We will assume responsibility for an evaluation of your required academic records for applicants who completed coursework outside of the United States. The evaluation is not an English translation of the academic records, but a separate document determining if the degree received outside the U.S. is equivalent to a U.S. degree and a GPA is calculated.
Seattle University accepts scanned/uploaded copies of transcripts and degree certificate* for admissions applications only. Transcripts and academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial.
If you are admitted, you must submit official academic documents prior to registering for second quarter classes. Your official academic records can be delivered to us in one of these ways:
* A degree certificate shows the degree earned and date (month/year) the degree was awarded. Alternatively, your university may issue a letter confirming award of the degree and the month/year it was awarded.
You will be allowed to register for your second quarter classes once we have received your academic documents.
Applicants seeking an F-1 student visa must also submit the Declaration of Finances form.
Applicants for whom English is a non-native language must demonstrate English proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or an English-speaking country, or immigration status. English proficiency may be met with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo.
Graduate and post baccalaureate applicants who received a baccalaureate degree or higher from Seattle University or a recognized college or university in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Bahamas, Jamaica, Kenya, Singapore, Belize, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago will not be required to submit English proficiency test scores. Students earning a degree in a country other than those listed above may provide official documentation from the degree-granting institution verifying that all instruction was in English. A minimum of three years of enrollment at the university is required.
Seattle University maintains the right to require English proficiency testing when deemed necessary.
The chart below outlines the English proficiency requirements for general admission as well as admission to the English Culture and Language Bridge Program. For more information on what the TOEFL consists of and a list of official testing centers visit the ETS web site. Both score requirements are listed below. Test scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
| Exam | Description | Graduate, General Admission | Graduate, ELCB Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (Internet) | SU Code: 4695 | 86 | 68-85 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6 | |
| Pearson Test of English | 63% | 58% | |
| Duolingo | 120 | 105-115 |
* Some graduate programs are not able to accommodate ELCB students in the curriculum as designed, so admitted students would need to complete ELCB prior to starting their graduate studies.
Alternative method to meeting the English proficiency requirement:
In order to allow for application processing, overseas mailings and visa processing, international applicants living overseas should submit an application six months prior to the quarter they wish to enroll or the program deadline, whichever is earlier.
While you may submit applications after the deadlines, those who submit complete applications by the following dates will receive priority consideration. If applications are submitted with insufficient time for processing and enrollment for the requested term, you may be asked to update your application to a later term.
The courses offered in the English Language and Culture Bridge are highly advanced, with a specific focus on university-level reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. In addition, the course work concentrates on the American academic culture and the specific preparation for requirements at Seattle University. For more information, call +1.206.296.6064 or consult the English Language Learning Center website.
Students with English proficiency scores in the ELCB range will take a placement essay test upon arrival at Seattle University. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based upon the results of the placement essay test.