International Student Requirements

Nursing plays a critical role globally. We welcome students from across the world, and our students benefit from the diversity of experience from our international students. The George Washington University School of Nursing is proud to be the home of many students across the globe.

General Admissions Requirements

Each program option has its own specific admissions requirements. Look at the program option you're interested in for admissions details. All international applicants to on-campus programs should plan to apply at least six months in advance of the posted application deadlines. Please note also that applicants to distance-learning programs are not eligible for an I-20 visa. In addition to the required materials for each program, international applicants must submit further documentation.

Visas

International applicants who require an I-20 visa for F immigration status (student) or a DS-2019 for J immigration status (exchange visitor) must indicate their immigration status on the application form. GW will send the appropriate form upon admission. The International Services Office offers more detailed information on acquiring a visa.

Financial Certification

International applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 visa from GW must submit a financial certificate verifying funding sources. You will need to contact our office of admissions to request the form. Funds must be certified in U.S. currency and should not be based on any U.S. employment while attending the university. 

If you have a disability and will require attendant care, you must certify the availability of additional funds to pay for this service. You can learn more about financial aid for international students by calling GW’s International Services Office at 202-994-4477 or sending an email to [email protected]

Transcripts

International applicants must submit a Foreign Transcript Evaluation for all foreign coursework. These evaluations must be submitted from one of GW's approved evaluation organizations. 

If you have any questions about this process, contact our office of admissions at 571-553-0138 or [email protected].

Timeframe/Deadlines

We encourage international students to apply as quickly as possible, as visa requirements may cause unexpected delays. 

English Language Testing

If English is not your native language or you are not a citizen of a country in which English is an official language, you must submit official test scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum required score for the TOEFL is:

• Internet-based test: 100 or higher
• Paper test: 600 or higher

The minimum required score for the IELTS is:

• An overall band score of 7.0
• Individual band scores of 6.0 or higher

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived for applicants who hold a degree from an accredited college or university in a country in which English is the official language and also the language of instruction at the institution. If you have questions regarding your individual eligibility contact [email protected].