International Students

Northwestern hosts students from around the world. Our institution is intentional about serving the academic and spiritual needs of all students regardless of origin. Learn more about F-1 visas, important dates, and cost of attendance.

International students smiling

Northwestern is intentional about serving the academic and spiritual needs of all students regardless of origin. An international student who desires to attend the university in the U.S.A. without maintaining residency or citizenship can do so with an F-1 visa. Due to the extensive process required to become an international student, we recommend you contact us today!

We want to ensure you have a smooth transition with your international relocation. The process may take about a year to complete so having a knowledgeable guide can help alleviate stress. In addition to Northwestern, other entities you’ll be working with include various financial institutions, your country’s embassy, and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Do You Need an F-1 Visa?

Generally, an F-1 Visa accommodates people who are: not U.S. citizens, not legal permanent residents or refugees, or dual citizens who completed their secondary schooling abroad. You are considered an international student if you decide to study under a non-immigrant visa status.

NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, please apply as a first-time or transfer student. In the past, the average amount international students such as yourself have needed to supply is approximately 75% of the total cost to attend Northwestern. International students have paid these expenses through personal funds, sponsorships and outside scholarships.

Fall 2023 Semester:

  • May 1: Student has all paperwork completed and deposit paid
  • June 15: Visa must be secured
  • August 1: Final remaining balance paid
  • August 14–15: Arrival to MSP airport/UNW, check into dorm
  • August 16–18: International Student/Multicultural Orientation
  • August 19: General Orientation

Looking to attend Northwestern's traditional undergraduate program as an international student? The process can be complex due to multiple organizations that are involved. Find out how to apply.

Step 1: Apply!

  1. Submit your application to Northwestern. Please note that International Students may only begin school at Northwestern in the Fall of any given year (no spring or summer admits).
  2. Take and provide test scores from a standardized exam. If English is your primary language, you should take the ACT or SAT exam. If English is not your primary language, arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam or a test through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test score requirements for consideration of admission:
    1. ACT: 18, SAT: 940 (combined score of Critical Reading and Math)
    2. TOEFL: The minimum score for admission on the paper-based TOEFL is 530; the minimum score using the computer-based test is 197; and the minimum score on the Internet-based test is 71
    3. IELTS: 6.0 or above
    4. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): 50 or above
    5. We do not accept WAEC test scores
  3. Your official high school transcript is required, and you must request your high school to send your official transcript to our email at admissions@unwsp.edu. Your high school transcript must show grades 9th-12th that you have completed. A diploma or certificate of graduation may be required.
    1. If your high school transcript does not have a GPA on a 4.0 scale, you are required to either submit an ACT or SAT test score or have your high school transcript evaluated by a third-party such as World Education Services or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
  4. If you are a transfer student, and have a transcript from an international college, you will need to get your transcript analyzed by a third-party such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators. Northwestern requires students to complete a “Course-by-Course” evaluation in order for their transcript evaluation to be considered for admission. Domestic transcripts do not need to be evaluated. Official transcripts from all colleges attended are required.
  5. Send a copy of your passport to admissions@unwsp.edu.

Step 2: Once Admitted

If you are admitted, you will fill out a Financial Verification Form (FVF) demonstrating your costs. After completing the FVF we will send you a financial award based on your FVF.

You must demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of an entire year of education. View the tuition and fees for a year at Northwestern and remember you will need to be prepared to pay similar amounts for each year enrolled at Northwestern.

Bank Statement(s)

Unofficial copies can be sent from the student and family to start the I-20 process. However, an official copy must also be sent directly from the bank to Northwestern per Federal policy. Lastly, the bank statement must clearly state the account name and balance within the last 30 days. If possible, please have bank statements converted to U.S. dollars.

Enrollment Deposit

You will be asked to transfer a $4,000 (USD) deposit to the University of Northwestern – St. Paul Student Accounts office. This amount will be credited to your university bill.

Step 3: I-20 and Travel Plan

You will be issued an I-20, which you will need to acquire a student visa to study in the United States. Please work with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country to obtain your student F-1 visa. If you are unable to attend Northwestern for some reason, your $4,000 will be refunded.

Once you have acquired an F-1 student visa, you must contact your admission counselor to inform them of your travel plans. At that time, you will be guided through the process of registering for classes and making your housing arrangements. Please communicate with your admissions counselor PRIOR to booking any air travel.

Housing Policy

Living in the residence halls is a core part of the Northwestern experience and we encourage all students—especially international students—to live on campus. Students are required to live on campus except when students are age 21 or older as of the first day of the fall semester. Students age 25 or older cannot live in residence halls.

F-1 Visas

Generally, an F-1 Visa accommodates people who are not U.S. citizens, not legal permanent residents or refugees, or dual citizens who completed their secondary schooling abroad. You are considered an international student if you decide to study under a nonimmigrant visa status.

Currently, Adult & Graduate Studies admissions is not accepting F-1 Visa students because of the in-person requirements, but international students are welcome to enroll in an online program.

Steps to Enroll

1. Take standardized exam

For those whose native language is not English, arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test in System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Minimum TOEFL scores for application to Northwestern:

  • Paper-based: 550
  • Computer-based: 213
  • Internet-based: 80

The minimum IELTS score for application to Northwestern is 6.5.

The minimum PTE score for application to Northwestern is 58.

2. Complete a University of Northwestern – St. Paul Application for Graduate Admission

Graduate Admission Criteria

  • Evidence of a new birth in Jesus Christ. Willingness to abide by the conduct expectations as outlined in the Declaration of Christian Community.
  • Submission of application and required essays
  • Bachelor's degree equivalent as reported by an international transcript evaluation organization from the NACES approved membership list
  • Have transcripts of all previous (undergraduate and graduate) international college work evaluated by a NACES approved organization.
  • Submit any transcripts from U.S. institutions
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
  • Likelihood of academic success at Northwestern.

Application Checklist

  • Completed, signed application
  • Application fee of $50 (money order payable to University of Northwestern)
  • Admission essays
  • If cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) from all previous (undergraduate and graduate) college work, an additional academic essay as outlined in the application packet.
  • International education credential evaluation report prepared by and directly sent from one of the NACES approved members

Admission Decision

When we receive your completed application checklist items and your test scores, your documents will be reviewed by the admissions committee and you will be notified of your admission status within 1–2 weeks.

Financial Aid


No scholarships. Students prepay $4000 each term.

Cost per Credit

  • 2022-23 Graduate courses: $520 per credit (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023)
  • 2022-23 MBA Graduate courses: $575 per credit (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023)

Questions? Contact Northwestern.

Email: cgoaladmissions@unwsp.edu

Address
University of Northwestern — St. Paul
Graduate Admissions, N2080
3003 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598
U.S.A.

Are you the parent or guardian of a Chinese student and want to connect with a counselor? Learn more about Northwestern by meeting with our International Admissions Team. Email them at interadmissions@unwsp.edu.

We have information about our school translated into Madarin for easy viewing below. You can download and send this PDF to family members in or outside of China.

SCHOOL PROFILE IN MANDARIN

Northwestern hosts numerous international students every year. Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding international studies at Northwestern.

Am I an international student?

You are an international student if you intend to study under an F-1 student visa.

When should I start my application?

We encourage international students to begin the admission process early, as it can take up to a year to complete.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in taking the next step toward enrolling at Northwestern, please complete these steps:

  1. Submit our online college application
  2. Send your official high school transcript
  3. Submit your test score (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS)
Can I come visit?

Yes! International students who are currently in the United States and interesting in applying can set up a time to visit our beautiful lakeside campus.

How much does it cost to attend Northwestern?

In the past, the average amount international students such as yourself have needed to supply is approximately 75% of the total cost to attend Northwestern. For example, in the 2019–2020 school year, standard tuition, room and board, and other necessary expenses was $44,430. Therefore, 75% of that figure was $33,322. Please work with your admission counselor and our financial aid office for current tuition prices. International students have paid these expenses through personal funds, sponsorships and outside scholarships, etc. For more details about expenses, you can visit our tuition and fees page.

Can I work while attending Northwestern?

International students may apply to work on-campus at Northwestern. Students who have a student visa are generally not allowed to work off campus. We cannot guarantee employment at Northwestern to any international students.

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?

All international applicants must take one exam in order to meet the requirement for admission. Below are the ones we accept:

  • ACT = 18 or above
  • SAT (critical reading + math) = 940 or above
  • TOEFL = (ibt = 71), (cbt = 97), or (pbt = 530) or above
  • IELTS = 6.0 or above
If my current exam score does not meet the minimum requirement can I apply for conditional admissions?

You may be admitted conditionally by fulfilling one of the below requirements for admission:

  • Retake the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS and meet our minimum score
  • Attend our partner program, Global Language Institute, and successfully complete the required level of English language training
I want to transfer credit for my classes from a university outside of the United States. Will I receive transfer credit?

International students who attended universities outside of the United States must submit official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended. College transcripts from any international college/university are required to be verified through World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators or any NACES accredited organization.

Undergraduate Students
Email: interadmissions@unwsp.edu

Address
University of Northwestern — St. Paul
International Admissions
3003 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598
U.S.A.

Graduate Students

Email: cgoaladmissions@unwsp.edu

Address
University of Northwestern — St. Paul
Graduate Admissions, N2080
3003 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598
U.S.A.

Become a Student

Apply

Visit Campus

Schedule

Contact Us

Connect