International Application Process
We have a long history of welcoming international students to our university. If you're an international student you will apply as a freshman or transfer applicant, and must submit additional materials depending on either status. We consider international students as students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
Required Materials for Freshman International Applicants
High School Transcript, School Report and Mid-Year Grade Report
An official high school transcript must be submitted by your high school, either online or by mail. Your transcript must show grades from ninth through eleventh grade as well as courses being taken during your senior year. The mid-year grade report should be sent to GW by your high school as soon as grades become available.
Letters of Recommendation
One counselor and one teacher recommendation should be submitted through forms on the Common Application.
Portfolio (for Corcoran Students Only)
If you're applying to the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, you must submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 completed works of art. If possible, the work in your portfolio should be related to your area of interest.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic Scores
If you’re an international applicant (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents), you are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission unless you are also part of one of the groups required to still submit test scores.
You are still required to submit either the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE if English is not your first language, as indicated on the Common Application. This requirement may be waived if you submit a SAT critical reasoning score of 600 or higher, or an ACT English score of 27 or higher.
If you spent your most recent four years in a school setting where English is the sole language of instruction in all academic subjects (excluding foreign language and ESL/ELL courses), you are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement.
Financial Certificate
If you plan to enter the United States on a student (F-1) or exchange visitor (J-1) visa, you are required to submit a Financial Certificate (PDF) and a bank statement. This information is required because international students at GW are not eligible for need-based financial assistance.
The Financial Certificate (PDF) should be fully completed by you and signed by your sponsor. The bank statement should be an original letter from your personal bank or your sponsor's bank on official bank letterhead, verifying your ability to provide the funds stated on your financial certificate. The funds must be stated in U.S. dollars and your name must be indicated on the letter.
Photocopy of your Passport
The spelling of your first and last name must exactly match what is on your Form I-20.
International Credentials
You are required to provide official documentation to GW of your previous education experience.
China & Hong Kong: Senior High School Graduation; HKCEE results and predicted HKAL results
Required Materials for Transfer International Applicants
College Transcript
You must submit an official transcript from each college or university you previously attended.
These credentials are required (whether or not credit was earned or is desired) and should be sent directly from the registrar's office to GW's Office of Admissions.
Current Visa
If you currently study in the United States and want to transfer to GW, you must provide a copy of your current visa.
Form I-20
If you are already studying in the United States on an F-1 visa and want to transfer to GW, you must provide all pages of your Form I-20 from your current institution.
Form I-94
If you are currently a student in the United States and want to transfer to GW, you must provide both sides of the I-94 card in your passport.
