Frequently Asked Questions from International Students
Frequently Asked Questions from International Students
Before Applying
1. Can I find out if I will be accepted before I apply for admission?
No. Pre-evaluation of documents are not given before you apply for admission. You must formally apply for admission and submit the required application materials before your application will be evaluated.
Students are encouraged to review our admission requirements to see if they are likely to be eligible for admission.
2. Is admission guaranteed if I apply and submit all required documents?
No. 黑洞社区 cannot guarantee admission. An admission decision is determined based on the evaluation of a student鈥檚 application and related documents.
3. Can I email application materials such as transcripts, test scores, etc.?
The preferred method of submitting application materials is through your personal . This is a secure way to submit all of your application materials.
4. Can I find out how many credits will transfer from my previous school before I
apply?
Evaluation of transfer credits does not begin until you have applied and are accepted for admission to 黑洞社区. The process of evaluating transfer credit can take up to two months to complete depending on how many credits you request to transfer. Please plan accordingly. For additional information regarding how transfer credit from international schools is awarded, please click here.
If you are seeking transfer credit from some U.S. universities or an American Degree Transfer Program, you may be able to estimate how many of your credits will transfer by using our transfer gateway portal. Please note that this portal does not necessarily contain a comprehensive list of every course at every school, only those that have been previously evaluated.
5. What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
The undergraduate minimum GPA requirement for admission is 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or the international equivalent. GPA is not the only factor taken into consideration when a student applies. If a student does not meet the minimum GPA requirement for admission, they can submit for consideration instead. Students must formally apply and submit transcripts and/or test scores in order for the Office of International Education to determine if they are eligible for admission to Wichita State.
GPA requirements for admission to the Graduate School vary by major and range from 2.75 - 3.00 on a 4.0 grading scale.
6. Can I apply with a 3-Year Bachelor's Degree?
3-year degrees are accepted for admission to some graduate programs. Pre-evaluations are not available. Interested students must formally apply for graduate admission to find out if their 3-year degree will be accepted for their program of interest. Admission requirements vary by program.
For information on acceptable 3-year bachelor鈥檚 degrees, please contact the graduate school at wsugradschool@wichita.edu.
7. How long will it take to complete my degree/program?
Undergraduate
Most bachelor's degrees require about 4 years to complete. This estimate depends on how many credit hours a student takes per semester. Students who wish to graduate in the estimated 4 years should take at least 15 credit hours per semester. Students will also meet with an academic advisor to decide their plan of study.
Intensive English
There are 7 levels of Intensive English. Each level lasts 8 weeks or approximately half an academic semester. The length of time a student studies in Intensive English depends on the individual鈥檚 level of English proficiency at the beginning of their study.
Graduate
Most graduate programs will last about 2 years, but the actual duration depends on a student鈥檚 personal plan of study.
8. What are the minimum/maximum number of credit hours I can transfer to Wichita State?
Undergraduate
There is no minimum number of credit hours you can transfer to Wichita State. The maximum number of credit hours you can transfer is 60 from a 2-year college or 90 credit hours from a 4-year university.
Note that it is not guaranteed that all of your transfer credits will apply toward your intended degree program at Wichita State.
Graduate
Please contact the Graduate School for more information about transfer credit for graduate degree level coursework.
9. Can I apply before I graduate from high school?
Yes. You can apply for admission to Wichita State before you finish high school. Most students will begin applying to universities approximately one year or one semester before they intend to graduate from high school.
Once you complete your high school education, our office will ask for final scores and/or grades to confirm you still meet Wichita State鈥檚 standards for admission.
10. Is a GRE or GMAT required for my graduate application?
GRE or GMAT is required for some graduate programs in order to apply for admission. View admission requirements for your program of interest.
11. Is a SAT or ACT score required to apply?
No. You are not required to take an SAT or ACT to apply, but is an option for Freshman Admission. SAT or ACT scores can also be used for determining English proficiency and beginning coursework in Math and English if you are admitted to Wichita State. If you have these scores, we encourage you to request them be sent to 黑洞社区.
Money Matters
1. Can I have an application fee waiver?
No, 黑洞社区 does not provide application fee waivers. Applications and related materials will not be considered without an application fee. Wichita State University understands currency exchange is difficult in certain countries, however, submission of an application fee is still required.
The application fee cannot be paid after you get admission or after you arrive.
2. How do I pay the application fee if I don鈥檛 have a credit card?
Undergraduate or Intensive English:
Students who are unable to pay by credit card can use our payment partner, Flywire, to pay their application fee.
Graduate:
View information about the graduate application fee.
3. Why am I being asked to pay an application fee when I already paid through CommonApp?
It can take 黑洞社区 several days to receive application fee payments made through CommonApp. Please allow up to one week for your application fee payment to be received.
4. Why is my payment through Flywire not showing in my student account?
Flywire allows students/payers to track the status of their payment. It can take 1-2 days for the university to reconcile payments and post to your student account after the payment is received from Flywire.
5. What financial documents do I need to apply?
Undergraduate or Intensive English:
The Certification of Financial Support Form must be submitted with all applications. An instructional video walking through how to complete a Certification of Financial Support can be found . Bank statements or other financial documents will also accompany this form and are required. A list of acceptable financial documents can be found here.
Graduate:
The Graduate Certification of Financial Support Form must be submitted with all graduate applications. Instructions for completing this form are on the form.
6. What is the estimated cost of attendance?
An updated cost estimate is released every academic year. Exact cost estimates for a full 4-year degree are not available, as there are too many variables that may influence the cost of your education over a 4 years.
Undergraduate: View Costs
Intensive English: View Costs
Graduate: View Costs
7.Can you tell me what the exact cost of my bill will be?
No. We cannot give an exact cost for any student鈥檚 studies at 黑洞社区. The exact cost of study will depend on your major, what classes you take, and how many classes you take each semester. Please review our estimated costs for a general idea of the expected costs for the current academic year.
8. How much funding do I need to show the U.S. Embassy?
Undergraduate or Intensive English:
See the amount shown on your personalized Certification of Financial Support Form. This is the minimum amount the U.S. Embassy will expect to see.
Graduate:
See the amount shown on your personalized Graduate Certification of Financial Support Form. This is the minimum amount the U.S. Embassy will expect to see.
9. Is an enrollment deposit required?
An enrollment deposit is required for applicants from Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Fujian, China, and Bangladesh before an I-20 will be sent. The payment of an enrollment deposit improves chances of being granted a visa in these countries or provinces.
If desired, students who are not from one of the four countries or provinces above may pay tuition in advance to improve chances of receiving a visa. The student may choose the amount they wish to pay. Learn about payment options here.
View 黑洞社区's policy for the refund of enrollment deposits and advanced tuition.
10. What is 黑洞社区鈥檚 bank account information?
黑洞社区 does not share its bank account information. To send payments to the university, students should use our international payment portal, Flywire, to make payments in local currency or in U.S. dollars through bank transfer or credit card. In countries that require government approval to send money to the U.S., Flywire helps students prepare required forms and paperwork for payment. If you have questions about the payment process you may reach out to the Flywire customer support team at support@flywire.com for assistance.
11. What scholarships and financial aid are available?
As a U.S. public university, Wichita State does not offer full scholarships. Please view links to scholarships and other financial aid opportunities below.
Undergraduate:
Global Select Scholarship *most popular*
Scholarships and other Financial Aid
Intensive English:
Not eligible for scholarship assistance.
Graduate:
12. What are my job opportunities while in the United States?
黑洞社区 has 250+ unique employers on-campus. There are many immigration laws that determine an international student鈥檚 work eligibility in the United States. Please review the information below to learn about your work eligibility while in the U.S.
Employment Information for Undergraduate or Intensive English students
13. Do I need to pay the full amount of my tuition all at once?
No. 黑洞社区 offers a payment plan for students where they may pay their tuition in installments. A US$30 administrative fee is charged for the set-up of the payment plan. Students cannot apply for a payment plan until after arriving in Wichita and enrolling in classes, which will determine the total cost of tuition for the semester. Amount of payments cannot be calculated prior to the selection of classes. Housing expenses are not included in the tuition payment plan.
IMPORTANT: You must choose to enroll in the payment plan each semester. This is not done automatically. Visit your Student Account Suite in your my黑洞社区 portal under the myFinances tab to enroll in and set-up the payment plan option.
Payment schedule:
Fall Semester: First payment due in August after selecting classes then September 15, October 15,
and November 15.
Spring Semester: First payment due in January after selecting classes then February 15, March 15,
and April 15.
Summer Session: First payment due in June after selecting classes then July 15
14. Are graduate assistantships available?
黑洞社区 provides assistantships to graduate students each year. However, graduate assistantships cannot be guaranteed. All students must submit an assistantship application to be considered.
15. What is the SEVIS fee and how do I pay?
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires people who want F-1 or J-1 visas to pay a one-time SEVIS Fee before applying for a visa.
Get more information about the SEVIS fee including how to pay here.
16. Can I get a refund?
We provide a detailed refund policy regarding the payment of advanced tuition, application fees, and enrollment deposits.
Submitting an Application
1. How do I apply?
Undergraduate or Intensive English: Steps to Apply
Graduate:
1) Apply for Admission
2) Submit all materials required for the student's major (such as letters of recommendation,
GMAT or GRE scores, etc). Admission Requirements by Major
2. What are the admission requirements?
Undergraduate:
Freshman Admission: Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or international equivalent.
Transfer Admission: GPA requirements vary by major.
Also review our list of Required Application Materials.
Graduate:
3. What are the intake deadlines?
: Spring, Summer, and Fall
: Spring, March, Summer, Fall, and October
Graduate intakes: Spring and Fall
4. When does my semester start and end?
Fall Semester: mid-August 鈥� mid-December
Spring Semester: mid-January 鈥� mid-May
Summer Semester: June-July
Exact start and end dates for upcoming semesters can be found here. You should plan to arrive to Wichita State based on the recommended arrival dates for your intended semester found under the 鈥淏uy an Airline Ticket鈥� heading on our pre-departure information page.
5. What majors/degrees are offered?
黑洞社区 offers more than 225 majors and specializations. Find the major that is right for you!
6. Do I need a letter of recommendation for my application?
Undergraduate: Letters of recommendation are not required.
Graduate: A letter of recommendation is required for a few majors. View graduate admission requirements for your program of interest to see if a letter of recommendation is required.
7. How fast will I get a decision on my application?
黑洞社区 offers three different service levels for our undergraduate international applicants. Each level relates to a specific application deadline. Depending on the service level you select, application processing can take anywhere from 5 weeks to 3 business days. These service levels and processing times do not apply to graduate applications, as graduate applications are processed by Wichita State University鈥檚 Graduate School.
8. How can I get updates on the status of my application?
Undergraduate:
After we review your application, we will automatically send an e-mail message to you to let you know your application status. In our message, we will let you know if you have been accepted, denied, or if we are missing any required application materials. We will also send you periodic reminders and other correspondence by e-mail. For this reason, it is VERY important that you check your e-mail often for updates from Wichita State University. You can also check your application status at any time through your .
Graduate:
For updates on your graduate application, please contact the Graduate School or view your application status portal.
9. How can I send my test scores?
Undergraduate:
English test scores: Can be submitted to our Office of International Education and we will verify your score with your testing company. Certain test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency, such as Duolingo English Test scores.
SAT scores: To be considered official, SAT score reports must be received from College Board.
All other test scores: Please review our requirements for your country here.
Graduate:
Please review the graduate school application checklist to determine how your test scores should be submitted.
Conditional Admission & English Proficiency
1. What does it mean if I receive conditional admission?
Students who receive conditional admission to 黑洞社区 meet our academic requirements for admission, but DO NOT meet our English proficiency requirement for admission to an academic program or have not submitted an English proficiency score.
Students with conditional admission receive an I-20 listing Intensive English as their area of study and their academic major. Students who wish to receive an I-20 listing only their academic program should submit an .
Undergraduate:
If granted Conditional Admission, you must sit for the English Proficiency Exam (EPE) after arrival in Wichita, if no other acceptable English test score is submitted. If you pass, you will begin full-time academic study in your major. If you do not pass, you must study in Intensive English until you meet the .
Graduate:
If you have not met our English requirement, you MUST apply for both graduate admission AND to Intensive English. No I-20 will be issued until:
1) You submit an approved English test score that meets the English proficiency requirement.
OR
2) You apply to .
You must meet our English requirement before beginning graduate classes. If the GMAT or GRE is required for admission, official scores must be submitted before an admission is made. Please review the graduate admission requirements for your program of interest to see if a GMAT or GRE score is required for admission.
2. What is your English requirement?
Undergraduate: Ways to Demonstrate English Proficiency
Graduate:
TOEFL iBT: 79 for most majors
IELTS: 6.5 for most majors
View majors with a higher English requirement.
Test scores must be sent to Wichita State directly from the testing company.
3. Do I have to apply to your ESL program?
Undergraduate:
If you have met the undergraduate English requirement, you do not need to apply to Intensive English.
If you have not met the English requirement before arriving at Wichita State, you are not automatically required to apply to Intensive English. If you have not met our English requirement by the time you arrive in Wichita, we will test your English before you begin classes. If you pass our English test, you will begin full-time study in your academic major. If you do not pass, you will be required to study in Intensive English.
Graduate:
If you have met the graduate English requirement, you do not need to apply to Intensive English. However, if you have not met the English Requirement at the time you apply for graduate admission, you should apply to Intensive English as well. The Graduate School will not issue and I-20 until:
1) You submit an approved English test score that meets the English proficiency requirement.
OR
2) You apply to Intensive English.
Your I-20 will be for Intensive English and not your academic major.
After Admission & Pre-departure
1. Do I need to receive any vaccinations before I travel to the U.S.?
International travelers are NOT required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to boarding their flight to the United States.
If you plan to live in one of 黑洞社区鈥檚 residence halls, you must be vaccinated for meningitis. We recommend that you get the meningitis vaccine before coming to the U.S. If you get the vaccine in your country, you must bring proof of your vaccination with you to the U.S. If desired, you may get the meningitis vaccine from Student Health Services. If you purchase medical insurance through 黑洞社区, you will not be charged for the vaccine.
2. What airport should I fly to?
Your final destination should be Wichita, Kansas (Airport Code: ICT).
For undergraduate students: After you are accepted, we will enclose Pre-Departure information with your I-20 that includes airport arrival details and recommended dates of arrival.
3. Will you come pick me up when I arrive?
Yes, you can request pick-up from the airport for free. Airport pick-up cannot be guaranteed, as it is dependent on the number of volunteer drivers available. You will be notified if your request for pick-up could not be fulfilled.
Please complete the so we know when to expect you.
4. Do I need to purchase my own medical insurance?
You will be automatically charged for medical insurance unless you can provide proof of medical insurance coverage from another provider that meets U.S. Affordable Care Act benefit requirements.
5. How do I apply for on-campus housing?
Follow the instructions for reserving your on-campus room by selecting 鈥淎pply Now鈥� on Wichita State鈥檚 housing webpage. We encourage you to wait to submit your housing application until after you know if you have been granted a visa for study at Wichita State.
Note: On-Campus housing is not available for married students or students with children. Married students or students with children will need to find housing accommodations off campus.
6. Can I live off-campus?
All first-year students at 黑洞社区 are required live on campus for their first year of study. Also note that homestays are not available.
Exceptions to living on-campus:
1. You plan to live with a family member who is one of the following: parent, legal
guardian, aunt, uncle, or grandparent.
2. You are 21 or older.
3. You are married and/or have children you will be living with.
4. You have 24 or more transferable credit hours.
Students who want to live off campus must complete a Housing Exemption request form. To access the form, log in to your , and select Campus Housing from the Student Tools box in the center of the screen. Next, select Manage My Forms at the top of the page and use the Form Selector to find the Exemption Request form. Fill out the rest of the request form as prompted. A Housing staff member will respond to your request within 3 business days.
7. When and where do I pay my SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS Fee can be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) online, by mail with a check or money order, or by Western Union. You will pay the SEVIS fee after you receive admission and before you apply for a student visa.
F-1 Visas:
School Code for 黑洞社区: KAN214F00668000
SEVIS Identification Number: Located above the bar code on the right side of your I-20 starting with "N"
J-1 Visas:
Program Code: P-1-01549
SEVIS Identification Number: Located on your DS-2019
To pay your SEVIS Fee, please go to the following website for complete details: .
8. Where can I find information about what to do before I arrive?
Pre-Departure information will be sent to you after you receive your I-20. This information includes when to arrive, how to apply for a visa, opening a bank account, how to pay tuition after arrival, and much more. Or office also prepares a suggested packing list.
9. Can 黑洞社区 help me get a visa?
黑洞社区 is not permitted to influence any student鈥檚 visa application process. We cannot contact the U.S. embassy on your behalf and encourage them to grant you a student visa.
We do provide students with a page dedicated to tips for visa interviews. We encourage all students to review this information before a via interview.
10. When can I enroll in classes?
You can enroll in classes after you complete the following steps.
1. Arrive in Wichita
2. Complete the check-in process with the Office of International Education
3. Meet with your academic advisor
IMPORTANT: Arriving during our recommended arrival dates will give you plenty of time to complete all the processes necessary before you can enroll in classes. If you arrive after these dates, you will risk delaying your class enrollment for your intended semester.
11. How can I defer my admission and get a new I-20?
Students who wish to defer their admission to a later term must complete the readmission process by following the instructions at . Our office must receive your readmission application and any required updated documents before issuing a new I-20.
12. Can I arrive late?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection expects students to arrive no later than the program start date listed on their I-20. Wichita State鈥檚 recommended dates of arrival each semester follow this expectation. Arrival after your program start date requires written approval from Wichita State. Late arrivals are approved on a case by case basis.
In general, you will not be granted late arrival approval if any of the following statements apply to your situation.
1. You have not been granted a visa interview by the U.S. embassy.
2. The visa interview date you received is scheduled for a date after the program
start date and/or recommended arrival dates for your intended semester.
3. You receive your visa after the recommended arrival dates.
4. You are requesting to arrive after the first day of classes for your intended semester.
Late arrivals are approved sparingly in the best interest of our students. Arriving late causes many delays that negatively impact a student鈥檚 academic performance and overall well-being. We want all students beginning their studies at Wichita State to start on the path to success. We suggest students in any of the situations above request readmission to a later semester.
13. Can I bring my parents with me while I study?
Your parents will not be able to stay with you for the duration of your studies at Wichita State. They are welcome to accompany you to help you get settled in Wichita when you first arrive, or even visit you during your studies. Note that your parents will need to follow a different visa application process in order to travel with you or visit you in the United States. Contact your local U.S. embassy for more information on this process.
14. Can I bring my children and/or spouse with me while I study?
Yes, it is possible to bring your children or spouse with you while you complete your studies at Wichita State. When you apply, let our office know that you intend to bring your spouse and/or child with you to the United States. You will need to show additional financial documentation to demonstrate you are able to support your dependents while in the United States. If you receive admission, our office will issue documents that will allow them to apply for a visa.
Please note that visa approval for your spouse and/or children is not guaranteed, even if you receive a visa for your studies.
After Arrival
1. How do I open a bank account?
After arriving in Wichita, you may choose to open a bank account. We have popular banks nearby - Meritrust Credit Union at Braeburn Square on campus and Bank of America has a branch next to our campus. These banks have ATMs located in the Rhatigan Student Center.
In order to open an account, you will need to show the bank your passport, your I-20, and proof of your address in Wichita (such as your housing contract or apartment rental contract). You will receive an ATM card after opening an account so you can get cash quickly and easily.
2.
How can I get in contact with other students from my country?
黑洞社区 has a list of international student associations. Check out the list to see if we have a student association for your country! During your student orientation you might also meet other students from your country. Our office also creates a Facebook group every semester where students can connect with each other before they even arrive in Wichita. An invite to this group is typically sent about 3 months prior to the beginning of each semester. You can view current groups .
3. What can I do in Wichita?
There are many things to do in Wichita during all times of the year. is a great place to start when looking for places to go, restaurants to try, where to shop, and things to do.
4. Where can I find a campus map?
Wichita State has a large campus with many buildings so it is good to familiarize yourself with where your classes and other important buildings are located.
Can't find an answer to your question here?
Reach out to us with your questions by email. We are happy to help!