Apply to WMU

In the event you experience problems with your application, do not submit a second application. Contact International Student and Scholar Services at @email or call (269) 387-5865, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

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. Credit equivalencies for select partner institutions are available. 

The following guidelines outline WMU's policies regarding the transfer of credits:

1. Admission Status: Credit evaluations will only be processed after a student has been admitted to Western Michigan University (WMU).
2. Eligible Institutions: Transfer credits will be considered only from institutions listed on your application.
3. Undergraduate Students: Credit evaluations are conducted exclusively for undergraduate students. Graduate students must consult with their academic advisors to request transfer credits.
4. Official Transcripts:
   • An official transcript (original document) must be submitted to the International Student and Scholar Services office before a credit evaluation can be requested.
   • Note that photocopies, faxed copies or scanned versions of official transcripts are not accepted as official documents.
5. International Transcripts:
   • Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must include an English translation.
   • The international institution must be recognized by the relevant government agency, such as the Ministry of Higher Education in the respective country.
6. Processing Time: The typical processing time for a credit evaluation is at least 10 business days.
7. Additional Documentation: For some transfer courses, students may need to provide detailed course descriptions and syllabi for evaluation.
8. International Transfer Credit Guide: For additional information, please see the International Transfer Credit Guide.

Disability Services for Students at Western Michigan University strives to make education accessible and remove barriers to student success.

Reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations include but are not limited to:

International students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at Western Michigan University. This proof is essential for immigration purposes and should cover the estimated total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees and living expenses. 

Estimated Costs for 2025-2026

The following table outlines the estimated costs for one academic year:

Note: These figures are estimates for immigration purposes only. Actual costs may vary. For an individual estimate of expected cost of attendance, visit the WMU Registrar's Office. 

*Estimated Living Expenses

• Books and Supplies - $1,128
• Room and Board (can vary depending on personal preference) - $12,951
• Personal Expenses - $2,046
• Health Insurance -$1,489

Additional Financial Considerations

• Dependents: Students bringing a dependent must provide an additional $4,000 per year.
• Inflation: Be prepared for potential cost increases due to inflation and other academic factors.
• Differential Tuition Rates: The College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts and the Haworth College of Business have differential tuition rates.

For full admission to the University and for immigration purposes, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU.

To demonstrate sufficient funds, students may submit:

• A bank statement in the student's name showing adequate funds.
• If the bank statement is not in the student's name:
  • A letter signed by the financial sponsor indicating their relationship to the student and their commitment to cover the cost of attendance.
  • Financial statements in parents' names are acceptable without a sponsorship letter if their names are shown in the student's passport or government-issued ID.

Important Notes

• All documents must be in English.
• If original documents are not in English, certified English translations must be submitted.
• Proof of sufficient funds must be presented during the visa interview at the United States Consulate.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency to enter a degree-seeking program at Western Michigan University. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements to begin academic coursework may begin in the WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS).

 Application deadlines vary by semester. 

The WMU application system will not accept late submissions. If your application deadline has passed but you would still like to be considered, please email @email. 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 admitted students to apply for their F visas up to 365 days in advance. Please note that students with visas are allowed to enter the United States only within 30 days of their program start date.

Global Education Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

WMU is proud of its deep and historic commitment to international student success and well-being. We are among only 50% of public universities to offer a scholarship designed for international students.

• Our Global Education Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, valued up to $10,000 per academic year, can be applied to your WMU tuition throughout the duration of your program.  
• Read the full terms and conditions.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

• Academic colleges and departments offer scholarships.
• Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by colleges and departments.
• Students are encouraged to explore WMU Scholarship Universe for additional opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Forms DS-2019 for J-1 academic student category 

• Program is carried out under 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; 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:

• May be eligible for a Form DS-2019 to continue studies with proof of full WMU 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.