Learn about our Expedited I-20 processing
International Admissions Overview and Checklist
In order to help you through the application process, we have outlined the most common topics relevant to our international students. Be sure to navigate through all the points before you begin your application.
International undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) students who need a student visa may only choose the St. Louis (Webster Groves, Missouri) campus for all programs that are offered on ground (face-to-face format only).
International graduate (master’s degree) students who need a student visa may apply to the St. Louis (Webster Groves) main campus or San Antonio, Texas metro campus. Please note that for maintaining immigration status, an international student on a student visa (F1) is only able to enroll for programs that are offered on ground or in a hybrid model, which requires face-to-face learning as per U.S. Immigration guidelines. If a program you apply to is being offered online or does not meet the requirement, you will be asked to choose a different program.
Online (Preferred)
Complete the online application and pay the application fee, if required.
Send a scanned copy of the common application (in PDF or JPG format) to:
Postal Mail
Ship a copy of the common application through a secured vendor (DHL, FedEx, UPS) or regular postal mail to:
Webster University, Office of Admissions
Attn: International Recruitment
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Admission to Webster University is competitive. Each applicant is reviewed individually to ascertain the fit between prior educational accomplishments and established academic expectations as Webster. Prior academic success is the best foundation to ensure continued success at Webster.
The deadline to apply to Webster University as an international student is approximately ten weeks before the first day of classes for each term. These dates vary depending on academic level and program.
Application Fee: There is no application fee for an undergraduate application. There is a $50 application fee for graduate/master's applicants; attend one of our online events to get a graduate application $50 waiver code.
Application deadlines for those who want to apply for a U.S. Visa using Webster’s admit and I-20 letters:
Undergraduate/Bachelor’s Degree Deadlines:
- Fall/August 2024 semester: June 1, 2024
- Spring/January 2025 semester: Oct. 15, 2024
Graduate/Master’s Degree Deadlines:
- Fall 1/August 2024 term: June 1, 2024
- Fall 2/October 2024 term: Aug. 15, 2024
- Spring 1/January 2025 term: Oct. 15, 2024
- Spring 2/March 2025 term: Jan. 1, 2025
Completed applications will be typically processed in two weeks. We prioritize the immediate intake. Webster issues I-20 about two to three weeks from when an admissions decision is taken; I-20 cannot be issued earlier than six months from start of an intake. I-20 review can be expedited upon admissions for a fee. Please read the I-20 section of this website for more information.
Important Note: Due to a large volume of international applications, Webster University does not entertain requests to expedite an application. Please accept our apologies for being unable to respond to multiple email threads but do be assured that we are working behind the scenes to ensure that you are a part of this amazing institution. Join our webinars and admit day virtual events to meet with the team and get your questions answered.
Inside Transfer Application Deadline
All students who want to transfer to Webster from another U.S. university are required to apply at least three weeks before the start of a semester or term. The start dates can be found in the academic calendar section under academics.
Universal Application Requirements
Test Score Requirements
| Test Type | Undergraduate/Graduate |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 (iBT)/550 (ITP) |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
Citizens from the following countries are exempt: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Helena, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What if I do not meet the minimum English proficiency score?
Academically qualified students who are not yet proficient in English may be granted ESL-contingent acceptance and be placed into appropriate English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Are there any other methods to prove English proficiency besides TOEFL, ELTS or Pearson?
Instead of submitting English Proficiency Scores from Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS, students can demonstrate English proficiency by:
- Successfully complete at least one academic year of high school or college-level coursework in English by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (Note: ESL coursework does not apply to this exception) within the past two years.
- Successfully complete ELS Language Center's “English for Academic Purposes” or ELS Language Center “Level 112.” Students will need to show the Graduation Certificate for either of the classes.
- Successfully complete the University of Central Florida's Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies (CMMS) Intensive English Program. Students will need to show the completion certificate.
How can I learn English (or another language) for free or at little cost?
Webster University suggests Duolingo , which helps students learn English for free.
For an initial admissions decision, students may submit scanned copies of their final, original transcripts.
Note: If the transcript does not include the date the degree was awarded, please also submit a copy of the final degree certificate. If the documents are not in English, please also submit professional, literal translations.
What information should an academic transcript contain?
For the purposes of admissions and transfer credit, an official document is a document that has been sent directly to Webster from the institution you attended, arriving at Webster in a sealed envelope. The official transcript should contain:
- A list of all courses completed.
- Grades for all coursework attempted.
- Credit earned for all coursework attempted.
- Confirmation of graduation date (or expected graduation date).
- Confirmation of degree conferral (unless coursework is still in progress).
Some countries do not list confirmation of graduation date or degree conferral on transcripts. In this case, students should turn in both a transcript and a diploma.
If the transcript is not in English, a certified translation of the original transcript must be provided.
What is a “certified” translation?
It is important that documents are translated by a certified individual. Since translated documents are actually specific kind of legal document, it is critical they are accurate and without error. This means students cannot have their friend or university professor translate the documents. It needs to be an individual who has training and is a professional translator.
For a document to be “certified,” the translation should include a signed statement confirming that the translation into English is accurate and complete to the best of the translator’s knowledge and ability. Sometimes, a company will then get a notary public to approve and seal the document.
Where can a student find a certified translator?
Students can search for translators on the internet. Before they hire the translator, they should ask the company if they have the ability to certify their translations. This should be done before students submit documents and payment.
Choose to submit either an essay or resume. Must be 300-500 words in length.
What should a student write about in the essay?
The essay can be on a topic of your choice. Most students talk about why they would like to study at Webster University. You may also describe a special area of interest, experience or achievement. Just remember that it should be 300-500 words in length.
What should a resume emphasize?
Instead of an essay, students may choose to submit a resume of relevant academic, extracurricular and professional experience.
Transfer students will first need to submit their application and all other required documents: official transcripts from your previous degree, as well as from your current studies, ESL-proficiency scores and certificate of finance (proof of funding). If you have successfully completed one year of studies at a regionally accredited U.S. university, the ESL-proficiency requirement can be waived.
Additional Documents Required for Transfers Within USA:
Copy of your I-94 Record; Copy of your Visa from your current University.
For the Certification of Finances, it’s important that the financial documents be updated, meaning that they were issued no more than three months before the starting date of the term you’re applying for. An admissions decision cannot be made for a transfer student before Webster has received the financial documents. If you have a parent or a member of your family who is sponsoring your education, then you also need to submit a self-declaration/affidavit of support signed by the sponsor. Without this document your Proof of Finance will be incomplete, and your admission will not be processed.
After being accepted, Webster will give you more details about how to work with your current international student advisor (your DSO) to transfer your records to Webster. This typically take 2-3 weeks. All records must be transferred before the classes start at Webster, which will be mentioned in your offer letter.
Important Note: All transfer students must ensure and be responsible for completing the transfer of and active SEVIS record from their current institution to Webster University before the start of the term, as mentioned in the offer letter. Students are required to attend orientation and classes from the first week. Failure to meet with our attendance policy or compliance policies will lead to dismissal.
Due to a large volume of student applications, the University is currently processing very limited transfer applications on a case-by-case basis. Please do not send repeat emails requesting an expedited processing.
A letter of recommendation may be requested after an initial review on a case-by-case basis.
Who should write a letter of recommendation?
Teachers, counselor and/or employees should write the letters of recommendation. It is good to get different types of people to write the letters, i.e., one teacher and one coach.
What should the letter of recommendation be about?
The letters should discuss your character and ability to succeed in university-level studies.
I-20 Requirements and Processing Timelines
Premium Service for I-20 Review/Processing
Fee: $50 one-time fee, non-refundable
Time: 3-5 business days review/processing
Starting Feb. 15, 2023, we are happy to announce an optional processing fee to expedite our I-20 reviews and processing.
The one-time I-20 premium processing fee ($50) is paid only once you have:
- been accepted by the University for an upcoming intake, and
- submitted a bank statement/financial document within eight months of the term start date.
Paying this processing fees ensures your case will be reviewed in 3-5 business days (applications submitted after 1 p.m. central, will be reviewed starting the next business day).
Note: Only pay this fee now if you need an expedited service and your upcoming intake is within the next six months. Do not pay this expedited processing fee if your term does not start within the next six months.
The fee does not guarantee an I-20 outcome and is subject to meeting the financial requirements and authenticity of your submitted documents. Do not email us unless you have not heard from us in three business days after you submit this request. Direct all emails to intlstudy@webster.edu. The processing fee is $50, and it is non-refundable and by making this payment you confirm that you have understood and agreed to all the above conditions.
Required Documents for I-20
The U.S. government requires students to provide proof of financial support for at least one year for both educational and living expenses.
What is a Certification of Finances?
The U.S. government requires proof that you have the funds for at least the first year in the United States; the Certificate of Finances is this proof. Once we have verified that you have enough money to cover the cost of one academic year, we will issue an I-20 (for F-1 students). Please note that we retain the right to require an original financial document from you if further verification is needed.
How much money should the certificate of finances cover?
Student’s Certificate of Finances should cover costs for both studies and living expenses (including housing, food, clothing, activities, medicine and other personal costs) for at least one academic year at Webster University. For a list of costs for the current academic year, please see "Cost of Attendance" below.
If you plan to bring dependent family members with you, there is an additional cost per year of $4,500 for a spouse and $3,000 for each child. We will also need to receive proof of relationship (such as copy of marriage certificate and/or birth certificate) and a dependent request form. For more information, please see "Dependents" below.
What is an acceptable financial document?
The Certificate of Finances must be officially translated into English, and should show liquid or easily accessible funds, such as:
- Bank statement(s) from student, parents or from other individuals showing the most current monthly statement with an ending balance.
- Bank letter stating you have sufficient funds in the bank. Sample Bank Letter.
- Affidavit of Support accompanied by bank statement(s). Sample Affidavit of Support Letter.
- Official letter of approved loans.
- Government or other agencies’ scholarship letters showing the scholarship amount, items covered and duration of the award(s).
- Graduate assistantship or any other university offer letter from Webster University.
Financial documents must be dated no more than six months before the start of your first term.
What are unacceptable financial documents?
The following financial documents are not acceptable:
- Verification of employment and annual salary statement.
- Property or personal assets (land, buildings, jewelry, etc.).
- Lines of credit.
- Investments, stocks, retirement accounts or other accounts from which money cannot be withdrawn.
Copy of the ID page.
Why is the passport copy needed?
Submitting a copy of your passport is critical because it ensures that your name on your I-20 exactly matches your name on your passport.
Note: Your passport must be valid for at least your first six months in the United States. You can then work with your embassy or consulate to get it renewed.
I-20 Processing Timelines
Due to a large volume of I-20 requests, average processing times for I-20 is approximately three weeks from the date that you get an admit decision if it is complete with the financial proof. We do encourage you to email us if you did not receive an I-20 four weeks after an official admissions decision and submission of your proof of funds (whichever is later). Email such requests to intlstudy@webster.edu. For expedited processing please review our Premium I-20 Processing section, above.
“People from all over the world come to this place to learn and that gave me a broader perspective about the world.”
BA in International Relations
Cost of Attendance
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
For undergraduates, yes, there are scholarships for international students. All details about applying and eligibility are listed on the Financial Aid Scholarships and Programs page.
For graduates, yes, there are scholarships available through the University and are listed on the Financial Aid Scholarships and Programs page. Also, on-campus employment can help with a small portion of the cost of living and limited, competitive graduate assistantships provide partial tuition remission to students hired for those positions.
What is the cost of attending Webster University?
The cost of attendance includes other elements besides tuition that international students should be prepared for.
Below is the estimated Webster University costs for two semesters, which is one academic year excluding expenses for dependents and for summer (that is the cost for living expenses, tuition, transportation etc.). The average cost of tuition fees is based on flat-fee enrollment consisting of 26-36 credit hours per year. Actual costs may vary depending on the student’s program of study.
Undergraduate Costs for 2022-2023
(International Students attending the St. Louis Main Campus)
| * Includes estimates for housing, meal plan, personal care, entertainment and books. ** Mandatory for all international students unless they have a government-sponsored health insurance. |
||
| Cost Breakdown | Undergraduate | Undergraduate (Conservatory) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $29,640 | $34,424 |
| Cost of Living* | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| Health Insurance** | $1,124 | $1,124 |
| Total | $43,764 | $48,548 |
International students on an F-1 student visa are required to pay a tuition deposit of $6,500 within seven days of receiving a student visa and/or prior to traveling to the United States. Any international student transferring from another institution is also required to pay the tuition deposit within seven days after their SEVIS record is transferred and an I-20 is issued by Webster. The tuition deposit is non-refundable.
Below is the estimated Webster University cost for one academic year, which is four graduate terms (nine months of full-time enrollment). This includes tuition, estimated cost of living and the required health insurance.
Graduate Costs for 2022-2023
| *Cost of Living: Includes estimates for housing, meal plan, personal care, entertainment
and books. ** Health Insurance: Mandatory for all international students unless they have government-sponsored health insurance. |
||||
| Location | Tuition | Cost of Living* | Health Insurance** | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Campus | $16,800 | $13,000 | $1,124 | $30,924 |
| San Antonio Campus | $16,800 | $14,000 | $1,124 | $31,924 |
International students on an F-1 student visa are required to pay a tuition deposit of $6,500 within seven days of receiving a student visa and/or prior to traveling to the United States. Any international student transferring from another institution is also required to pay the tuition deposit within seven days after their SEVIS record is transferred and an I-20 is issued by Webster. The tuition deposit is non-refundable.
Dependents
Dependents are spouses or unmarried minor children under the age of 21. They may accompany an F-1 or J-1 student to the United States or join the student at a later date. They are eligible for admission to the United States in F-2 and J-2 status respectively and will be issued individual I-20s or DS-2019s.
The student needs to request an I-20 or DS-2019 from International Recruitment and International Services for their dependent. The dependent should then go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and obtain an F-2 visa or J-2 visa before entering the U.S.
If a student wishes to bring their spouse or children to the United States, the student needs to submit to International Recruitment and International Services the following documents:
- Dependent I-20 or DS-2019 Request Form.
- Current bank statement indicating that they have at least $4,500 to sponsor a spouse and $3,000 to sponsor each dependent or letter of sponsorship, attesting that the living expenses of the student’s dependent(s) will be paid by the entity giving the scholarship.
- Copy of passport biographical picture page of the dependents.
- Proof of relationship such as copy of the marriage license or child’s birth certificate accompanied by English translation.
To qualify for F-2 or J-2 status, a dependent must demonstrate that the F-1 or J-1 student has been admitted and is or will be enrolled full-time or engaged in optional practical training or academic training.
Study
F-2 Dependents: The F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may now engage in part-time study, but not full-time study. However, an F-2 child who is in elementary or secondary school (i.e. kindergarten through twelfth grade) may engage in full-time study only at these levels. The only form of study permitted for F-2 spouse and child who is not in K-12 level is study that is avocational or recreational in nature such as English language conversation.
An F-2 dependent desiring to engage in full-time study must apply for and obtain a change of non-immigrant classification to F-1 status. An F-2 dependent violates his or her non-immigrant status by engaging in full-time studies that is not permitted.
J-2 Dependents: J-2 dependents are permitted to study full-time or part-time with no restriction.
Employment
F-2 Dependents: Individuals in F-2 status are not permitted to work in the United States and may not accept employment under any circumstance.
J-2 Dependents: Individuals in J-2 status are allowed to work in the United States, but must first apply for employment authorization from USCIS before starting employment. They can use Form I-765 to apply for employment.
Housing for Admitted Students
Undergraduate: All first-time undergraduate international students attending classes at any of the St. Louis area campuses (Webster Groves, Downtown or Westport) are required to live in on-campus housing at the main campus in Webster Groves.
Study Abroad: Any student from a Webster campus outside the United States who chooses to study abroad in any of the St. Louis metro campuses is required to live on-campus at the Webster Groves campus for the duration of their study abroad experience.
Graduate students are exempt from the housing requirement, if their service location is a St. Louis campus.
This does not include graduate students studying abroad during a degree program with a service location outside the United States.
Other Exemption: Any other student seeking an exemption from the housing requirement must submit the Request for Exemption from Housing Requirement Form along with any supporting documents to the Office of Housing and Residential Life. For additional information, please contact the Office of Housing and Residential Life at housing@webster.edu. A student will receive a written notification from the Office of Housing and Residential Life whether his or her exemption request has been approved or denied.
Exemptions that require a request:
- Married students.
- Students with dependent children.
- Undergraduate students who will turn 26 during their first year of studies in St. Louis.
- Any other reason.
Before you begin your application for housing, you need to know your Candidate Login account. This is given to you from the Admissions Office at the time you submitted your admissions application to Webster University.
- If you have not received this account or do not remember it, please contact the Office of Admissions by phone at 314-246-7800 or by email at admit@webster.edu.
- If you have activated your account but are still having issues (such as a forgotten password), please contact the IT Support Desk at 314-246-5995.
To apply for campus housing, please complete the online Campus Housing Application and send your Housing Deposit by check, credit card, money order or wire transfer.
Security Deposit: You will be required to deposit a certain amount of money called “security deposit” usually equal to the monthly rent. The security deposit is refundable if you don’t leave any damage in the apartment or house you rented. If you leave damage in the house or apartment, some or all of your security deposit will be withheld.
Most of the time, you will be required to sign a lease. This is a binding legal contract between the tenant (you) and the landlord (property owner). Read everything carefully before you sign your name to the least. There are two kinds of leases:
Month-to-Month Lease
This is a contract for one month at a time. The property owner can raise the rent, alter or terminate the agreement at the end of any rental month, provided that proper notice is given. A month-to-month lease allows the tenant to easily terminate the contract if proper notice is given.
Term Lease (Six Months or One Year Lease)
This provides more protection for the tenant against rent increases or changes to the contract. Provided you don’t breach your contract, the landlord is obligated to rent to you for the length of time, under the conditions, and for the rent amount outlined in the lease. However, it is not as easy to terminate the term lease.
There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing a place to live at, namely:
- Location: Is the area safe? Can I get to the grocery store, laundromat or shopping area conveniently by bus or bicycle?
- Proximity: How close is the house or apartment to campus? Can I get to campus easily?
- Transportation: What is the nearest public transportation? How close is it to the house/apartment? How often does the bus service/train run during the week, weekends, evenings and summer?
- Rental: How much is the monthly rent? Where and when must this paid? What utilities do I have to pay for? etc.
You need a place to live at for the first few days or weeks before you find a permanent place to live. You can rent an hotel, a hostel or a bed-and-breakfast room.
International Recruitment and Services
Not sure where to start? Our International Recruitment and Services team will help you find the perfect fit for you in terms of campus or program, as well as help you sift through federal regulations and more.
Contact Us
Welcome Center
Webster Hall, First Floor, Room 130
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Document pick-up and delivery: If you requested a letter online from the International Recruitment and International Services website, the letter will be sent to you via the method you selected when filing the form. You will need to present your Webster Student ID Card when picking up your document(s) from the International Recruitment and International Services.
Current students: If you area current student you may may complete the online form to request an appointment.
Prospective students: If you are a prospective student, please make an appointment online at Plan Your Visit. If you wish to visit another Webster campus, contact that campus directly.
Please mail your official documents to one of the addresses below:
By Courier Services (DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc.)
Webster University Office of Admissions
Attn: International Recruitment
40 Rock Hill Road
Webster Groves, Missouri 63119
U.S.A.
By Regular Postal Mail
Webster University Office of Admissions
Attn: International Recruitment
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63119
U.S.A.
Samrat Ray Chaudhuri
Director of Global Recruitment
Phone: +1-314-246-4202
Email: samrat@webster.edu
Blerina Polovina
Director, International Admissions and Services
Grayson Rosen
International Credentials Specialist
Andrea Webb
International Coordinator
