International Undergraduate Admissions

Applications are reviewed holistically to consider many factors. For specific program requirements, please review the program’s admissions requirements. Competitive applicants typically have the equivalent of a 3.0 grade-point average or higher on a U.S.-based 4.0 scale.

Transfer applicants from other colleges or universities may have specific prerequisite requirements. Check your program’s transfer requirements for more details.

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Applicants should provide copies of transcripts/grade reports for the equivalent of US grades 9-11, and grade 12 if it has been completed. We recognize that grade 9 is considered middle school/lower secondary in many countries; however, we still would like to see transcripts for at least 3 years of coursework. If you are from a country with a national exam system (e.g. GCSE/IGCSE, WAEC, KCSE, Gaokao, Indian Boards), please send copies of those results as well. Copies of academic records are accepted for admission decision purposes; however, official documents will be required after admission and before enrolling at the university.” (“Official” documents are those that are sent directly to Seattle University from the issuing institution.) Please address any questions to international@seattleu.edu.

First year applicants will provide two letters of recommendation — one from a classroom teacher and one from a school counselor or other school official. Be sure to include your recommenders' names and contact information on your Common Application.

F-1 applicants will be asked to complete a pre-financial information form as part of their application for admission. This form provides us with information about your plans and available resources for financing your education but does not require evidence of finances.

Students who have been admitted to Seattle University and have confirmed their decision to enroll will be asked to complete a Declaration of Finances form and to submit bank statements showing financial resources to cover at least one year of costs. This is a U.S. government requirement before an I-20 (F-1s) or DS-2019 (J-1s) can be issued. More information will be provided after the point of admission.

Seattle University does not require international first-year or transfer applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Sufficiently high critical reading and writing scores (500+ for the SAT and 20+ for the ACT) can enhance an application and will be accepted in lieu of the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/PTE to demonstrate English proficiency.

Applicants for whom English is not a first/native language must demonstrate English Proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries or immigration status.

How to Meet Our English Proficiency Requirement

Seattle University maintains the right to require English Proficiency testing when deemed necessary. The most recent demonstration of English Proficiency (i.e. test scores or course work, as per the policies described below) will be counted toward the English Proficiency requirement, regardless of whether previous scores are higher. Following the submission of English Proficiency score reports, requests for testing waivers will not be considered.

Exam Options

English proficiency may be met through any of the tests listed below.

The chart below outlines the English proficiency requirements for general admission as well as admission to the English Language and Cultural Bridge (ELCB) program. Both score requirements are listed below.

Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Business and Law, and Criminal Justice/Specialization in Law applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate English proficiency at non-ELCB level (e.g. 86 on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS, etc.). Exceptions below may apply.

Students with TOEFL scores in the ELCB range will take a placement essay test upon arrival at Seattle University. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based on the results of the placement essay test.

Applicants Transferring from a Regionally Accredited College or University

Seattle University allows applicants to use college-level English Composition I to satisfy English proficiency. To meet this requirement, you must meet the following criteria:

• 45 quarter credits (or equivalent) completed from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university complete at the time of application.
• Complete college-level English composition with a 3.0 of higher grade (B)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Seattle University reserves the ability to require English proficiency testing should it be deemed necessary.

ELS Language Centers

ELS Language Center (U.S. centers only) students who have completed level 112 with a 3.0-grade point average are considered to have the equivalent TOEFL score of 86 and will be exempt from the undergraduate English Language Learning Center. For more information on the ELS program, visit els.edu or call 1-866-748-9780.

Additional Options to Meet English Proficiency Requirements

First-year applicants who complete their entire high school curriculum in the United States, parts of Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Bahamas, Jamaica, Kenya, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Belize or at American schools abroad, may have the English Proficiency requirement waived if their transcript does not include any ESL course work, if the average in four years of English composition/literature classes is 3.0/B or higher, and if the high school cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher.

Post-baccalaureate applicants who have earned a bachelor's or advanced degree at Seattle University or at a recognized college or university in any of the above countries will be considered to have met the English proficiency requirement.