Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

We know that going to school in a new country can be tricky. It might feel confusing or hard at first. At EWU, we get that and want to help! That’s why we made this FAQ page. It has answers to common questions that students from other countries often have. We want to make things simple and clear for you so that you feel sure and happy while you’re studying with us.

If you don’t see an answer to the question you can use our contact form to ask your question.

Contact Form

Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

The international student application fee is $60 USD. You will be directed to a payment screen at the end of your application where you can pay with MasterCard, Visa or an electronic check. Please let us know if you have any trouble paying your application fee. Email international@ewu.edu or call  001.509.359.2331.

Student TypeGrade RequirementTranscripts Needed
Freshman (first year student, just finished high school)You must show that you graduated from high school or secondary school with the equivalent of a "C" grade (2.0) or higher.You must provide original, official transcripts for all high school, college, and university coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S.
Transfer student with less than 40 creditsYou must show a GPA equivalent to "C" grade (2.0) or higher in all previous college or university coursework.You must provide original, official transcripts for all high school, college, and university coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S.
Transfer student with more than 40 creditsYou must show a GPA equivalent to "C" grade (2.0) or higher in all previous college or university coursework.You must provide original, official transcripts for all college and university coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S.

To show you meet the grade requirements, you must provide original, official transcripts for all college and university, and secondary-level (high school) coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S. All foreign transcripts you intend to submit must go through evaluation from the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Note:

  • If you are requesting transfer credits, you must submit individual course descriptions in English of all courses requested for transfer to EWU.

Please send your transcripts to:

EWU Global
ATTN: International Admissions
345 Patterson Hall
Cheney, WA 99004

If English is not your native language, you must meet English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • Complete a transferable college-level English composition course from a university or college in the United States with a minimum grade C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale)
  • Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 525 (paper-based) or 71 (iBT)
  • Have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.0
  • Have a Duolingo English Test score of at least 100.
  • Complete secondary school with instruction in English (official letter from school must be provided)
  • Complete of EWU’s English Language Institute (ELI)

Conditional Admission

If you do not meet the English proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission you may be admitted to the university on the condition that you successfully complete a program of study with EWU’s English Language Institute (ELI). In the application, make sure to select “conditional” under “What type of admission are you seeking?”

Admitted Students

Yes, there is a required International Student Orientation.

All incoming international students who arrived after Spring quarter must attend the Fall Quarter orientation. It is a 2-hour meeting that takes place on the Monday before classes from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. It is held on the Cheney EWU campus. All students with J and F visas are required to attend the orientation session for federal compliance.

General Orientation Information

Academic Calendar

When you’ve completed the steps for applying to EWU, follow the steps below to ensure a smooth U.S. visa application process.
Visa Requirements

Miscellaneous

Most cell phone companies have alternatives for new students who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN).

Not all students qualify for an SSN because they are only issued to international students who have been offered on-campus employment or are authorized for off-campus employment. The U.S. government will not issue a SSN for non-work purposes like cell phone purchases.

Students may apply for a Washington State ID after finding a place to live in Cheney. For more details and instructions, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing information page.

Visit ewu.edu/commuting to learn about the variety of transportation options for navigating campus and the city of Spokane.

Contact Housing Services for information about your residence hall assignment, contract, housing options, dining options, and more.