How to Apply

Admission Requirements

To apply, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older 
  • Meet or exceed one of the following English language requirements:
    • TOEFL iBT – 80 (no subscore below 17)
    • IELTS – 6.0 (no subscore below 5.5)
    • Duolingo English Test – 105

Application Steps

1. Download and fill out the application form.

Download Application

2. Gather the following materials:

  • Proof of English language proficiency 

  • Official bank statement (less than six months old) and letter of sponsorship (if sponsored) confirming you have the funds necessary to cover all tuition and living expenses while you are in the United States. Both documents must be in English.

  • Photocopy of your graduate program acceptance letter (if applicable)

    • If you have not yet been accepted to a graduate program, proof of graduation from a four-year baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree program or its equivalent is acceptable

  • Brief 200-word personal statement answering the following questions:

    • “What is your educational background and your future career goal?”

    • “What are three possible research topics that you're interested in studying?” (For example, previous students’ topics have included patent grace periods, green spaces in urban architecture, and health communications in rural developing nations.)

  • Copy of the page in your passport with your picture, name and birthdate

  • If you plan to bring any dependents with you (spouse or children): a copy of the page in their passports with their picture, name and birthdate. In addition, you will need to provide proof of financial funding for each dependent’s living expenses.

3. Submit your application materials.

Submit your completed application and supporting materials by email. Please email us if you wish to discuss other options for submitting your application. 

Email: JoinIELP@uw.edu

What Happens Next

We’ll notify you by email of your application status within about two weeks of receiving your complete packet.  

If you’re accepted to the Graduate School Preparation Program, you’ll receive program details as well as instructions on how to prepare for housing and arrival and pay your tuition and fees. Note that you'll pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee at the same time as the rest of your tuition and fees.

If you’re transferring to our program from another U.S. school, we'll include transfer instructions in your acceptance e-mail.

Refund Policy

See Registration & Payment for details on our refund policy.