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 or post-baccalaureate 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 non-immigrant classifications.
The following information 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
• Other non-immigrant classifications.
Important considerations:
• 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 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.
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 Admissions Counselor 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
DISCOVER
The discovery phase in your college search is a time to explore your passions and see how we can help you achieve your goals.
Read more about why UW Bothell is a great place to learn and grow!
VISIT
Come experience the sights and sounds of our park-like setting and determine if it’s the right fit for you.
CONNECT
Speak with your admissions counselor to review transcripts or answer your questions about the application.
Step 2: Apply
DETERMINE STUDENT TYPE
The requirements for admissions, the application process, as well as the application depend on your status as either a first-year or transfer student.
REVIEW ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admissions requirements vary depending on whether you are a first-year or transfer student. International students must fulfill additional requirements.
Read more about first-year admission requirements OR transfer admissions requirements.
REVIEW I-20 & F-1 REQUIREMENTS
If admitted to UW Bothell, you will need to submit some additional forms. It is helpful to understand these prior to applying.
COMPLETE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Proof of English language proficiency is required for all students who do 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. Transfer students use the CollegeNet application, which serves as the general UW and intended major application.
Find out how to apply to UW Bothell as a first-year student OR as a transfer student.
CHECK EMAIL & MISSING ITEMS
After you apply, we will contact you if something is missing and/or to submit final high school or community college transcripts.
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 $250 deposit.
DON’T FORGET FINANCIAL AID
If you are seeking assistance to help fund your UW Bothell education, consider applying for financial aid. The priority application deadline is February 28, but you can still apply for financial aid after the deadline.
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.
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 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.
International Post-Baccalaureate Students
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 post-baccalaureate international student.
International Graduate Students
International students interested in graduate studies at UW Bothell should contact the program directly for admissions assistance. You can also contact UW Bothell’s International Student Services for guidance about application or immigration matters.
Find out more about applying as an international graduate 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.
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