The Deadline for International Applications is December 1. International applicants are reviewed at the same time as all applications and thus for full consideration, we recommend that you apply early.

General Information for International Applicants

  • Acceptance notifications are sent via email with a mailed letter to follow.
  • Log into the application site periodically to check your information status & the comment box. We will notify you and schedule a conference call if the admissions committee selects you for an interview.
  • Transcripts:
    • Only unofficial transcripts are required for application review. These can be uploaded with your application. Official transcripts will be required if formally admitted into the program.
    • WVU International Admissions will evaluate unofficial transcripts and provide grade and GPA equivalencies based on a 4.0 grading scale. You are welcome to submit an externally evaluated transcript (e.g. WES) for application review, but it is not required.
    • You will need to provide an English translation for any submitted document not in English.
  • English Language Proficiency:
    • WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: 

      If you completed your bachelor’s degree in one of the following countries, then you do not have to submit a test score for English proficiency: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and its territories, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos).

    • The WVU Institution Code for the TOEFL examination is 5904. IELTS scores should be sent electronically to WVU Graduate Admissions (GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu) and WVU International Admissions (InternationalAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu). Scores can be sent physically to: West Virginia University, Office of International Admissions, 2nd Floor One Waterfront Place, Morgantown, WV 26506
    • Official English language proficiency scores are required for application review. The West Virginia University International Students & Scholars Services can provide more information.
  • Offers of admission to the Biomedical Sciences program are sent via email with a letter to follow.
  • Formal admission to the program will occur only after all official documentation has been submitted to WVU Graduate and International Admissions.

Proof of Required Academic Credentials for Admitted Applicants

International applicants who receive an offer of admission to the Biomedical Sciences program must submit original or certified (attested) copies of original academic documents. These include official academic record(s) showing course titles, dates taken, and grades received and/or Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) showing degree awarded. These documents must be in the original language of issue. Official English translation of these credentials is required in addition to the original language documents. Applicants who have attended U.S. institutions must request that official transcripts be sent to WVU directly from that institution. Document Requirements offers additional information. 

Proof of Financial Support for Visa Approval

Before West Virginia University can issue the document necessary to apply for a student visa (Form I-20 or Form IAP-66), the student must provide proof that he or she has the adequate financial resources to provide for his or her expenses incurred while studying at WVU. Certification of financial support can take one of or a combination of the following forms:

  • If the student or student's parent will fund the student's studies at WVU, the student must provide an official bank statement showing the availability of the required amount. Bank statements can be no older than 6 months.
  • If the student will be supported by a private sponsor, the sponsor must provide a letter declaring intent of sponsorship AND an official bank statement showing the availability of the required amount. Bank statements can be no older than 6 months.
  • If the student will be sponsored by a government agency or a public or private institution, the agency or institution must provide official certification that the appropriate costs will be covered. Sponsorship statements can be no older than 6 months.

West Virginia University must have the original or a certified copy of the original certification of financial support in order to issue the form I-20 or IAP-66. Since the student may need to provide the same certification of financial support when applying for a student visa, it is recommended that the student obtain duplicate certifications or provide WVU with certified copies. Photocopies that are not certified as true copies of the original will not be considered as acceptable proof of financial support.

Note Regarding Financial Aid

All accepted international students to the Biomedical Sciences PhD program receive financial support in the form of a stipend, tuition coverage and WVU student health insurance unless a scholarship is provided by their home country. Students pursuing the Master of Science degrees in Biomedical Sciences or Health Sciences are not provided financial support by the University.

Students who will be receiving financial aid from West Virginia University (assistantship, fellowship, etc.) must realize that if the amount of aid is not at least as much as the indicated estimated expenses, the student will be responsible for showing proof of support for the remainder. It is the responsibility of the student to submit to the Office of Admissions and

Records all documentation of financial support, including financial award letters or notice of assistantship.

Notice

Due to increased attention to national security, international applicants are experiencing longer waiting periods for visa approval than in the past. Please consult the International Admissions Office if you have questions.

After arriving in the United States, it can take 2-6 weeks to obtain a Social Security card. Because of this delay, you should be prepared to support yourself financially for at least 6 weeks after beginning your graduate work.

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