International students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at Western Michigan University. This proof is essential for immigration purposes and should cover the estimated total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees and living expenses. 

Note: These figures are estimates for immigration purposes only. Actual costs may vary. For an individual estimate of expected cost of attendance, visit the WMU Registrar's Office. 

Additional Financial Considerations

• Dependents: Students bringing a dependent must provide an additional $4000 per year.
• Inflation: Be prepared for potential cost increases due to inflation and other academic factors.

For full admission to the University and for immigration purposes, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU.

To demonstrate sufficient funds, students may submit:

• A bank statement in the student's name showing adequate funds.
• If the bank statement is not in the student's name:
  • A letter signed by the financial sponsor indicating their relationship to the student and their commitment to cover the cost of attendance.
  • Financial statements in parents' names are acceptable without a sponsorship letter if their names are shown in the student's passport or government-issued ID.

Important Notes

• All documents must be in English.
• If original documents are not in English, certified English translations must be submitted.
• Proof of sufficient funds must be presented during the visa interview at the United States Consulate.

Application deadlines vary by semester. Graduate applicants should follow deadlines outlined by the department to which they are applying; if a department deadline is not specified, follow the general graduation application deadlines below.

It is recommended to apply in December or earlier for the fall semester to maximize your eligibility for funding awards as most assistantships are reviewed between January and March.

The WMU application system will not accept late submissions. If your application deadline has passed but you would still like to be considered, please email @email. We cannot guarantee late-admission to the desired semester but we will do our best to process the application.

For students needing visas, it is recommended to apply early. The U.S. government will allow admitted students to apply for their F visas up to 365 days in advance. Please note that students with visas are allowed to enter the United States only within 30 days of their program start date.

Global Education Graduate Merit Scholarship

• Offered by: Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
• Value: $10,000 per year.
• Duration: Up to four semesters or until graduation.
• Eligibility: Initial F-1 or J-1 international graduate students with a minimum 3.5 out of 4.0 GPA.
• Application Deadline: Applicants must be fully admitted to the University by February 15.
• Full Terms and Conditions.

Graduate Appointments

Graduate students can apply for various assistantships and fellowships that provide financial support while gaining valuable experience. Students should contact their academic departments for specific opportunities.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

• Academic colleges and departments offer scholarships.
• Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by colleges and departments.
• Students are encouraged to explore WMU Scholarship Universe for additional opportunities.

Many graduate programs require various supporting materials, including written narrative statements, specific standardized tests, letters of reference and online recommendations. Applicants should carefully review the application requirements for their program of interest to ensure they submit all the necessary documentation.

Eligibility Criteria for Forms DS-2019 for J-1 academic student category 

• Program is carried out under a written agreement between WMU and a foreign academic institution or foreign government;
• Program or student is financed by the US government, student's home country government or qualifying international organization; or
• Student is supported by at least 50% funding from sources other than personal or family funds.

For current enrolled WMU J-1 students who are matriculating between levels:

• May be eligible for a Form DS-2019 to continue studies with proof of full WMU assistantship/associateship for at least one year of funding with possibility of renewal.
• Additional proof of funding required for dependents.