International Applicants

The George Washington University is home to a diverse student community, welcoming students from all over the world. The information below will guide you through the process of becoming an international student at GSEHD.

Application Process

International applicants should follow the same admission process as outlined on our How to Apply page. In addition, you may be required to submit official transcript evaluations as well as English Language Test scores.

Application Tips

  • When completing the application, provide your full legal name, as listed in your passport. If your transcripts or other supporting documents were issued in another name, also include that name on your application and attach a letter of explanation and evidence of the name change.
  • Include a photocopy of the biographic/identification page of your passport with your application.

International Transcripts

If you attended a university outside the United States, your transcript must be evaluated by an accredited NACES member. The evaluation (course by course) should be a detailed document including all course titles, credit hours, grades, grade point averages (GPAs), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral.

English Language Testing

Applicants who do not have a conferred degree from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the United Kingdom are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo English Test scores. Tests must be taken within 2 years from the intended term of entry.

Please contact your testing service to have your official scores sent to us via the following methods:

  • TOEFL scores: Enter GW’s school code, 5246
  • IELTS scores: Select the George Washington University
  • DuoLingo scores: Send your scores to GW from your account; here are instructions.

To be considered for admission, there are minimum required scores that you need to meet:

  • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0.
  • TOEFL: 550 on paper based or 80 in internet-based test.
  • DuoLingo: a minimum score of 110.

To be considered for a graduate assistantship or University fellowship, the minimum required scores are:

  • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: 600 on paper based or 100 in internet-based test.
  • DuoLingo: a minimum score of 120.
English for Academic Purposes

If you do not meet the required English Language Test scores noted below, then you will be required to register for an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course during your first semester at GW. In the first EAP class meeting, you will be given the EAP Diagnostic Test to confirm correct EAP placement. You should anticipate additional tuition expenses as well as a possible extended period of time required to complete your degree program.

The minimum scores that you must receive in order to waive the EAP requirement are:

  • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: 600 on paper based or 100 in internet-based test.
  • DuoLingo: an overall score of 120.
Student Visa Process

If you are admitted and decide to attend, you will need to carefully follow the Student Visa Process in order to gain entry into the United States. The process to obtain a student visa from a US consulate abroad usually takes a minimum 3 months.