Admissions & Records

International Admission

 

Due to international wait times for visa appointments, prospective international students should apply for admission prior to June 01, 2024 to be admitted for the Fall 2024 semester. Applications submitted after this date will be deferred to the Spring 2025 semester. 

If you have questions please Email records@wosc.edu.

International Payments

Western welcomes international students to our campus from across the globe to study each year. Please see below for information and instructions on how to complete your application and supporting documents.

 

Applying for International Admission

Step 1. Complete the Application for Admission Form and upload the requested supporting documentation. Please have these documents ready to upload at the time you begin the application. (click here to access a printable checklist of items needed)

Required Documentation:

  • Passport – upload the page that includes your photo, name, country, passport number, and passport expiration date.
  • Affidavit of Financial Support – this form provides verification of your sponsor’s financial support for your education while studying at Western. The affidavit form can be found here.
  • Bank Statement or letter from your or your sponsor’s financial institution – bank statement/letter can be no more than 30 days old and must confirm at least $15,000 US dollars available to pay for your educational expenses.
  • Secondary (High School) Transcript or Proof of Secondary (High School) graduation – unofficial copies are acceptable for this initial step, though official copies will be required to complete your admission. Transcript must show your date of graduation. If you have not yet graduated from high school, submit your current transcript and request an official copy be sent to the Office of Admissions upon your graduation.
  • College Transcript(s) - if you have attended college previously, provide a copy of your transcript from each institution attended to the Office of Admissions.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language for admission. Options to demonstrate proficiency are:
    • Test scores:
      • IELTS score of 6.0 or higher; or
      • TOEFL score of 500-paper, 61-internet, or 173-computer); or
      • PTE Academic score of 44 or higher; or
      • iTEP Academic score of 3.5; or
    • Secondary (high school) transcripts showing
      • graduation from an English-speaking school in an English-speaking country; or;
      • 4 units of English completed at a U.S. high school; or
    • College transcript from a U.S. institution with at least 24 completed credit hours (excluding developmental or foreign language); or
    • Alternate methods as determined at the discretion of the institution (only approved in rare and compelling instances).
  • Scholarship awards - provide a copy of your Letter of Intent (LOI) from Western Oklahoma State College and any other scholarships you are receiving. 
  • Optional items - ACT/SAT scores, etc. may be submitted with your application.

Admission Process and Timeline: Please allow 2-4 weeks for your documentation to be reviewed by Western Admissions staff and an admission decision processed. Submitting an application near the beginning of a term may result in a delayed decision and you may not be able to be admitted until a later date.

 

Step 2. Additional documentation and travel arrangements.

  • If you are accepted for admission, additional information regarding admission next steps, additional documentation required, and enrollment processes will be sent via email.
  • Once accepted, you will be required to deposit $2,500, which includes a non-refundable application fee into your MyWestern student account. These funds will be applied to your tuition, fees, room & board charges upon enrollment. If you decide not to attend Western, all but the application fee will be returned to you.
  • You will receive your I-20 and admission letter via email (please note: I-20s can be issued no more than 90 days in advance of the semester start date). Once you have received them, you will pay your I-901 fee at FMJFee.com. Apply for your student visa from the U.S. Department of State and schedule your interview with the local consulate or embassy.
  • Request a copy of your official secondary (high school) and any previous college transcripts be sent to Western. If your need to have your official transcripts translated to English or have international college coursework you would like to transfer, you will need to have it translated/evaluated by a credential evaluation company, such as WES, ECE, or GCE. Transcripts should be sent to:

Western Oklahoma State College
Office of Admissions
2801 N. Main St.
Altus, OK 73521

  • Arrange your travel. Students may enter the country up to 30 days prior to the start date of classes.

 

International Student Life Cycle

Source: Department of Homeland Security, studyinthestaes.dhs.com

 

 

International Student Responsibilities

International/SEVIS Responsibilities and Regulations upon entry to US:

  • Students may enter the country up to 30 days prior to the first day of classes. If you will be residing the Western Residence Halls (Dorms), please confirm the date you may arrive and move in with our Dorm staff.
  • Obtain your Student ID at the Office of Admissions when you arrive on campus. Student ID cards are used to identify you on campus, access student-only areas, and contain your meal plan if you are dining on campus.

During your Education:

  • Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours) in an academic degree program. You are allowed to change your major or transfer to another institution anytime during your program and can begin a new program after completing the one for which you originally entered the United States.
  • Students must speak with the Office of Admissions & Records before dropping or changing courses, changing your major, transferring to a new school, traveling outside of the US, changing your contact information, etc.
  • F-1 students are expected to attend and pass all classes.
  • If you believe you will be unable to complete your program by the date on your I-20, speak with the Office of Admissions & Records as soon as possible regarding a possible extension of your program.

Other Helpful Information:

  • Students are responsible for maintaining legal status while in the United States. For more information on maintaining your legal status is available on the Study in the States website.
  • Once a student has completed a full academic year, they are not required to attend in the summer term to maintain their status and are eligible to use that time as a vacation. Before leaving for vacation, students must pre-register for the following term.
  • Students are encouraged to get a valid Oklahoma ID card. ID cards may be obtained at a local Oklahoma Department of Public Safety office. An ID card is helpful if you need to obtain other local services.

Leaving Western:

  • Once you have completed your studies at Western, international students have 60 days to do one of the following:
    • Transfer your SEVIS record (I-20) to another institution. In order to transfer your SEVIS record, you must have applied for admission and been accepted to another institution. To transfer your SEVIS record, please submit a copy of your acceptance letter at your new school and the DSO contact at your new school to the Office of Admissions & Records. Note: After the 60 days have passed, you will not be able to transfer your record and will have to begin the SEVIS process over (meaning you will have to return to your home country and re-apply for entry into the United States to study).
    • Apply for a change of status with the U.S. Customs & Immigration Service (USCIS)

Related Information:

 

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