How to Apply

Admissions Requirements  

To apply, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older and have completed a minimum of one year of university-level coursework
  • Have proof of good academic standing at your home university
  • Meet or exceed the following English proficiency scores:
    • TOEFL iBT – 72 (no subscore below 16) 
    • IELTS – 6.0 (no subscore below 5.5)
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) – 100

Exception: International students whose primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or the United States are exempt from the English language test requirement. If you were born in one of these countries but educated elsewhere, you’re still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

Application Steps

1. Download and fill out the application form and personal statement.

Download Application

2. Gather the following materials:

  • Proof of English language proficiency (must show an original test date that is less than two years old)

  • Official bank statement (less than six months old) and letter of sponsorship (if sponsored) confirming you have the funds necessary to cover all tuition and living expenses while you are in the United States. Both documents must be in English.

  • Copy of the page in your passport with your picture, name and birthdate

  • Copy of your most recent academic transcript

  • If you’re planning to bring any dependents (spouse or children), you must include a copy of the page in their passports with their picture, name and birthdate

  • Nonrefundable application fee ($50 USD)

  • Express mail fee ($40 USD) (only required for students who need their I-20 sent to an address outside the United States)

3. Submit your application materials in one of these ways:

Email: JoinIELP@uw.edu

Mail:
UW Continuum College
International & English Language Programs
4333 Brooklyn Ave NE
Box 359482
Seattle, WA 98195-9482

What Happens Next

We’ll notify you by email of your application status within about two weeks of receiving your complete packet and fees.  

If you’re accepted to the Global Connections program, you’ll receive program details as well as instructions on how to prepare for housing and arrival.

If you’re outside the United States and you need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa, we’ll send your I-20 and acceptance packet to your mailing address. The acceptance packet includes information about paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and preparing for your F-1 visa interview appointment.

If you’re transferring to our program from another U.S. school, we will include transfer instructions in your acceptance e-mail.

Refund Policy

Please see Registration & Payment for details on our refund policy.