Wilkes University’s growing global perspective
and commitment to education in an evolving and multicultural world is illustrated by the increasing number of students from abroad who study here.  The University feels so strongly about this initiative that it has invested in the development of a new Center for Global Education and Diversity.

Once you are accepted into the graduate program of your choice, the Center for Global Education and Diversity will assist you in getting your visa, and by offering numerous orientation programs, and cultural and social events designed to introduce you to the Wilkes University experience and American culture.

Our International Graduate Admissions office in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies  is eager to assist you with the application process, including help with admissions requirements for each program.  Please see the links for information you need for your program of interest in the left hand column, and also the related links in the right hand column, of this page.

All Graduate international students are welcome to apply online at:

1.    A completed application
Each graduate program has a checklist of materials required for admission. These checklist items can be monitored online once your application is submitted at: http://wilkes.edu/applyonline.  Please use the username and password you created with your online application to login.   All international students must submit items 1-4 listed on this page and based on your program of interest additional items are required for example you may also have to send  letters of recommendation, statements of goals, licenses, and/or writing samples :     

In addition to individual program requirements, all international students are required to submit the following to:
             Wilkes University
            Graduate Admissions
            84 W South Street
            Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

2.    Secondary school and/or university transcript.

International graduate students are required to send official transcripts to World Education Services when applying for any graduate program at Wilkes University. Students applying to the University through one of our partner educational agencies or institutions are excluded from this requirement. Contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for more details.    

3.    Official results of the TOEFL examination  (your admission is contingent upon proof (official TOEFL score sent directly to Wilkes from ETS) of a sufficient TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 79 (internet based).  International students with insufficient TOEFL scores must take the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test.  Scores on this test will determine if a student will begin full time University study or be required to enroll in the Center for ESL Instruction.

4.    Statement of financial verification (bank or government statement indicating that you or your sponsor have on account a sum of money sufficient to pay tuition, room, board, and expenses for one academic year.
Applicants who plan to begin school in August should complete the online application and submit all admissions documents by June 15. Those who plan to begin in January should return applications and documents by November 15.
All applicants will be informed as to the admissions decision. The Form I-20 is sent only with a letter of acceptance.

International Deferment Fee
Should an international student wish to defer to the following semester, there is a $50 deferment fee for processing.

In order to exit the Intensive English Program(IEP) and begin academic coursework all IEP  students must either:

   1. Demonstrate level five competencies in the Wilkes IEP program
        (please see IEP exit criteria).
    OR
   2. Successfully complete TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based)   or 79 (internet based).

More information about the TOEFL test may be obtained from the designated agency in your country (i.e. student section of the US embassy or consulate, USIS office, IIE or Fulbright office, etc.), by going to www.ETS.org  or by writing to:

Educational Testing Service
Box 8999
Princeton, NJ 08540

Advanced registration is required so it is advisable to write to the Educational Testing Service three to four months in advance of your anticipated testing date.