International students making W hands with Buster Bronco at orientation
International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support. The unit is part of the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education at Western Michigan University (WMU).

At Western Michigan University, we celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where you're empowered to learn and where an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Western Michigan University is the place where you can become your best self.

An international student graduate from Brazil stands in front of a large bookshelf.
WMU was my first step in my graduate studies journey. I learned a lot while completing my master's and working as a graduate assistant. All my professors encouraged me to continue my studies through a Ph.D. program. Someday, I want to be a professor and impact students' lives just like my professors at WMU impacted mine.
— Vitoria Castor, International Student from Brazil, Western Michigan University Class of 2025

1,050+

international students on campus, representing 95 foreign countries

—2025 Fall Enrollment Data

530+

recent international graduates undergoing optional practical or academic training

—Fall 2025 Open Doors Report

820+

international students in unique programs abroad

—Fall 2025 Enrollment Data

Prospective International Student Information

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Virtual Events

Join a Prospective International Student Virtual Event and connect with international advisors about coming to WMU. 

Three students walk together on campus outside of the Student Center.

Virtual Tours

Experience WMU on your own time. Explore our campus through our virtual tour, which showcases our learning, living and social spaces.

Four international students pose with "w" hands at international student orientation

Questions & Answers

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective International Students.

A student studying at a table in a common room on campus.

Language Proficiency

Learn about our English language proficiency requirements and options available at our Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. 

A woman advising a student in an office on campus.

International Student Funding

While most U.S. federal financial aid is restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, undergraduate and graduate international students may apply to other funding sources.

 
Two international students hold flags of countries they are from in front of a WMU wall at international student orientation.

Academic Programs

Learn about majors and programs of study at WMU. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective International Students

International application processes and requirements vary based on application types. Note that graduate applicants should also review program-specific admission criteria, deadlines and requirements. More information at wmich.edu/international/apply. 

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 Registrar's Office. International students are billed at the non-resident rate corresponding to degree level.  

Most undergraduate students take 12 to 16 credits per semester and most graduate students take 6 to 9 credit hours per semester. 

Some courses entail additional fees, which are automatically billed to your student account upon registration. Note that aviation flight science should expect additional flight fees. 

American University Experience (AUE) and exchange students should consult their programs for tuition and cost information. 

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

While most U.S. federal financial aid is restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, international students may apply to other funding sources. There are funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including scholarships and assistantships, depending on type of study.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency to enter a degree-seeking program at Western Michigan University. Visit English Proficiency for more information on demonstrating English proficiency and acceptable tests and scores. Test scores received via e-mail or as a photocopy are not considered official. Official test scores must be reported directly to the university by the testing agency.

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) at Western Michigan University offers an intensive English program for students who do not meet English proficiency requirements.

SAT and ACT scores are not required of international applicants for admission consideration. SAT and ACT scores can be useful for placement in mathematics courses and an automatic invitation to join the Lee Honors College. Students should request that official scores be provided to Western Michigan University using the following institutional codes: 2066 for ACT and 1902 for SAT.

Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents may be submitted with your application. However, once you are admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts and proof of degree. They should be submitted to our office as soon as they become available or upon your arrival at Western Michigan University. 

Please note that official transcripts are original transcripts delivered directly from the institution via email to @email or in a sealed envelope. 

More information on transcript submission.

Western Michigan University undergraduate students who have completed university-level academic credit at another institution may be able to apply some of those credits towards their degree program at Western Michigan University.  

Please refer any inquiries about graduate-level transfer credit to the academic department. Additional credit transfer information.

Supplemental materials that were not attached to the application may be submitted by email, fax or postal mail. Note that official test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Western Michigan University; the institutional code to report TOEFL or GRE scores is 1902. 

  1. By email* to oiss-info@wmich.edu
  2. By fax to (269) 387-5899
  3. By postal mail to
    International Student and Scholar Services
    Western Michigan University
    1903 W Michigan Ave
    Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246

*For security purposes, credit card information received via e-mail will be destroyed upon receipt. Payments may be submitted via fax or postal mail only. Test scores sent via e-mail will not be considered official.

All documents must be translated into English and accompanied by a copy of the non-translated originals. 

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

94%

of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

Other International Student Programs

A student studying at a table. He looks down at his writing.

Study Intensive English

Explore the offerings of the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students to build your language skills and connect with a global community. Your pathway to success starts here. 

Students wearing Bronco gear walking around campus.

Short-Term Programs

Explore our short-term, nondegree options to gain skills, explore new interests and expand your global network. Start your journey with us today!

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Western Michigan Institute

Learn about the Western Michigan Institute, which offers students in China a unique opportunity to earn a business degree abroad.

Students in Taiwan pose with a Bronco flag in a group with their business professor.

Global Innovation MBA Program in Taiwan

This MBA program is designed for professionals in Taiwan and offers maximum flexibility, in-demand coursework and a valuable network of professional contacts. 

About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and Experience-Driven Learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist over 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.

Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.