International Transfer Students

International Transfer Students

The International Transfer application is for students who are secondary or high school graduates and have completed some college or university courses but have not yet graduated from college or university. International Transfers are eligible for admission to Western with at least a 2.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirements for International Transfer Students

1. Complete and submit Western’s Online Application.
2. Submit your official university/college transcripts from all institutions attended. All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations of these documents. These documents must be original copies with an official signature and bear the school’s official seal, or a certified copy. All transcripts for work completed outside of the United States must be submitted to a NACES member credential evaluation service for a course by course evaluation. For a complete list of members, go to: www.naces.org or www.aacrao.org.
3. If you have under 24 credit hours completed at the time of application, we may require different items from you such as:
   • NACES member evaluated and translated secondary school transcripts
   • TOEFL or IELTS scores if your native language is not English (can be waived for transfers within the U.S.)
   • ACT or SAT scores if available
4. U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Documentation
   • Affidavit of Support form (provided by SEVIS Coordinator)
   • A letter of financial support and bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study.
   • A photocopy of the applicant’s passport listing official name, birth date, etc.
   • If the applicant is in the U.S., a photocopy of the visa and I-94 on which the applicant entered the country.
5. Submit the $50 application fee (can be paid online with the application or by calling the Cashier’s Office at 970.943.3003).

Test Score Requirements

As a transfer student with less than 24 credit hours completed at the time of application, you are required to submit official test scores. TOEFL and IELTS are English language proficiency exams and are suggested if English is not your native language. If desired, ACT and/or SAT test scores can be used in place of TOEFL/IELTS.

Minimum acceptable TOEFL scores are as follows:

• iBT: 79
• Paper Version: 550
• Computer-Based Test: 213

Minimum acceptable IELTS score is as follows:

• 6.5

If your native language is English, you will need to submit ACT and/or SAT test scores for Merit Scholarship consideration.

Optional (If you feel your application may need extra support):

• An admissions essay following the prompt “Why Western?”
• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• A resume

Keep in mind:

Entering transfers are admitted with the expectation that they will benefit from the educational experiences provided by Western Colorado University. Student’s applications will be assessed for:

• Evidence of academic progression
• Potential for success at the university level
• Evidence of leadership
• Community service
• Life experience affecting student’s overall academic record

All of the listed criteria will be taken into consideration but may not affect the final admission decision if the student is not academically prepared for admission into a university setting.

Please submit application materials to:

Western Colorado University
Admissions Office
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
Fax: 970.943.2363
Email: admissions@western.edu

Application Deadlines

Western is on a rolling admission cycle. We accept applications throughout the year until our class is full. However, we recommend that international students apply at least three months before classes begin to ensure a smooth transition.

Application Status

You may check the status of your application anytime by using your self-service application portal. Typically, you will receive your admission decision 2-3 weeks after we have received all of your application materials. Transfer credit evaluations are completed after acceptance and will be emailed within 1-2 weeks. Contact admissions staff for additional information.

Confirming Your Enrollment

After you’ve been accepted and made your decision to attend Western, you may confirm your enrollment and reserve your spot in the in-coming class by submitting your $200 tuition deposit. You will need to submit your deposit before you can register for classes and sign up for on-campus housing. You can submit your deposit by check or by credit card by contacting the cashier’s office at (970) 943-3003.

U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Documentation

Western Colorado University and the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement require that admitted students planning to enter the U.S. on an F-1 (student) visa provide proof of financial support before immigration documents (I-20) can be issued. Proof of the ability to cover the first year’s educational costs, living expenses and other miscellaneous expenses must be made available to the University.

You will be contacted by Western’s SEVIS Coordinator regarding required documentation for your visa application process once you are accepted to Western.

All documents appearing in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Some of the documents required include:

• Affidavit of Support form (provided by SEVIS Coordinator)
• A letter of financial support and bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s passport listing official name, birth date, etc.
• If the applicant is in the U.S., a photocopy of the visa and I-94 on which the applicant entered the country.

Financial documents must be submitted via postal mail. Emailed or faxed copies of financial documents will not be accepted.

Send materials to:

Western Colorado University
Attn: Laurel Becker
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
Fax: 970.943.2254
Email: lbecker@western.edu

* Documents related to the Visa process will not be accepted if received via email or fax.