Admissions
Admissions silvaaUndergraduate Admissions
The University of Washington Tacoma considers each applicant as they apply based upon their own merits, course work and documents. The admission process is both competitive and holistic, giving each applicant an opportunity for a comprehensive and individual review. Applicants who apply early have the best chance for full university and program consideration.
Topics
- Freshman Admission Requirements
- Transfer Admission Requirements
- International Student Admissions
- Other Admission Types
- Dual Enrollment
- Non-Matriculated Students
- Returning UW Tacoma Students
Graduate Admissions
Graduate admission is managed by individual academic programs and processed through the UW Graduate School. Requirements vary by academic program, but all applicants must hold an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits from a baccalaureate degree (for a Master's, doctoral, or professional degree, the total cumulative average may be used). Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore event applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency Requirements. Some graduate programs may require additional admission requirements, including a higher grade-point-average. Inquire with the academic program for further information.
Applicants must simultaneously be admitted to the UW Graduate School and an academic program at UW Tacoma. For detailed graduate admissions information, see the individual graduate school sections.
Disclosure
Applicants are required to disclose their full academic history and provide the university with official transcripts and other official documents that support their application for admission. When applying to the University of Washington Tacoma, applicants acknowledge with their signature that failure to disclose and submit official transcripts from all schools, colleges, or universities attended and to disclose and submit complete and accurate information may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the University of Washington. Admission to UW Tacoma is only available for the quarter offered.
Freshman Admission Requirements
Freshman Admission Requirements silvaaCollege Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
Students are required to complete a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas in high school. More information about each of these requirements is available on the Office of Admissions website.
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | 4 credits |
| Mathematics | 3 credits* |
| Social Studies | 3 credits |
| World Language | 2 credits |
| Lab Science | 3 credits** |
| Fine, Visual, Performing Arts | 0.5 credits |
| Academic electives | 0.5 credits |
*All applicants must complete either three years of high school mathematics through intermediate (second-year) algebra or complete intermediate algebra or higher in college with a 2.0 grade or better.
Note: During the senior year of high school, students must also earn a credit in a math-based quantitative course. This may be met through enrollment in one of the three required math courses listed; or by completing a math-based quantitative course like statistics, applied math or an algebra-based science course. The senior-year math requirement does not mean a fourth credit of math is required.
Exception: Completion of higher-level math prior to the senior year exempts students from the senior-year quantitative course requirement (e.g., pre-calculus, math analysis, or calculus).
**One lab science credit must be an algebraic-based science. Note: 3 credits for students entering college in autumn 2021.
Using College Course Work to Complete CADRs
Almost all applicants will have satisfied these requirements through high school course work, which is generally defined as that completed in grades 9-12. However, there are several ways to satisfy CADRs at the college level. In general, five quarter credits (or three semester credits) at the college level equals one credit of high-school study. If a portion of these requirements are completed in high school, the student can pick up in college where they left off in high school. For example, if a student completed three credits of English in high school, they can use one college English composition or literature course to bring the total to four credits. For details, please visit the Office of Admissions website.
Test Scores
Scores from the SAT or ACT Plus Writing are optional for general undergraduate admission*. Test scores are valid only if they are sent directly from the testing agency to the UW. Test scores reported on high school transcripts are not considered official.
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) — UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4445
- American College Test (ACT) — UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4493
*Official scores are still required for homeschool work and for those who are using SAT/ACT scores to meet ELP.
Grading Restrictions
To satisfy the college academic distribution requirements, a passing grade, including a D, is acceptable in either high school or college work for most courses. Intermediate algebra taken at the college level must be completed with a C (2.0) or better.
If completing CADRs through college course work, it is strongly encouraged to take courses for a letter/numerical grade, because you may later want to apply this course work towards requirements, for which grading restrictions pertain.
UW World Language/Language of Admission Credit Restrictions
High School World Language
UW students who completed two or more years of world language are not allowed to earn UW credit for the first quarter college language course. For example, a student who has earned two years of Russian in high school is not eligible to apply credit earned in RUSS 101 towards their degree.
Native Language
UW students who meet the classification for native language speaker (i.e., attends school in a non-English speaking country grades 1-7) are not eligible for college level course work through the 200 level.
Transcripts
Submitting Transcripts If Home-Schooled
An official home-school transcript is required for home-schooled coursework. For each subject, the transcript must include:
- Course title
- Duration of study
- Short description of course content
- Grade for performance (or comparable qualitative assessment)
To be considered official, the home-school transcript must be signed by the teacher of record; this may be a parent.
Official transcripts are also required for any coursework completed at other high schools or regionally accredited colleges.
Home-schooled students are required to provide official test scores for all courses met through home-school work.
Submission of Final High School Transcript
Newly admitted freshmen are required to submit their official final high school transcript as soon as their high school transcript becomes available after graduation. Failure to successfully complete course work reported in the application for admission or dramatic changes in reported GPA could cause the offer of admission to be revoked.
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements silvaaStudents who have attended college or university after graduating from high school may be admitted to the University of Washington Tacoma as transfer students. Applicants who have completed 40 or fewer transferable academic college-level credits are required to submit their high school transcripts to meet the minimum CADR. Official test scores are required for homeschool work and for those who are using SAT/ACT scores to meet English Language Proficiency (ELP). The minimum cumulative grade point average for all college course work must be at least 2.0 for admission consideration. Additional university requirements are outlined below.
Transfer students may apply for an academic program at the same time they apply to the university or at a later quarter. Note that not all programs admit for all quarters and some are capacity constrained. Whenever students choose to apply to a school or program, they must meet the program’s application deadlines and admission requirements. Admission to some programs is selective and not all qualified students will be accepted.
General University Admission Requirements
Transfer students who hold more than 40 transferable college credits at the time of application, meeting these criteria will qualify for review:
Minimum requirements for consideration:
- Hold a minimum 2.0 transferable college GPA
- Submit all official college transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency, in some cases.
Mathematics & World Language Requirements
There are no Mathematics & World Language requirements for transfer applicants with over 40 credits. However, for transfer applicants with less than 40 credits, the following information applies.
The World Language requirement is satisfied when a student has completed two years of the same World Language through level 102 (or in high school). The study must be devoted to a single World Language and must be in sequence, with no repetition of any prior term of study. Any World Language other than English that has been formally studied may be used to satisfy this requirement, including languages no longer spoken, such as Latin and ancient Greek. American Sign Language (AMESLAN) will also meet this requirement. The World Language requirement will be considered satisfied if you had instruction outside of the United States through the seventh grade in school(s) where English was not the language of instruction or in countries other than, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K.
It is possible for transfer students with a World Language deficiency to be admitted to the University with the special permission of the University Admissions Committee. According to University policy, these "provisionally admitted" students are responsible for removing the World Language deficiency as soon as possible after enrolling. A student will not be allowed to graduate without having satisfied this requirement.
UW World Language/Language of Admission Credit Restrictions:
- High school world language
- UW students who completed two or more years of world language are not allowed to earn UW credit for the first quarter college language course. For example, a student who has earned two years of Russian in high school is not eligible to apply credit earned in RUSS 101 towards their degree.
- Native language
- UW students who meet the classification for native language speaker (i.e. attends school in non-English speaking country grades 1-7) are not eligible for college level course work through the 200 level.
All applicants must complete either three years of high school mathematics including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 through Intermediate (second-year) Algebra or complete Intermediate Algebra or higher in college with a 2.0 grade or better. Higher-level mathematics, specifically Pre-Calculus, Calculus or Business Calculus will also fulfill this requirement; courses in Philosophy, Statistics, or Computer Science do not meet this requirement. Review details on the Admissions website.
Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
To students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, UW Tacoma awards transfer credit two weeks after the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF) is paid and according to the guidelines listed below. It reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at other institutions of higher education. In general, it is university policy to accept credits earned at institutions fully accredited by the regional accrediting association provided that such credits have been earned through university-level courses (see exceptions below) and are appropriate to the student’s degree program.
For courses taken at a Washington state community college, UW Tacoma follows the list of transferable courses published in the UW Equivalency Guide for Washington Community and Technical Colleges.
Notable Restrictions on Transfer Credit
Lower-division college credit
Two weeks after an admitted student has paid the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF), a maximum of 90 lower-division (100- or 200-level courses) quarter credits can be awarded toward the student’s degree. Depending on the degree program, students may be allowed to petition the academic program for additional lower-division credit. Under no circumstances will students be awarded in excess of 135 lower-division credits. Some transfer courses labeled 100 and above are not actually college-level and will not be accepted for credit (e.g. Math 100 is developmental math on many campuses).
Upper-division credits (300- or 400-level courses) from other four-year institutions may apply to some program requirements. For some programs, there is a seven-year limit on upper-division transfer credits that are applied toward required core or concentration courses. Please consult with an advisor for details.
Other Notable Restrictions Include:
If permitted by the degree program, up to 90 credits earned in correspondence courses offered by the Distance Learning division of UW Extension may be applied toward a UW degree. However, 45 of the student’s final 60 credits must be taken in residence at UW Tacoma to meet the final-year residency requirement.
No more than 45 credits earned as extension credit from other schools may be applied toward a UW degree. Military credit and CLEP, discussed below, is included in the 45-extension credit limit.
Credits earned in Armed Forces Training Schools (AFTS) and through USAFI and DANTES may not exceed 30 and are included in the 45-extension credit limit. Official transcripts or DD-214 or DD-295 forms must be submitted. Scores received in such course work are not included in the transfer GPA.
Students who have completed two or more years of high school foreign language receive no college credit for an entry-level course (e.g., French 101) in the same language when that course is completed after matriculation at the University. Transfer students who complete such a course before matriculation at UW Tacoma are eligible to receive transfer credit.
First-year (elementary) or second-year (intermediate) foreign language credit is not granted either by examination or by course completion in a student‘s native language. “Native Language” is defined as education completed through the seventh grade in school(s) where English was not the language of instruction or in countries other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.
Credit is not awarded for prerequisite courses completed after a more advanced-level course has been completed. For example, students will not be awarded credit for Spanish 102 if it was taken after Spanish 103.
If an academic department considers two of its courses to have overlapping content, credit will be awarded for only one. Restrictions of this kind are noted in the catalog or department web pages.
No more than 3-quarter credits will be allowed for physical education activity courses.
A maximum of 15 transfer credits will be awarded for a wide range of college-level courses that are vocational-technical, rather than academic, in content (e.g., bookkeeping, electronics, physical therapy technician). These credits may apply only to the elective component of a baccalaureate degree and are not included in the transfer GPA.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a nationwide program that allows students to earn college credit by examination.
The academic programs have authorized the use of these examinations and determined the scores necessary to receive college credit. CLEP examination equivalencies are determined by UW Tacoma faculty and course credit is available in a wide range of lower-division courses.
CLEP examinations cover material taught in courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. The amount of credit usually equals the amount of credit earned by someone successfully completing the course.
You can receive credit for CLEP tests after we receive your official CLEP transcript and credit is awarded based on the type of test and score earned. No more than 45 total quarter credits (including all other extension and military credits) is allowed. CLEP credits count toward graduation but do not count as finalyear residence.
NOTE: Under UW policy, no more than 45 total credits can be earned through CLEP or other extension credit. Extension credits include distance learning, Advance Placement and International Baccalaureate credit, credit by exam, College in the High School, Armed Forces Training School credit, and UW courses taken by students on drop status. The University allows a maximum of 90 credits of lower division transfer coursework to be applied toward a UW degree.
Courses receiving no transfer credit include (but are not limited to):
- Courses below college level (usually numbered below 100)
- Repeated or duplicate courses
- Course work taken at an institution that is not accredited by the regional association
- Courses that provide instruction in a particular religious doctrine
- Mathematics courses considered below college level, including basic math, business math, beginning and intermediate algebra
- Courses offered for non-credit continuing education units
- Remedial English (e.g., reading, vocabulary development, grammar, speed reading, or any courses that are preparatory to an institution’s first English composition course)
- Courses providing instruction in English as a Second Language (100-level or above)
- Remedial courses in any academic discipline
Applicability of Transfer Credit to Degree Requirements
The Office of the Registrar has the authority to make decisions approving transfer courses to fulfill university degree requirements based on the recommendations of the faculty. The individual academic program offices have the authority to determine application of transfer credits to fulfill major requirements.
By the first quarter of enrollment, a student should meet with their academic advisor for academic planning.
Quarter vs. Semester Credits
Colleges and universities that operate on a semester system award semester credit. The University of Washington Tacoma awards quarter credit.
- One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
- One three-semester-credit course is equivalent to 4.5 quarter credits.
- Sixty semester credits are equivalent to 90 quarter credits.
Transfer GPA
In calculating the transfer GPA, the following guidelines apply:
- Grades from all transferable academic courses attempted, from all accredited colleges the student has attended, in which the student has received grades between 0.0 and 4.0 on a 4.0 grading scale are included in the calculation.
- To protect the students’ investment of educational effort and the value of the degree, UW Tacoma will not award credit for courses that repeat work done elsewhere. It is the responsibility of students who have earned credit at other colleges to determine whether courses they plan to take at UW Tacoma would duplicate any previously earned credit. Duplicate credit will not be awarded for courses that are equivalent to courses previously passed. Students who are in doubt should consult an advisor before registering for a UW Tacoma course.
- All transferable academic credit from two-year and four-year colleges is included in the calculation, even if it exceeds the 90 credits awarded.
- Transfer course work completed after a student matriculates must be graded on a numerical or letter-grade basis.
The following are not included in the transfer GPA:
- Courses considered by UW Tacoma to be below college level
- Math courses equivalent to MATH 098 (formerly MATH 101 Intermediate Algebra)
- Certain religion courses that teach from a particular doctrinal perspective or that teach preparation for the ministry
- Developmental or remedial courses
- Courses in study skills
- English as a Second Language courses
- Vocational/technical courses
- Courses recorded with a grade of Incomplete
- Courses recorded with a grade of Pass or Satisfactory
- P.E. activity credits in excess of 3 quarter credits
Post-Baccalaureate Students
Post-baccalaureate students are those who have completed one or more bachelor’s degrees and are working toward another bachelor’s degree or completing prerequisite courses for a graduate program. Post-baccalaureate is a matriculated status at the University of Washington Tacoma. The Office of Admissions does not award transfer credit to post-baccalaureate students. Any application of a student’s previous course work toward graduation requirements will be determined by program faculty and academic advisors.
International Student Admissions
International Student Admissions silvaaStudents who require a student visa (F-1 or J-1) to study in the U.S. are considered international students for admission to UW Tacoma. Once admitted, students also need to provide proof of financial resources in order to qualify for the I-20 for F-1 student visa status.
- Plan to enter UW Tacoma immediately after earning a high school diploma.
- Have never attended college since leaving high school (regardless of age or whether they ever graduated).
- You have attended a college or university after high school graduation (summer excluded), but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. (Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree should apply as a post-baccalaureate student.)
- Transfer applicants may apply directly to a major program, or may apply as undeclared or pre-major, depending on the number of credits earned at the time of application and eligibility.
Applying as a Freshman International Student
Freshmen are currently admitted for autumn and winter quarters only. To complete the international freshman student application process, the following should be submitted:
A complete University of Washington Tacoma application for international freshman admission should be submitted, along with the nonrefundable US$75 application fee. The application is online and the fee can be paid with a credit or debit card or an electronic check.
Obtain an official copy of your academic record first and then upload it with your application as instructed in the application. Transcripts must be original or copies stamped as official by the school and must include an official English translation. Official copies of the documents in a sealed envelope will be required for all admitted students. Transcripts should be submitted from all schools attended, both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. Students who are still enrolled in secondary school should submit transcripts that include grades/marks received in the 9th, 10th, and 11th years. U.S. high school transcripts with international coursework transcribed/transferred will not be accepted in lieu of international high school documents.
If you have attended a college, university or post-secondary school outside of the U.S., we will need official transcripts from that school, along with a word-for-word, literal, English translation if the transcript is not in English. If we are not able to accurately evaluate those transcripts, we reserve the right to require a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved educational credentialing service such as WES or FIS.
All International applicants for whom English is a non-native language must provide proof of English language proficiency. See the information regarding the minimum English proficiency standards for undergraduates. Test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS test results, must be sent directly from the testing agency to the university; unofficial reports or photocopies will not be accepted.
Applying as a Transfer International Student
International students can be admitted as transfer students in any quarter for which the university is accepting transfer applications. Students can apply to a major, or can apply as an undeclared pre-major student. Note that not all majors admit for all quarters. Please consult the academic school for further information. To complete the international transfer student application process, submit the following:
A complete University of Washington Tacoma application for international transfer admission should be submitted, along with the nonrefundable US$75 application fee. The application is online and the fee can be paid with a credit or debit card or an electronic check.
Official transcripts must be received from all schools attended, both in the U.S. and outside the U.S., along with an official translation if the transcript is not in English. Credentials must be official documents or photocopies stamped as certified-true copies by school officials or other educational authorities. Official documents must be in an envelope sealed by school officials or other educational authorities.
High school transcripts are not required for transfer applicants who have completed 40 transferable credits or more at the college or university level at the time of application.
If we are not able to accurately evaluate those transcripts, we reserve the right to require a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved educational credentialing service such as WES or FIS.
All international applicants must submit proof of meeting the English proficiency requirement a quarter prior to their intended enrollment. See the information regarding the minimum English proficiency standards for undergraduates. Test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS test results, must be sent directly from the testing agency to the university; unofficial reports or photocopies will not be accepted.
Academic departments may have supplemental materials or admissions requirements beyond those listed above for students who are applying for direct admission to a major. Students should check with the program offices for the most current information.
Applying as a Graduate International Student
Not all UW Tacoma graduate programs can accept international applicants. For more information on international graduate admissions, please contact the graduate advisor for the academic program.
After Admission for International Students
Once an international student has been admitted and provided final transcripts, the student must show proof of financial resources in order to be issued the I-20 or DS-2019 document necessary to obtain an F1 or J-1 student visa. Students should work closely with the International Student & Scholar Services Office after they have been admitted to UW Tacoma for information regarding this and other visa-related requirements.
Other Admission Types
Other Admission Types silvaaDual Enrollment
The University of Washington Tacoma has partnered with Tacoma Community College (TCC) to offer a Dual Enrollment program. Students can attend both schools at once, and it is easy to gain access to a wide variety of degree and certificate programs.
On campuses just six miles apart, students will benefit from coordinated advising to help them make the best choices to meet their educational goals. Students enjoy a seamless transition between lower- and upper-division course work on the path to earning their bachelor’s degrees.
The Dual Enrollment program allows eligible Tacoma Community College students to take up to 25 credits at the UW Tacoma before submitting a complete UW Tacoma application. To be eligible, Dual Enrollment students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 15 transferable, college-level credits at Tacoma Community College
- Achieve 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA from all colleges attended
- Complete English composition with a 2.0 or higher
- Have less than 75 college-level credits
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
Current UW Tacoma students who wish to take a course at TCC may also participate in the Dual Enrollment program.
Non-matriculated Students
A student attending UW Tacoma as a non-matriculated student is considered non-degree-seeking and cannot earn a degree. Courses taken as a non-matriculated student are graded and full credit is awarded and recorded on a UW transcript. Credits earned as a non-matriculated student usually transfer to other institutions. Students attending in a non-matriculated status may accrue no more than 45 credits in that status (some exceptions may be allowed). The number of credits allowed may vary by program.
A non-matriculated student who wishes to become a degree-seeking student must submit a regular undergraduate admission application, as well as all required transcripts and test scores. Students considering applying as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, as 45 of the last 60 credits of a baccalaureate degree must be earned as a matriculated student in residence at UW Tacoma. Up to 45 credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied towards an undergraduate degree with some restrictions.
Non-UW Tacoma students applying to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate program should apply as non-matriculated student. Please review the program requirements for guidance in making a successful application and completing additional program application requirements.
Auditors
An individual who wishes only to audit university courses should apply as a non-matriculated student. Attendance in courses as an auditor is by consent of the instructor and only as space permits. Permission to audit is ordinarily granted for lecture classes only. An auditor may not participate in class discussion or laboratory work, and the auditor’s registration may be canceled at the discretion of the instructor. No record of audited courses is kept. Regular tuition and fees are charged. To receive credit for an audited course, the student must register for the class for credit and complete the course requirements in a subsequent quarter.
Returning UW Tacoma Students
A UW Tacoma undergraduate student who has been absent for more than one quarter (excluding summer quarter) is required to submit a Returning Student Form and pay a non-refundable enrollment confirmation fee by the deadline for the respective quarter. Returning students who left in good academic standing must return to the same academic program they were enrolled in when they left. Students who wish to apply to another major may do so by meeting with an academic advisor. Returning students in academic drop status must seek reinstatement through petition that begins by meeting with an advisor.
English Proficiency Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements silvaaInternational Undergraduate Students
International applicants for whom English is a non-native language must provide proof of English language proficiency. Applicants can fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the four ways listed below. This requirement must be met one quarter prior to matriculation. For example, if an applicant is admitted to autumn quarter, proof of English language proficiency must be received by the university by July.
Applicants can fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of four ways:
At or above the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (internet-based) | 83 |
| TOEFL (paper-based) | 558 |
| TOEFL (computer-based) | 220 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS-academic only) | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
- The Undergraduate TOEFL Institution code of UW Tacoma is 9965.
- For Graduate students, the TOEFL institution code is 4854.
At or above the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| SAT (Old Test): Critical Reading (SAT CR) or Writing (SAT W) | 500 |
| SAT (New Test): Evidence based Reading & Writing (ERW) | 560 |
| ACT: English score | 22 |
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) - UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4445
- American College Test (ACT) - UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4493
If all of the following apply:
- Enter as a transfer student at UW Tacoma with at least 30 transferable college-level credits from another accredited U.S. higher education institution;
- Earned a 2.75 or higher overall grade point average (GPA) in transfer coursework; and
- Completed two college-level English Composition classes with a grade of 3.0 or higher in each course.
Exceptions:
- International students whose primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement. Students who were born in one of these countries but were educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
- The university reserves the right to request TOEFL or IELTS scores in cases where the admissions office determines that more information regarding an applicant’s English language proficiency is needed.
- These are pre-major requirements and academic departments may have additional requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the admissions requirements for their chosen major.
Graduate Students
Beginning of temporary policy statement
The Graduate School is temporarily accepting official test scores the TOEFL ITP Plus For China to assist international students with remote testing options.
The following guidelines apply:
TOEFL ITP Plus for China
- Applicants must have a minimum Level 1 test score of 627 (C1) for admission.
- Programs may require a higher score, but may not petition a score below 627.
- Some programs may not accept TOEFL ITP scores. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.
- Students admitted with the TOEFL ITP Test will be required to register for English 102, 103, and 104.
Students who will receive a Teaching Assistantship will also be required to satisfy additional requirements described in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.
End of temporary policy statement
English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.
Students who will receive a Teaching Assistantship will also be required to satisfy additional requirements described in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.
3.2.1 Demonstration of Proficiency
Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways. A graduate program may set additional standards or qualifications in any of these categories. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.
- A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States and where English is the medium of instruction.
- A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom and where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus.
- Official documentation from the applicant’s undergraduate degree-granting institution (if the institution is in a country other than those listed in #2 above) verifying that all instruction is in English. A minimum of three years of enrollment at the undergraduate institution is required. Documentation must be presented to the Graduate School; credential service reports are not acceptable. Acceptable documentation must be one of the following:
- Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
- Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
- Official English Language Test Score (sent electronically to the University of Washington via testing center). Note: Graduate programs may require a higher minimum scores for admission than the scores listed below.
| These specific English Language Test scores are the only versions accepted for admission to the Graduate School. Other tests or versions do not qualify. | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL MyBest | Duolingo | Academic IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Required Score (ELP Not Satisfied) – effective through Autumn Quarter 2024 admissions | 80 | 80 | 105 | 6.5 |
| Minimum Required Score (ELP Not Satisfied) – effective starting Winter 2025 admissions | 80 | 80 | 110 | 6.5 |
| Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied) – effective through Autumn Quarter 2024 admissions | 92 or higher | 92 or higher | 120 or higher | 7.0 or higher |
| Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied) – effective starting Winter 2025 admissions | 92 or higher | 92 or higher | 125 or higher | 7.0 or higher |
3.2.2 Submission of Test Scores
- The Graduate School also accepts the TOEFL paper-delivered test, which is available only to students in areas without internet testing access. Contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) for special instructions if you have taken this test.
- Applicants using TOEFL test scores must submit official scores electronically via ETS, using the University of Washington’s institution code 4854. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- Applicants using Academic IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- Applicants using Duolingo test scores must submit official scores via Duolingo to the University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma). An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- An applicant who does not meet the minimum required score will not be considered admissible by the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not offer conditional admissions to students who have not yet met the minimum English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.
3.2.3 Meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
- An applicant who has attained the recommended score has satisfied the Graduate School’s ELP requirement.
- An admitted applicant below the recommended score will be required to satisfactorily complete 1 to 3 UW Academic English Program (AEP) courses to fulfill the ELP requirement. Students are expected to register for any required AEP classes beginning the student’s first quarter.
- Admitted applicants who are required to take ENGL 102 and ENGL 104 may choose to fulfill this requirement before the start of the student’s graduate program by successfully completing the Graduate Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs. Students enrolled in the Graduate Preparation Program pay additional fees.
- Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted or on the date the program requests a deferral petition.
- Graduate students whose native language is not English and who wish to be appointed as teaching assistants (TAs) must meet the conditions for appointment specified in Graduate School Policy 5.2.