Frequently asked questions by international students

• Is there an application fee?

  Effective August 3, 2023, all fees for Wayne State University applications administered through the Graduate School are eliminated for all academic terms beginning with the winter 2024 semester. Please note this does not apply to Wayne State University programs administered outside the Graduate School such as J.D., M.D., and Pharm.D. programs. Refunds are not issued for any fees paid before August 3, 2023.

• Do you offer conditional/provisional admission?

  Wayne State University's English Language Institute (ELI) considers students for provisional admission. Please contact ELI directly for more information, as this type of application is not reviewed by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

• I have lived in the United States for the last 10 years but all of my previous education was in a country where English is not the native language. Do I still have to take the TOEFL?

  Yes. Because your education was completed in a country where English is not the native language, you are still required to provide proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL is the most frequently used standardized indicator of English proficiency in higher education.

• I live in Michigan but completed my degree overseas. I only have my original transcript and adegree certificate. Do I have to submit them?

  No. However, you may choose to upload an unofficial copy of your academic credentials to your online application. Since your bachelor's degree is from a non-U.S. institution, you will still need to submit an official academic course-by-course evaluation to the Office of Graduate Admissions from one of following credential evaluators listed under "Verify academic records" above. 

• I've had my transcripts evaluated by ECE, LSAC, SpanTran or WES. Do I still have to submit my official transcripts?

  No. You may upload unofficial transcripts to your online application in order for an admissions decision to be made. However, WSU reserves the right to revoke your admission at any time if your ECE, LSAC, SpanTran or WES credential evaluation does not support/verify the degree level and academic credentials on which the admissions decision was based.

• My transcripts are written in a language other than English. What should I do?

  Most foreign institutions provide copies of your transcripts and degree certificates in English as well as your native language. In some cases, you may have to ask specifically for them. You might also have to pay an additional fee for this service. It is important that you submit both native and English language versions to Wayne State.

• I sent my international transcripts but heard that I also need a degree certificate. Why?

  If your degree is not posted on the transcript, you will need to provide official documentation of your degree certificate or diploma. You may want to specifically ask the issuing institution to confirm that your degree statement has been posted on your transcript before having it issued. If not, you will need to provide an official degree certificate. Provisional certificates are acceptable for international applicants.

• I am not a U.S. citizen but live in the U.S. What additional information do I need to provide?

  Non-U.S. citizens should provide a copy of their visa or permanent resident card. If you are in the process of changing your status, include copies of the applicable paperwork.

• I have a special visa. Do I have to provide the financial documents (i.e. bank statement and financial statement of support)?

  No. Applicants holding a special visa (i.e., H or TN) do not have to provide financial documents (i.e., bank statement and financial statement of support). Only applicants who wish to have a student visa (F-1) issued need to provide financial documents. F-2 visa holders should be aware that it can take between four and six months for the change in visa to take effect.

• Do I have to submit my financial documents before I can be admitted?

  Your application can be considered for admission without a statement of financial support or bank statement. However, an I-20 cannot be granted until we have proof of your financial ability to study at Wayne State University. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will process your I-20 after you submit a copy of your passport and financial documents verifying the required funds.

• How do I check the status of my I-20 after I have been admitted?

  International students may check the status of their I-20 with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), which oversees the I-20 process. Any questions should be directed to that office.

• How do I reapply?

  Submit a new application for the term and program of your choice. If your first application is less than 1 year old, we will use any official documents you submitted with that application to process your new application. If you reapply to a new program, there may be additional admission requirements to fulfill.

• I was admitted to a program, but I’m unable to attend. May I defer my admission?

  Students may be granted deferred admission for up to one year following the original term of application. Students seeking deferred admission must contact their department chair or graduate program director and make a request to defer the admission for either one term or one year. Students may only request a deferral for the same program to which they originally applied.

  If granted, the admission deferral is valid for up to 12 months. Students seeking deferred admission must reapply for any scholarships, financial aid, graduate assistantships, or other opportunities that were offered for the original admission.

  Consideration of deferral beyond one year requires submission of a new application, application fee, and required documentation.