Essential Application Information
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.
Estimated Costs for 2024-2025
The following table outlines the estimated costs for one academic year:
| Regular Admission | College of Engineering and Applied Sciences | College of Fine Arts | Haworth College of Business | ||
| Dual Enrollment Pathway Program (ESL (CELCIS) + university coursework) | Tuition and fees | $16,097 | $17,449 | $16,782 | $16,645 |
| Living expenses* | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | |
| Total (one academic year) | $32,644 | $33,996 | $33,329 | $33,192 | |
| Undergraduate Lower-level Up to 55 credits | Tuition and fees | $20,533 | $22,002 | $22,516 | $20,533 |
| Living expenses* | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | |
| Total (one academic year) | $37,080 | $38,549 | $39,063 | $37,080 | |
| Undergraduate Upper-level 56 or more credits | Tuition and fees | $22,371 | $23,839 | $24,353 | $23,957 |
| Living expenses* | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | $16,547 | |
| Total (one academic year) | $38,918 | $40,386 | $40,900 | $40,504 |
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.
- Differential Tuition Rates: The College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts and the Haworth College of Business have differential tuition rates.
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.
| Semester | Deadline | Term Begins |
| Fall | May 1 | Late August |
| Spring | September 1 | Early January |
| Summer I | February 1 | Early May |
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 Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
- Offered by: Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
- Value: $10,000 per year.
- Duration: Up to 8 semesters.
- Eligibility: F-1 or J-1 international undergraduate students with a minimum 3.5 out of 4.0 GPA.
- Application Deadline: Applicants must be fully admitted to the University by March 1.
- Full Terms and Conditions.
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.
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.
How To Apply
Step 1 - Complete Online Application
- Create an account on the application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
Step 2 - Upload Your Documents
Upload transcripts/mark-sheets from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended or currently attending, including diplomas, examination results and certificates.*
Please also upload the official grading scales of your transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Newly admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies. Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated:
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*Official Transcripts
Official transcripts can be sent from the issuing institutions to WMU in the following ways:
- Electronic: Transcripts can be emailed directly to @email by the issuing institution.
- Mail: Transcripts can be mailed to Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246.
- Hand-delivered: Transcripts in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution can be dropped off in the office of International Student and Scholar Services in 3110 Faunce Student Services Building.
Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at @email or at (269) 387-5865.
If any document is not issued in English, also provide an official English Translation of each document.
For students from certain countries, your educational system may provide exam results rather than traditional transcripts. Please upload these documents along with any official grading scales. Ensure that all documents are in English or include certified translations if they are issued in another language.
Official Test Scores
Official test scores can be sent directly from the testing agency to Western Michigan University. For TOEFL, use WMU's Institutional Code 1902.
Score reports generated by a testing agency may be submitted in several ways:
- Electronic: Test scores can be emailed directly to @email by the issuing agency.
- Mail: Test scores can be mailed to Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246.
- Hand-delivered: Official scores in a sealed envelope from the issuing agency can be dropped off in the office of International Student and Scholar Services in 3110 Faunce Student Services Building.
Please note that documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at @email or at (269) 387-5865.
Upload proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to the estimated cost of attendance. This should be a bank statement covering the full cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating their commitment to pay your cost of attendance.
Exception: A financial/bank statement is acceptable without a signed sponsorship letter/affidavit of support if it is in the name of either parent as shown on the passport page or other government-issued ID.
If you have received any scholarships, upload the official award letters. These should detail the scholarship amount, duration and any conditions attached.
Upload a clear copy of your passport's identification page. If applicable, also include the passport family information page.
Step 3 - Pay the Application Fee
To complete your application, you must submit a non-refundable application fee of $100. This fee is required for processing your application and securing your place in the admissions queue. Payment can be made online through the application portal using a credit or debit card. Please note that this fee is not refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. Ensure that you complete this step to avoid any delays in the review of your application.
Additional Information
Western Michigan University students who have completed university-level academic credit at another institution may be able to apply some of those credits toward a WMU degree.
Credit equivalencies for select partner institutions are available.
The following guidelines outline WMU's policies regarding the transfer of credits:
- Admission Status: Credit evaluations will only be processed after a student has been admitted to Western Michigan University (WMU).
- Eligible Institutions: Transfer credits will be considered only from institutions listed on your application.
- Undergraduate Students: Credit evaluations are conducted exclusively for undergraduate students. Graduate students must consult with their academic advisors to request transfer credits.
- Official Transcripts:
- An official transcript (original document) must be submitted to the International Student and Scholar Services office before a credit evaluation can be requested.
- Note that photocopies, faxed copies or scanned versions of official transcripts are not accepted as official documents.
- International Transcripts:
- Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must include an English translation.
- The international institution must be recognized by the relevant government agency, such as the Ministry of Higher Education in the respective country.
- Processing Time: The typical processing time for a credit evaluation is at least 10 business days.
- Additional Documentation: For some transfer courses, students may need to provide detailed course descriptions and syllabi for evaluation.
In the event you experience problems with your application, do not submit a second application. Contact International Student and Scholar Services at @email or call (269) 387-5865, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Disability Services for Students at Western Michigan University strives to make education accessible and remove barriers to student success.
Reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations include but are not limited to:
- Testing accommodations.
- Visual interpreting.
- Textbooks in alternate formats.