International Academic Admission Requirements

All prospective International students must meet the WKU standard academic requirements for international admission. See below for a detailed checklist:

International Admissions Checklist

• A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
• $75 non-refundable application fee
• Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
• Proof of English proficiency
• Financial Certificate and sponsorship information

All necessary documents including academic records and proof of English language proficiency must be received before an admissions decision can be made.

International students must also provide financial documents in order to obtain an I-20.

Download the checklist for complete admission requirements.

Academic Requirements by Country

Check out Academic Requirements by Country to meet your country's academic requirements.

Official Transcripts

The WKU Office of Admissions evaluates all international credentials and coursework in-house. Thus, students who have attended an educational institution located outside of the United States will need to request all schools attended to send the official transcript(s) directly to WKU. Some educational institutions do not issue transcripts to other schools; instead they issue transcripts or the original certificate/mark sheet to students. In this case, you will need to make a photocopy of your original transcript/certificate/mark sheet and have the school you attended (or a certified translation service firm) certify/attest that the photocopy is a true copy of the original document. In addition, transfer students must also submit course descriptions or syllabi (if available) for courses taken. Consulates and embassies often serve as a resource for the attestation of educational documents. If you are on WKU’s campus, you may bring the original transcript(s) or document(s) to the Admissions office for review and verification.

How to Submit Official Transcripts

International students may submit official transcripts/mark sheets/certificate via postal service. Please send documents to the following address:

Western Kentucky University
Office of Admissions
1906 College Heights Blvd. # 11020
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1020 USA

English Translations

If your official transcript is not in English, you must have the document translated before the Admissions office can process your application. English translations of transcripts/certificates/diplomas must be provided by a certified translation service or the embassy/consulate of the document’s issuing country.

The following standards will apply to English translations:

• All information listed on the document must be translated verbatim
• All translations must be prepared using the same format as the original document
• No interpretation or evaluation of information should be included
• All translations must be typed, signed and dated by the translator
• Contact information for the translator must be listed including address, phone and fax number, and e-mail address

English Translations of Syllabi

An international transfer student may submit an official English translation of course descriptions and syllabi or the student may submit a personal translation of course descriptions and syllabi. All personal translations must be notarized or the translation will not be accepted.

Altered Documents

Each applicant is responsible for submitting any altered documents; the applicant will be denied admission and the issuing board or institution will be notified. WKU reserves the right to request evaluation by a third independent party.

First-Time-Freshman Applicants

Secondary educational systems vary across the globe. The United States has a 12-year secondary educational system. Many countries have 10, 11, or 13-year secondary educational systems. If you have attended school in a country where the secondary system differs from the United States, you may be eligible for admission. Each undergraduate admissions application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Policy for International Transfer Students