Graduate Programs


Thank you for your interest in applying to a graduate program at Western Michigan University! Learn more about applying to graduate programs:

Application requirements

Western Michigan University asks all students to complete an online application.

International applicants must submit the following to successfully complete this application:

  1. Copy of passport identification page
  2. Proof of English language proficiency*
  3. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* 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.  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:

    World Education Services: www.wes.org
    Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org
    Academic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.org
    Global Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.com
    WMU is a proud partner of SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, which offers a partnership discount.  Click here to receive your discounted evaluation
  4. $100 non-refundable application fee
  5. Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance.  Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance.  If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.*

[*Exception to the signed sponsorship letter/affidavit of support: a financial/bank statement is acceptable without a signed sponsorship letter/affidavit of support if it is in the name of either of the parents displayed on the passport page or other government-issued ID]

*Official Transcripts

Official transcripts can be sent from the issuing institutions to WMU in the following ways:

  • Electronic: Transcripts can be emailed by the issuing institution directly to oiss-info@wmich.edu
  • 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.

*Official Test Scores

  • Scores can be sent directly from a testing agency to Western Michigan University.  Western Michigan University's code is 1902 for TOEFL and SAT.
  • Score reports generated by a testing entity can be mailed, emailed or hand-delivered.  Follow the instructions laid out in the transcript section above for more information.

Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at (269)387-5865 or at oiss-info@wmich.edu

If any document is not issued in English, also provide an official English Translation of each document.

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Costs and Funding

Cost of Attendance 

The tuition rates for Western Michigan University are set by the Board of Trustees each July for the following academic year. Current tuition and fee rates are available through the WMU Registrar's Office

For immigration purposes, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU based on an estimated calculation of the total cost of attendance which includes tuition, fees and living expenses.

An additional $4000 per year will be required if the student plans to bring a dependent.  The student must also be prepared to meet increasing costs due to inflation and other fluctuating economic conditions on a continuing basis.

Information on Exchange Visitor Program Eligibility

Effective Spring 2020 enrollment semester, initial application requests for Forms DS-2019 for J-1 academic student category may be issued based on the following eligibility criteria, provided all other requirements for international admission are met:

  • Program is carried out pursuant to 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 pursuant to federal regulations; or
  • Student is supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds, which must be at least 50 percent of funding for the entire program at the time of application.

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

WMU J-1 students matriculating between levels may be eligible for a Form DS-2019 to continue studies with proof of WMU full assistantship/associateship for at least one year of funding with possibility of renewal, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. The Form DS-2019 will be noted accordingly. Additional proof of funding required for dependents.

Funding

WMU provides opportunities for fellowships, associateships and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. Collectively, these awards are known as graduate appointments and provide direct financial support to students. International graduate students should contact their academic department directly to inquire about the availability of graduate appointments. Many departments may also post available graduate appointments on the University’s Career and Student Employment Services website. 

Learn more about Funding 

Proof of Sufficient Funds 

For immigration purposes, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to the following estimated costs of attendance which includes estimates on tuition, fees and living expenses for the fall and spring semesters. 

Proof of sufficient funds estimated cost chart: 2022-2023 (actual costs will vary)
Dual Enrollment Pathway Program (ESL (CELCIS) + graduate coursework)Tuition and fees$16,289
Living Expenses$16,877
Total (one academic year)$33,166
Graduate Study (12 credits per year)Tuition and fees $16,189
Living expenses* $16,877
Total (one academic year) $33,066

*Living expenses account for room and board, books and supplies and medical insurance. 

The figures above are calculated estimates for immigration purposes only. For an individual estimate of expected cost of attendance, visit the WMU Registrar's Office

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Deadlines to apply

 Application deadlines vary by semester and term dates. 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 January or earlier for the fall semester to maximize your consideration for funding awards as most assistantships are reviewed between January and March for awards, depending on department.

Review deadlines by graduate program    

General Graduate Application Deadlines
SemesterDeadlineTerm Begins
FallMarch 1Early September
SpringJuly 1Early January
SummerDecember 1Early May

If your application deadline has passed, you may email oiss-info@wmich.edu. 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 for prospective students to apply for their F visas up to 365 days in advance.  Please note, students will still only be allowed to enter the United States within 30 days of their program's start date.  View consular processing times here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

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Helpful Application Tips

  • International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) offers a step-by-step application guide to walk you through the online application process. 
  • In the event you experience problems with your application, do not submit a second application. Contact I3S at oiss-info@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-5865, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
  • Many programs require written narrative statements, specific standardized tests, letters of recommendation, and other support materials.
  • Specific application requirements for each graduate program are accessible on the Graduate College website. Applicants are encouraged to print out and/or book mark that information while you work through the graduate application.
  • GRE Scores Code for Western Michigan University: 1902

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Transfer to WMU

Credit Equivalencies 

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. Third party transcript evaluation reports, such as from WES, are not a required or acceptable form of credentials for WMU admission purposes. Original transcripts are evaluated in our office by our admissions staff.

Credit equivalencies for select partner institutions are available. 

Credit Equivalencies 

Guidelines for Transfer Credits  

The following are WMU's basic guidelines regarding transfer of credits. 

  • Credit evaluations will not be processed until a student has been admitted to WMU.
  • Transfer credits will only be considered for institutions reported on your admission application.
  • Credit evaluations are only conducted for undergraduate students; graduate-level students must meet with applicable academic advisors to request transfer credits. 
  • The International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) office must receive an official transcript (original transcript) before a credit evaluation can be requested. Note: Photocopies of official transcripts, faxed copies of official transcripts or scanned copies of official transcripts are not considered official. 
  • Official transcripts received from an institution outside of the United States must include an English translation.
  • If the attended institution from which a student wishes to have credits transferred is outside the U.S., the international institution must be recognized by the country's Ministry of Higher Education or equivalent government agency.
  • Normal processing time for a credit evaluation is at least 10 business days. 
  • For the evaluation of some transfer courses, it may be necessary for students to provide detailed course descriptions and syllabus. 

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Study as a Guest Student

Undergraduates who are currently attending other colleges or universities may apply for "guest" student status at Western Michigan University. WMU offers a variety of courses to help guest students complete degree programs at their primary institutions. 

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