Applicant Deadline: Applicants must have a valid F-1 visa to attend UWest. Those who do not yet have a current F-1 visa will need to apply to UWest at least three months in advance of the intended start date to allow time for the visa approval process.
NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION STATUS

Students applying for Early Admission usually will be notified of their admission status within two weeks of submitting the completed application. All other applicants can expect to receive their admission notification within three weeks of completing their application. Applications are reviewed and decisions are mailed out on a rolling basis. We highly recommend that you complete the application requirements as early as possible.

Undergraduate Requirements for International Admissions

1. Complete the Application

Fill out the online application form.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.

2. Personal Statement

A 400-500 word essay answering the question, “What skills and attitudes do you believe are necessary for a successful life?”

3. Official Transcripts & Diploma

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.
Copies of official high school diploma, or its equivalent.

4. 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.

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

Current US visa (if applicable)
Current I-20
OPT card (if applicable)
F1 Status Verification Form

5.TOEFL & IELTS Scores

TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT)
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
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

6. Additional Requirements

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

Current US visa (if applicable)
Current I-20
OPT card (if applicable)
F1 Status Verification Form

7. After Admissions

Now that you’ve been admitted, the After Admissions Checklist will guide you through the next steps to prepare for your graduate studies. From confirming your enrollment to registering for classes, exploring housing, and getting connected on campus, everything you need to transition smoothly into life at UWest is right here.

Graduate Requirements for International Admissions

1. Complete the Application

Fill out the online application form.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.

2. 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.

3. Official Transcripts & Diploma

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.
Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

Current US visa (if applicable)
Current I-20
OPT card (if applicable)
F1 Status Verification Form

6. TOEFL & IELT Scores

**Graduate Students**
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT)	Total	Reading	Listening	Speaking	Writing
Conditional Admit, EPT required	69-78	16	16	19	18
Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required	79 & above	19	19	21	20

**Graduate Students**
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

7. Additional Requirements

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

Current US visa (if applicable)
Current I-20
OPT card (if applicable)
F1 Status Verification Form

Additional Requirements

MBA / POST MBA CERTIFICATE

Submit current resume/CV
Post MBA certificate: MBA required
Letters of Recommendation: Not required

PSYCHOLOGY - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MFT)

Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
Statement of Purpose: Two written statements are required:
Autobiography (200-250 words)
Personal Statement addressing the question “Why Marriage and Family Therapy at UWest?” (450-500 words)
Additional Document: Curriculum vita is optional but recommended.

MASTER OF DIVINITY IN BUDDHIST CHAPLAINCY (MDIV)

Interview: Application should be prepared for a telephone or in-person interview, which may be required at the discretion of the chair. A campus visit is strongly recommended.
Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s MDiv program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.

DOCTOR OF BUDDHIST MINISTRY (DBMIN)

Prior degree requirement: Applicant should hold an MDiv degree or master’s degree in related field. However, applicant with a master’s degree in an unrelated discipline may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
Prior experience: One year of CPE residency is highly recommended. Applicant who lacks residency experience must meet one of the following:
1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Care (CPE); provide evaluation letter from CPE supervisor assessing written communication and emotional and spiritual development.
Three years in ministerial/temple work following the completion of master’s degree. Letters of recommendation: Four letters are required, including:
Two letters from academic sources such as advisor, dean, chair.
One letter from peer such as Dharma brother or sister.
One letter from pastoral supervisor or master.
Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s DBMin program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
Interview: An interview is required, either by telephone or in person.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES (MA)

Prior degree requirement: Both graduates with traditional bachelor’s degrees and graduates of recognized Buddhist colleges are eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES (PHD)

Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
Prior degree requirement: Applicant must have a master’s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Chaplaincy, Philosophy, or the equivalent. If this criterion is not met, the student cannot be admitted into the PhD, but may be eligible to apply to the MA program.
Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the applicant’s proposed area of research, his or her academic preparation to engage in such research, and how the program will be instrumental in pursuing his or her scholarly and professional goals.
Letters of Recommendation: At least two of the three recommendation letters from qualified scholars at recognized educational institutions.
Thesis: A copy of student’s MA thesis, if applicable.