HOME > INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions International Students

As an international student, are there special steps or requirements for me to be admitted to a graduate program?

Yes, international students applying to graduate programs must submit, in addition to the materials required of U.S. students (i.e., application fee, official degree-bearing transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation required by the graduate program-see application information), must also:

1. Provide evidence of English Language Competency by completing:
   • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score
     The TOEFL score is required by all applicants whose native language is a language other than English. Official results must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. A TOEFL score of 550 is required for admission to some of the degree programs and is strongly recommended for the others.
     OR
   • Wisconsin English Second Language Institute (WESLI)
     Arrange for admission into the Wisconsin English Second Language Institute (WESLI) in Madison, Wisconsin. Students must complete the institute's 700 level, including academic reading and writing, and academic listening and speaking skills, with a rating of "very good" or higher (3, 3+, or 4). Students must arrange to have these results and a recommendation from WESLI forwarded to the Graduate Office.
   
   
2. Send a completed certification of finances form to the Graduate Office to demonstrate that there is adequate financial support available during the planned period of study. Certification of Finance Form
   
3. Have a former professor send a letter of recommendation directly to the Graduate Office attesting to the student's ability to pursue graduate study in the United States.
   
4. Credential Evaluation Requirement

All applicants for the Spring 2004 term, and all subsequent terms, must submit an official general evaluation of all foreign education credentials. Educational Credential Evaluator, Inc., P.O.Box 5787 Milwaukee, WI 53217. (414) 289-3400 Or visit http://www.ece.org.

Can I turn in my Certification of Finances Form after I'm admitted?

No. A completed Certification of Finances Form is a portion of a complete application file. No application will be considered without a completed Certification of Finances Form.

I am an international student applying for a graduate assistantship and/or a nonresident fee remission. Do I still have to fill out the certification of finances?

Yes. A Certification of Finances affirms that the student has the financial resources to complete a master's degree without additional fiscal support. Graduate assistantship and nonresident fee remissions are not guaranteed programs as their availability is determined by appropriations from the State of Wisconsin.

As an international student, what financial assistance is available to me?

International students, typically, have three potential sources of financial assistance: graduate assistantships, nonresident fee remissions; and "regular student payroll" opportunities made available by the campus. Financial Aid Office.