International students
International students contribute global perspectives in the classrooms and on campus, which promotes UW Bothell’s commitment to fostering a community of global learners. We believe a student body rich in diversity—culturally, socially, and economically—significantly contributes to a dynamic and vibrant learning community for all students.
As international students, you will apply as either a first-year student or a transfer/post-baccalaureate student.
What is an international student?
An international student is an applicant who is not a United States citizen or permanent resident and plans to attend a college, university, or other post-secondary education institution in the U.S. This includes applicants that hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or other nonimmigrant classifications.
The information we provide in this International Admissions section is for international students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents and plan to attend a college, university, or other post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. This includes applicants that hold F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, or other non immigrant classifications. If you have dual U.S. citizenship, U.S. permanent residency, refugee status, or political asylum, you are not considered an international student. If you have applied for U.S. permanent residency (i.e., green card) and you anticipate it will be approved before enrolling at the UW Bothell, you should not apply as an international student but as a domestic First-Year, Transfer, or Post-Baccalaureate.
Undergraduate-level studies in the U.S. lead to the first university degree, a Bachelor’s degree either in Art or Science. A bachelor’s degree in any field of study generally takes four years to complete and includes general academic course work and course work in a specific area of academic interest. Students seeking undergraduate studies either have or will complete secondary-level education or are planning to transfer from another college or university, but have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Why UW Bothell for international study?
UW Bothell offers incredible opportunities with quality advising to help you plan your academic courses, as well as excellent career mentoring, research opportunities, multiple health and wellness programs, and numerous student organizations. We welcome students from around the world to join UW Bothell and earn an internationally recognized University of Washington degree.
UW Bothell is located halfway between the cities of Bellevue and Everett, in what is known as the “tech corridor” given the many international and start-up technology and biomedical companies that make this region their home. This provides incredible career opportunities to the students at UW Bothell.
For more specific questions and inquiries contact an International Admission Advisor by calling +1-425-352-5000, emailing at uwbintl@uw.edu, or chatting online with us.
International Admissions Journey
What can you expect when you apply to UW Bothell? The admissions journey below outlines the full process from beginning to end.
Step 1: Explore
Step 2: Apply
DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A FIRST-YEAR OR TRANSFER STUDENT
The requirements for admissions, the application process, as well as the application itself depend on your status as either a first year or transfer student.
Read more below about the different student types.
REVIEW FORM I-20 AND F-1 VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If admitted to UW Bothell, you will need to submit some additional forms. It is helpful to understand these prior to applying.
Read more about the I-20 form and F-1 Visa.
COMPLETE PROOF OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Proof of English language proficiency is required for all students who did not complete most of their primary and secondary education in the US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
Read more about the English Language Proficiency requirement.
COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
First-year students will use the Common Application with some additions specific to UW Bothell. Transfer students use the CollegeNet application, which serves as both the general UW application and the application for your intended major.
Find out how to apply to UW Bothell as an international first year student OR as an international transfer student.
CHECK EMAIL FREQUENTLY, SUPPLY ANY MISSING ITEMS
We may contact you after you submit your application if something is missing and/or to submit final high school or community college transcripts. Keep an eye on your inbox of the email you used to apply.
Read more about what to do after you apply.
Step 3: Enroll
ACCEPT YOUR ADMISSION
You did it! Being admitted to UW Bothell is a big accomplishment and another step towards making your dreams a reality. Accept your offer of admission to become a member of the Husky family by paying the $100 deposit.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
If you are seeking assistance to help fund your UW Bothell education, consider applying for financial aid. The priority application deadline is January 15 of each year, but you can still apply for financial aid after the deadline.
Learn more about financial aid.
EXPLORE MORE STEPS
Get ready for your arrival on campus by completing all the remaining next steps, such as submitting vaccine documentation and attending Orientation.
Read more about admitted students.
Are you a First-Year, Transfer, Post-Baccalaureate, or Graduate International Student?
Read over the descriptions of each student type below! Each has a different set of requirements and processes to apply for admission.
International First-Year Students
A student who has completed or will complete secondary school (high school) but has not yet attended any college or university. If you have completed high school and plan to enroll in college classes before attending the UW Bothell, you should apply as a transfer student. If you are taking college-level courses while you are still attending high school, apply as a first-year.
Find out how to apply as a first year international student
International Transfer/Post-Baccalaureate Students
A student who is attending or has attended any post-secondary institution but has not yet completed a four-year bachelor’s degree. If you are planning to enroll at any college or university before attending the UW, even if it is for one term only, you will be considered an international transfer applicant.
OR
A student who has completed or will complete a four-year bachelor’s degree considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling at UW Bothell.
Find out how to apply as a Transfer or Post-Baccalaureate international student
Scholarships
International students currently enrolled at UW Bothell have access to limited institutional funding options such as merit based scholarships, general scholarships open to all UW Bothell students, grants that support various student experiences, and on-campus employment.
Explore Scholarships
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"Before coming to UW Bothell, I never met someone from Cambodia or Tanzania or Albania, but that’s what makes college great...Constantly being around different types of people has challenged me and allowed me to grow as a person. Studying and making friends with people from different cultures has given me wonderful experiences not only in class, but also in my daily life."
- Sabira Kaherman, Class of 2019
B.S. in Biology, International Transfer Student