International Students At Wichita State: An Overview

Wichita State University is a diverse campus with approximately 3,200 international students from over 100 countries each semester. The university defines an international student as anyone who is in a non-immigrant visa status, including H1-B visa holders. Essentially, if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, you are considered an international student. International students at Wichita State University must meet certain requirements, such as submitting English test scores and providing financial documents and official transcripts. They can also take advantage of various resources, including student associations and orientation programs, to help them connect with other international students and adjust to life in Wichita.

International student definition: Non-US citizens, non-permanent residents, non-refugees, or non-asylees

Wichita State University (WSU) is a diverse campus, with around 3,200 international students out of a total of 17,500 students. The university defines an international student as anyone who is in a non-immigrant visa status, including H1-B visa holders. Essentially, if you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, you are considered an international student at WSU.

International students at WSU come from over 100 countries each semester. The university offers a range of resources to support its international students, including an Office of International Education and various international student associations. WSU also provides an online application portal specifically for international undergraduate and Intensive English program applicants.

To apply for admission, international students must submit several required documents, including certification of financial support and bank statements or other financial documents. Official transcripts from all previously attended educational institutions are also required, and SAT scores must be received from the College Board to be considered official. Additionally, English test scores must be submitted, and certain scores, such as those from the Duolingo English Test, must be sent directly from the testing agency.

WSU's definition of international students as non-US citizens, non-permanent residents, non-refugees, or non-asylees is standard across many US universities and colleges. This definition ensures that students who are not legal residents of the US receive the necessary support and resources during their academic journey. It is important to note that international students may have different requirements and procedures for admission, housing, and other aspects of their university experience.

English proficiency requirements

International students applying for graduate admission at Wichita State University are required to meet the English proficiency requirement by submitting an approved English test score. The test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency to the Office of International Education, which will verify the scores. The university accepts scores from the Duolingo English Test, SAT, and other tests. The exact test requirements vary by country.

If an international student has not met the English Requirement at the time of application, they should apply to the Intensive English program. The Graduate School will not issue an I-20 form until the student submits an approved English test score. The I-20 form will be for Intensive English and not the student's academic major.

To apply for an undergraduate program or the Intensive English program at Wichita State University, applicants should apply online and select "International Undergraduate or Intensive English" at the beginning of their application. Required application materials include certification of financial support and bank statements or other financial documents. Official transcripts from all previously attended schools are also required. Transcripts from U.S. and Canadian schools must be sent directly from the school to Wichita State University.

It is important for applicants to regularly check their email for updates from Wichita State University. They can also check their application status at any time through their application portal.

Application process

To apply as an international student at Wichita State University, you can apply online at any time for an undergraduate program or the Intensive English program. When starting your application, be sure to select "International Undergraduate or Intensive English".

The application process for international undergraduate applicants offers three different service levels, each with a specific application deadline. Depending on the service level chosen, application processing can take anywhere from 5 weeks to 3 business days. Graduate applications are processed by Wichita State University's Graduate School and have different deadlines.

• Application Fee: Submit the non-refundable Wichita State application fee. The application fee for undergraduate admission is USD 75 or INR 6,264.81 for basic service.
• Transcripts and Examination Results: Submit official transcripts and examination results to Admission Services.
• English Proficiency: Provide evidence of English language proficiency. International graduate applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English. The TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo requirement is waived if the applicant has graduated from a university located in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia within the last 2 years.
• Test Scores: Submit your ACT or SAT scores (optional). International students are not required to submit SAT scores for undergraduate admission.
• Check Application Status: You can check your application status at any time by visiting your applicant portal. Here, you can also see if any documents are missing and upload any remaining documents.
• Visa Application: Submit your student visa application. Wichita State University cannot influence the visa application process and will not contact the U.S. embassy on your behalf. However, they provide students with tips for visa interviews.
• Arrival and Check-in: Arrive in Wichita and complete the check-in process with the Office of International Education. It is recommended to arrive during the suggested arrival dates to ensure enough time to complete all necessary processes before enrolling in classes.
• Meeting with Academic Advisor: Meet with your academic advisor to enrol in classes.

Transfer credits

International students seeking to transfer to Wichita State University should note that the university accepts all credits (except remedial coursework) earned at an accredited college. Each academic college or department within WSU determines how those credits are applied toward a particular degree program.

The maximum number of credit hours that can be transferred is 60 from a 2-year college or 90 from a 4-year university. However, there is no minimum number of credit hours required for transfer. It is important to note that not all transfer credits may apply toward your intended degree program at Wichita State.

To be considered for transfer credit from another college or university outside of the U.S., students must first apply and be accepted for admission. After this, the evaluation process can take up to two months or longer, depending on the number of credits requested for transfer. Students are required to submit their transcripts, and if necessary, syllabi for the courses they wish to receive transfer credit for. The syllabi must be in English and should include detailed descriptions of the classes, the amount of time spent in lectures or laboratories, and more.

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 the transfer gateway portal.

WSU will award credit for military course completions from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard based on ACE credit recommendations on the Joint Services Transcript. Credit for coursework from the Air Force will be awarded from the Community College of the Air Force Transcript.

Student associations and support

International students at Wichita State University can benefit from several support services and student associations. The university provides a list of international student associations, allowing students to connect with others from their country. Students can also attend international student orientations, where they can meet fellow international students. In addition, the university creates a Facebook group each semester for incoming students to connect with each other before they arrive on campus.

Wichita State University offers an Intensive English program for international students who have not met the English requirement for graduate admission. The university's Office of International Education verifies English test scores with testing companies, and certain scores, such as Duolingo English Test scores, must be submitted directly by the testing agency. For SAT scores to be considered official, they must be received from the College Board.

To support international students with their applications, Wichita State University provides an application status portal where students can check their application status and upload any missing documents. The university also offers guidance on the required application materials, including certification of financial support and bank statements or financial documents. Additionally, the university assists international students with opening a bank account, recommending that they bring their passport, I-20, and proof of address in Wichita when visiting a bank.

Wichita State University also provides housing options for international students, although students planning to live in the university's residence halls must be vaccinated for meningitis. The university recommends that students get the meningitis vaccine before arriving in the US and bring proof of vaccination with them. Overall, Wichita State University offers a range of resources and support services to help international students navigate the admissions process, connect with their peers, and succeed in their academic endeavours.

Frequently asked questions