GRADUATE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In order for your application to be considered complete, you must submit the following the requirements:

1. Application:  We strongly recommend that you fill out an application online at http://apply.wisconsin.edu.  By submitting an online application, our office will be able to begin the processing of your application as soon as you submit it. One business day after you have submitted your application, you will receive an e-mail from the university, explaining how to check the status of your application on our PAWS online student information system, www.paws.uwm.edu.

2. Fees:  All applications must include the application fee (AF), plus an evaluation fee (EF) for all applicants with education from outside the US.  You can send a check or international money order, or pay the fees with a credit card at the same time you submit an online application.

Master’s degree and PhD applicants – Total $85 ($45 AF + $40 EF).

Please note: applications received after September 1, 2008 are subject to a $56 application fee.

3. Academic Documentation: Original or officially certified copies of all grade reports for all post-secondary studies, as well as original or officially certified copies of all academic diplomas, certificates, and national or other major examination results.

Official records must be submitted in the native language and must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Photocopies, scanned or notarized copies are not accepted as official documents.

Official records should be sent to ISSS Admissions directly from the institution, whenever possible.

* Academic Document Description by Country

4. Reasons for Graduate Study: The Reasons statement is used to determine the appropriateness of UWM's programs to your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. In the statement:

a. Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
b. Describe specific interests and your back-ground in the field.
c. List any relevant skills or training you have acquired.
d. List relevant academic awards or honors you have received.
e. If your program requires recommendations, list the names of those individuals who will write on your behalf.

5. Proof of English Language Proficiency: You can meet this requirement in one of the following ways:

A. Receipt of a baccalaureate or higher degree from UWM, or another approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction. International applicants also must meet the following criteria:

1) the degree must be earned within two years of your expected enrollment at UWM, and

2) the applicant must have attended this institution a minimum of 2 years and must have a "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale)
 
B. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 PBT, 213 CBT, or 79 iBT. Some graduate departments require a higher TOEFL score. TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the University from ETS. TOEFL scores cannot be more than 2 years old. UWM's school code for TOEFL is 1473. The University will not review your application if you have a TOEFL score less than 500 PBT, 173 CBT, 73 iBT or an IELTS score less than 6.0.

C. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or higher. Graduate departments may require a higher IELTS score; refer to their admissions materials for more information. IELTS scores cannot be more than 2 years old.

6. Program Specific Requirements: Some graduate programs may require additional information. Please contact your intended graduate program directly to inquire about any additional requirements they may have.

7. Other Requirements: Upon admission, applicants who expect to hold an F-1 or J-1 visa must provide proof of adequate funds to live and study full-time at UWM. Estimated costs of studying at UWM are included in the Proof of Funding Information Form. 

Proof of Funding for One Year of Study at UWM

SEVIS Transfer Information Form (for students transferring from another U.S. school)

Download the Application Checklist