Applications for graduate admission to UWSP are considered on an individual basis and only after all required materials have been received by the International Students & Scholars Office.
Graduate admission decisions are made by applicants' intended graduate programs. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator in your intended graduate program for information on departmental application requirements and admission decision timelines.
Required Documents for International Graduate Applicants
1. A signed application for graduate admission and a non-refundable application fee
The application for admission must be an original document (not faxed or emailed), complete, and signed. The check or money order for the application fee should be drawn on U.S. Dollars and made payable to "University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point". The application fee should be included with the application and other required materials so as to avoid processing delays.
2. Original or certified true copies of academic records that bear the fresh seal or stamp of each institution attended
Applicants must submit official academic records from all secondary and postsecondary schools attended, whether or not a degree, certificate, or diploma was earned. Academic records include: (a) yearly secondary school records showing marks earned by subject and rank in class; (b) certified results from external examinations; and (c) year-by-year records from each college and/or university.
Certification of official documents should be made by a school official. Any translated record should be an exact translation (not interpretive) and be accompanied by the official (original-language) document. Transcripts from U.S. high schools, colleges, or universities should be sent directly from that institution to the UWSP International Students & Scholars Office.
3. Certification of English Language Proficiency
A satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose native language is not English.
The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for graduate admission is 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 80 internet-based. UWSP’s graduate program in Communication requires a minimum of 577 paper-based, 233 computer-based, or 91 internet based. UWSP's ETS/TOEFL Institution Code is 1919. Official score sheets (not photocopies) are required.
The minimum acceptable IELTS score for graduate admission is 6.5. UWSP's graduate program in Communication requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for applicants who completed their undergraduate studies an accredited college or university in the USA or who are citizens of a country whose native language is English.
4. Declaration and Verification of Financial Support
U.S. Government regulations require all international applicants to produce evidence of their ability to meet all financial obligations while studying in the United States. It is absolutely essential for you to submit the two documents described below. Applications will not be reviewed until the documents have been received by the ISSO. Furthermore, the ISSO cannot process your request for the issuance of an I-20 or DS-2019 Form without these documents.
The required documents are:
a. A completed and signed UWSP Financial Support Statement from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at UWSP. Contact the ISSO to request the appropriate UWSP Financial Support statement.
b. An original bank statement or letter (certification) from the sponsor's bank verifying that such funds currently are available for your study at UWSP. The financial evidence must cover at least the amount of UWSP’s estimated expenses for the first year of your study (see the UWSP Financial Support Statement for estimated expenses).
5. A photocopy of the biographic information page from your passport (the page showing one's photo, name, date of birth, etc.)
Graduate Application Summary
The following documents must be on file with the ISSO before an application may be considered for admission:
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to complete and forward their applications to UWSP as early as possible. This allows for sufficient time to obtain visas and arrange for transportation. The priority deadlines for receipt of all admission materials are listed below. Applications received after these deadlines will be processed as promptly as possible, though admission may be deferred to the following semester.
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (August) | February 1 |
| Spring (January) | October 1 |