INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

The Graduate Liberal Studies is a small program, designed for local or commuting adult students. Because Graduate Liberal Studies is not designed as a residential program, international students may find certain aspects of the relocation process challenging (i.e., housing, transportation). That said, to the best of our ability, we are happy to assist international students in joining Wesleyan’s GLS program.

Visa Status

Current F1 visa status is required for international students who wish to study at Wesleyan University. Students who already hold an F1 visa should contact their designated school official to clarify any visa questions or issues. International applicants who require an I-20 from Wesleyan should contact Jeffrey Mitchell, GLSP's Director. Please note that international students must be matricualted and pursue full-time study.

International Transcripts

Students who completed their undergraduate or previous graduate studies at a foreign institution are expected to provide an official transcript, and, if the transcript is written in a language other than English, a certified translation.

In certain cases, if the student can show that it would be impossible to provide an official transcript from the student’s foreign university, the GLS may accept (a) scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test), (b) three academic letters of recommendation (written or translated into English), and (c) a writing sample. International students should contact our office at 860.685.2900 to discuss visa eligibility and other questions they might have.

Non-native English Speakers

Students whose native language is not English are expected to take either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam and to present a writing sample (an academic paper 3–5 pages in length), in addition to the regular GLS Admission Essay. To be eligible for admission, students must present a TOEFL score of at least 100 on the internet-based test, or a score of at least 7 out of 9 on the academic module of the IELTS. The TOEFL or IELTS test must have been taken within two years of the time of application for admission, and the score must be sent directly to the GLS from the testing agency.

Visa Acquisition and Deadlines for Admission

Current F1 visa status is required for international students who wish to study at Wesleyan University. Students who already hold an F1 visa should contact their Designated School Official to clarify any visa questions or issues. International applicants who require an I-20 from Wesleyan should contact Jeffrey Mitchell at jmitchell03@wesleyan.edu.

English Language Proficiency

All students for whom English is not a first language are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as part of their application. Graduate Liberal Studies is a reading- and writing-intensive program. The minimally acceptable TOEFL score for graduate work is 100, and the minimally acceptable IELTS score is a 7. International students who hold a BA from an English-medium post-secondary institution may have this requirement waived upon completion of an admission application. 

Health Insurance

All international GLS students are required to have U.S. health insurance that covers major illnesses and accidents within the United States. If you do not have such coverage with a U.S. carrier, you are required to purchase short-term health insurance. Many student insurance companies provide this type of coverage. Wesleyan works with Gallagher Koster for student insurance. To acquire international student short-term coverage, please visit Gallagher Koster.