International Undergraduate Student Program

International Student Program Admissions Programs

Have you ever pictured yourself coming to the United States to study? Every year, thousands of students, just like you, from around the world take action on that vision and come to the U.S. to attend universities. At Washington Adventist University, we have students from more than 40 countries that join our campus and become part of the distinctive opportunities that you will not find at any other university. We are a learning community, committed to the Seventh-day Adventist vision of excellence and service. This cosmopolitan institution challenges students to seize the opportunities for learning in the nation’s capital in order to become moral leaders in communities throughout the world. We hope this page will assist you to find out how to make that dream of a U.S. education a reality at Washington Adventist University.  The entire university is happy that you are interested, and we look forward to seeing you.

Admissions Procedures for Undergraduate Students

International students who wish to enroll at Washington Adventist University with an F1 student visa must meet the following requirements:

  • You must have completed high school and earned a certificate of completion that would enable you to be admitted to a university in your home country.
  • Applicants are encouraged to begin their application process at least five months prior to their intended enrollment date. Students applying from outside the United States must submit all documents three months prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which they wish to enroll.
  • Undergraduate applicants must request a WES-ICAP evaluation, unless the transcripts come from Antillean College in Puerto Rico, Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica, or Spicer Memorial College in India
  • International students transferring within the United States must submit all documents two months prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which they wish to enroll.

Deadline for applications: Fall Semester, June 30; and Spring Semester, October 30.

Documents Required to Initiate I-20

  • A completed Financial Certification Form and financial documentation showing that you have available a minimum of $32,895 (undergraduate) for each year you will be studying at Washington Adventist University. If you are married or have a dependent, you must add $7,500 to that minimum cost, plus $4,500 per additional dependent.

Students who have a sponsor in the United States, must provide the following:

  • I-134 Affidavit of Support; and
  • Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the sponsor has deposits.
  • Confirmation Fee – the student must pay a $1,000 confirmation fee, either by credit card, money order or check.

Documents for Admission

All documents become the property of Washington Adventist University and cannot be returned to the applicant or forwarded to a third party.

  • Online application for admission (available at https://www.wau.edu/apply-online). A $25 non-refundable paper application fee will be added to your fee bill the first semester you register for classes. If you apply online, the fee cost will be waived.
  • WES-ICAP for Transfer Students – WES offers two types of credential evaluation packages, Basic and ICAP. We strongly recommend the ICAP package.  The WES-ICAP makes it easier and faster for you to submit applications, reduces the total time spent applying to multiple institutions, and helps you meet application deadlines.  You will help admissions officers understand your international education by sending a WES-ICAP (transcripts & evaluation) – the fullest, most accurate, verified information in one package.  For more information and to initiate the WES translation package, please visit http://www.wes.org/students/index.asp.
  • As required by SEVIS, all international students coming from countries whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL exam in order to be considered for admission to Washington Adventist University.
  • WES-ICAP evaluations and other supporting documents should be mailed to:  Office of Admissions – Data Processing Center, Washington Adventist University, 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Additional Documents

As soon as you receive the I-20 approval from Washington Adventist University, you should contact your embassy.  They will require additional documents to process your student visa, such as:

  • Approved I-20 document

For additional questions in regard to embassy or F1 visa, please contact Student Exchange Visitor Program (http://www.ice.gov/sevis), 1-703-603-3400.

INS/SEVIS Regulations

Washington Adventist University follows the proposed rules and implements the usage of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).  SEVIS is an internet-based system providing the government, educational institutions and exchange programs an automated means to exchange timely information about foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents.

Schools must use SEVIS to issue documentation to students and report pertinent information to INS. The Designated school Official (DSO) is an assigned officer by the respective college/university who implements SEVIS regulations to collect and report information on foreign students to the INS.

The DSO duties are to report:

  • A student’s enrollment at the school.
  • The start date of the student’s next term or session.
  • A student’s failure to enroll.
  • A student dropping below a full course of study without prior authorization.
  • Any other failure to maintain status or complete the program.
  • The student’s permanent address in their home country.
  • A change of the student’s or dependent’s legal name or address.
  • Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime.
  • A student’s graduation date.

The DSO is not a government representative who can change SEVIS’ decision, but can facilitate and process documents and information to assist the student. The student must understand the rules and requirement of SEVIS by visiting http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm or calling the customer service line at 1-703-603-3400.

Checklist for Your Admissions and I-STEPS

  1. Apply online, or there is a fee for submitting a paper application. That fee is $25 for an undergraduate or professional studies application or $50 for a graduate application.
  2. Provide transcripts – high school transcripts should present grade point average (GPA) and completion date. Transfer students must request their international transcripts through WES-ICAP. United State university/college transcripts should be mailed directly to the Washington Adventist University Office of Admissions (when applying for undergraduate programs) and to the Washington Adventist University School of Graduate and Professional Studies (when applying for graduate programs). The address is 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912.
  3. Letter of Admission Decision.
  4. Completed Financial Certification Form.
  5. Schedule a meeting or conference call with the Washington Adventist University DSO to submit Financial Certification Form.
  6. Payment of $1,000 confirmation fee.
  7. Request date of I-20 submission from your DSO 60 days prior to the first day of class (Date submitted:_________)
  8. DSO will notify I-20 Approval SEVIS (Date approved: _______)
  9. Student will make an appointment with their Embassy/Consulate (I-20 is required. Supplemental documents that are required will be outlined by the student’s Embassy/Consulate. Please refer to the USCIS website for the list of documentation required: http://www.uscis.gov)
  10. Student will inform DSO about visa status via email – 30 days prior to the first day of class.
  11. Announce arrival date to the campus via email.
  12. Speak with advisor and register for classes – full time (12 credits for undergraduate and 6 hours for graduate programs). Note: validated I-20, I-94 card and passport are required for verification purposes.
  13. Schedule an appointment with DSO to activate I-20 status in SEVIS.

30 days before next semester start, schedule a meeting with DSO to update status.

– THE SCHOOLS –

School of Arts & Social Sciences 

The School of Arts & Social Sciences offers a curriculum focused on fostering the development of the skills essential to be successful in the global service economy of the 21st Century: writing, critical thinking, debate, analysis, and an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.

School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness

The School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness employs a philosophy that balances practical training and theory in approaching education for future health sciences professionals. We bridge the gap between concept and practice.

School of Graduate & Professional Studies (SGPS)

For more than 30 years, WAU has been a leader in providing career building undergraduate degree programs for working professionals. WAU has continued to expand those offerings by adding graduate programs. This provides undergraduate students the opportunity to transition into graduate programs and continue to enhance their skills and competitive marketability.

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