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International Student Admissions

Welcoming International Students to Willamette University! We value the rich diversity of thought, culture, and experience that international students bring to our campus.

Why Choose Willamette?

Willamette’s emphasis on connecting liberal education with professional practice prepares students to lead lives of achievement, contribution, and meaning. As an international student, you’ll experience the benefit of an education that goes beyond the classroom, blending rigorous academics with hands-on learning. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, or exchange student, you’ll find a welcoming environment that encourages interdisciplinary exploration, service to the community, and a strong sense of belonging.

Drone shot of Willamette Salem Campus with State Capitol in the backdrop.

Strategic Location

Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette’s stunning campus in Salem, Oregon, is just a short plane ride away from major West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC. Our campus locations in Salem and Portland provide a wealth of opportunities for internships, networking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Willamette students on a shopping adventure in downtown Salem.

Who We Welcome

Willamette University is proud to welcome a diverse array of international students who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to our vibrant campus. Whether you’re looking to pursue a degree in one of our undergraduate programs, enroll in the MBA program at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management, or specialize through our Master’s in Data Science, you’ll find a range of academic offerings tailored to your career aspirations and personal goals.

In addition to degree-seeking students, Willamette also partners with institutions around the world to host exchange students. These students enrich our campus community while immersing themselves in American culture and continuing their studies in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Willamette student reading a book along the banks of the Mill Stream.

International Student Application Process

At Willamette University, we warmly welcome students from around the world. Your diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives enrich our campus community. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate the application process.
  • Undergraduate Students: Additional information for first-year applicants - those who are currently in, or recently graduated from, secondary school - and transfer applicants - those who have completed secondary school and completed university-level studies at a two- or four-year institution, can find additional information on the undergraduate admission pages.
  • Graduate Students: International applicants for graduate school admissions should follow information provided by the graduate schools’ admissions office. Note that Willamette University does not provide full scholarships, employment through the department, housing, or complementary health insurance to graduate students. 

Undergraduate Admission

Spring Entry

  • Apply By: November 1
  • Receive Decision By: November 15
  • Financial Guarantee Statement Due: December 1
  • Enrollment Deposit Due: January 3

Fall Entry

  • Apply By: February 1
  • Receive Decision By: March 1
  • Financial Guarantee Statement Due: April 1
  • Enrollment Deposit Due: May 1

We are unable to accept applications from international students after the deadlines above.

Official academic records must be sent directly from your school, government agency or test provider. All records should be in English. Records will not be accepted from a student or parent.

Academic records could include: 

  • Secondary school transcripts for the school years most similar to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the United States. 
  • Leaving exams used to signify the completion of secondary school. 
  • Transcripts for post-secondary education, including from a two- or four-year institution in the United States or university level education in another country. 

After we review your records we will notify you if further evaluation is required by World Education Services, or WES.

First-year applicants are recommended to request a Document-by-Document evaluation. Transfer applicants are recommended to request a Course-by-Course evaluation. Evaluations will be considered official when received directly from WES. Current evaluation fees are indicated on the WES website and are paid for by the applicant.

SAT/ACT and English Proficiency Exam Scores


If your primary language is not English, proficiency exam test scores are required; these must be sent directly from the testing agency to Willamette University.

If your primary language is English, submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional.

This requirement can be waived at the discretion of the Office of Admissions if your first language is, or the primary language of instruction of your secondary or post-secondary education has been, English.

English proficiency exam scores will only be accepted for exams completed within the prior two years from one of these agencies: 

Minimum Score Requirements 

  • TOEFL  
    • Paper-Based: 560 
    • Computer-Based: 220 
    • Internet-Based: 83 
  • IELTS: 6.5 
  • PTE: 60 
  • Duolingo: 105 

Willamette University also recognizes completion of Level 5 coursework from Pacific International Academy as proof of English language proficiency. 

  • Passport Photo Identification: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires international applicants to submit a copy of the photo identification page of their passport as part of the application process. Submission instructions will be provided after your application is received.

 

  • Financial Guarantee Statement: Admitted students must complete a Financial Guarantee Statement in conjunction with supporting documentation of financial resources. This demonstrates that you and your family can cover the total cost of the first year of attendance after scholarships and financial aid, which is required before issuing a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Willamette does not offer funding up to the full cost of attendance, including direct costs (tuition, housing, food, fees) and indirect costs (books, supplies, transportation). If you require full funding, we encourage you to seek other funding sources or pursue your education through alternative means.

Get In Touch

For any questions or help, contact the Office of Admissions. We're here to assist you throughout the application process.

Willamette University

Office of Admissions

  • Graduate and Professional Center

    Address

    Ecotrust Building
    721 NW 9th Ave
    Portland Oregon 97209 U.S.A.