International Graduate Admission

The following outlines the general processing of graduate international students to the University of West Florida ("UWF" or "University"). These procedures are encompassed in UWF Regulation 3.042, Admission of International Students, as it may be amended.

General Provisions

Applicants to the University are considered international students if they are not U.S. Citizens and if they require a student visa to remain in the United States. Applicants who are permanent residents of the United States are not considered international students. In addition to the policies and procedures stated for the different categories of admission, the following application and admissions information pertains to international applicants.
Domestic applicants should refer to the “Graduate Admissions” section of this catalog.
This regulation outlines minimal eligibility requirements for international student applicants seeking admission to UWF.

Application and Admission Requirements

Admission of international students to UWF is governed by Florida Board of Governors (BOG) regulations 6.001, 6.002, 6.004, and 6.009 and the requirements herein.
International graduate students must meet minimum requirements as outlined in UWF Regulation 3.002, Admission to Graduate Programs and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Students, as it may be amended, in order to be considered for admission. Failure to meet the requirements to be considered for an admissions evaluation may result in an incomplete application. Satisfaction of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the University. Preference for admission in any term will be given to those applicants whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success.
In addition to meeting requirements outlined in UWF Regulation 3.002, international applicants must also meet the following criteria and submit the required documentation to receive consideration for admission to the University:
1. An applicant whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. The English requirement (proficiency in written and spoken English) may be fulfilled by establishing one of the following:
  1. The applicant is from a country where English is the official language;
  2. The applicant's prior associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree was earned from an institution whose accrediting agency is recognized by the United States Department of Education ;
  3. The applicant's prior bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree was earned from a country where English is the official language, or from a university at which English is the official language of instruction;
  4. The applicant achieved a qualifying score on an accepted English proficiency exam, as noted below, and on the Graduate Admissions website;
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL: For exams taken before January 21, 2026): 79
    2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL: For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): 4.5
    3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0
    4. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): B2
    5. Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
    6. Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53
    7. Cambridge English Language Assessment (CELA): 175
    8. Oxford Online Placement Test: B2
  5. The applicant successfully completed UWF's Intensive English Program (IEP) and received a letter of recommendation for admission from an IEP administrator.
2. Applicants must submit transcripts evidencing all prior academic coursework, including post-secondary education. Transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official, course-by-course credential evaluation, whether completed by an approved credentialing agency or internally by UWF staff deemed qualified to evaluate credentials. All academic credentials become property of the University and will not be returned or forwarded to a third party. The University requires an official copy of all academic credentials.
3. Applicants must submit a non-refundable application fee payable in U.S. dollars.
4. Applicants will not be considered for admission until the University has received all required materials. International student applications, along with all other records required for admission, must be received by the program deadline or the application deadline, whichever is earlier, unless waived by the University in writing. Applicants who have provided all required materials and have met all admission requirements except the English proficiency requirement may be considered for conditional admission to the University. Applicants who receive a conditional admission offer and who desire to attend UWF must first enroll in the Intensive English Program at UWF. If such students seek to enroll in a degree program, they must meet the requirements set forth above.
In addition to the admission requirements herein, international students must meet the following requirements to enroll at UWF or register for classes.
1. Admitted international students must comply with University Immunization Policy SA-12.06, Immunization Requirements, as it may be amended.
2. F-1 and J-1 admitted international students must provide proof of medical insurance that complies with the requirements of University Policy AC-06, F-1 and J Visa Status Medical Insurance Requirements, as it may be amended.
3. F-1 and J-1 admitted international students must follow the financial documentation processes provided by the Office of International Affairs before the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or a DS-2019) will be issued by the University. Admitted students will be required to show adequate funding resources to provide for their support while studying. The total funds available to the student for the first academic year, or semester for J-1, must at least equal the total estimate of institutional costs and living expenses, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, required health insurance, and other living expenses while enrolled at the University.
4. For transfer students: F-1 admitted international students currently attending another US institution in F-1 visa status must verify their eligibility to transfer to UWF in F-1 status with the institution that holds the applicant's SEVIS record. F-1 students must transfer in accordance with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8)(i).

Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents

International applicants planning to use an F-1 or J-1 visa to study on campus must meet their program deadline as well as the following admissions deadlines, whichever comes first:

Spring: October 1
Summer: March 1
Fall: May 1

Applicants must submit their application and all supporting documents by the specific deadlines for the term. Missing documents will result in an incomplete application. Earlier deadlines may apply for graduate assistantships.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides advice, counsel, and support services to international students and scholars concerning federal immigration regulations and University policies. They are also committed to furthering personal and academic development of the campus community through the advancement of multicultural competency educational programs, sponsoring intercultural experiences, and promoting the development of global leaders through international partnerships.

ISSS is the central point of contact for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for all international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status. International students and scholars must meet federal guidelines that govern their stay in the United States. The office provides critical support services to students, faculty, and staff members who enter the U.S. and/or desire to travel out of the country.

Applicants should feel free to ask questions and seek assistance from this office at any time.

International Student and Scholar Services | Building 71 | 850-474-2479 | international@uwf.edu

International Enrollment Deposit

A $200 non-refundable admission deposit will be required for international graduate student applicants seeking an on-campus program who confirm their admission and request a Form I-20. This fee must be paid prior to issuing the I-20.

If admission to UWF is approved, an official letter of admission will be emailed to the applicant by the Office of University Admissions. Admission is for a specific semester only. If a student is unable to enroll for the semester indicated on the letter of admission, they should contact the Office of University Admissions.

International Graduate Admission

Concurrent Course