There is no particular order in which application materials need to be submitted/received. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all components have been submitted prior to their program’s priority application deadline date.

Complete an online application
A $50 application fee is required for all applications submitted. Application fee waivers are available to those who meet the following criteria:

• Participated in MCW’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) or Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
• Received a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate
• Attended a MCW open house (Expo) event
• Participated in a local, state or national program that supports underrepresented student populations (i.e. McNair Scholars, WisCAMP, etc.)
• Attended and presented at a regional or national conference/meeting (i.e. ABRCMS, Experimental Biology, etc.)

Supporting documentation may be required to verify fee waiver eligibility.

Transcripts
Arrange for your official transcript to be sent to the MCW Graduate School from your current or any previously attended college/university. Official transcripts must be in an original, sealed envelope or sent electronically from a certified service provider. Electronic transcripts may be accepted from institutions that subscribe to the following services:

• eSCRIP-SAFE
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse

Letters of Recommendation
Once you enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses in our online application system and save your progress, an email will be sent to them with a link to a portal where they can submit their letter and form. Letters of recommendation and recommendations forms can also be submitted directly from the letter writer via email to gradschool@mcw.edu.

There is no particular order in which application materials need to be submitted/received. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all components have been submitted prior to their program’s priority application deadline date.

Complete an online application
A $50 application fee is required for all applications submitted. Application fee waivers are available to those who meet the following criteria:

• Participated in MCW’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) or Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
• Received a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate
• Attended a MCW open house (Expo) event
• Participated in a local, state or national program that supports underrepresented student populations (i.e. McNair Scholars, WisCAMP, etc.)
• Attended and presented at a regional or national conference/meeting (i.e. ABRCMS, Experimental Biology, etc.)

Supporting documentation may be required to verify fee waiver eligibility.

Transcripts
Arrange for your official transcript to be sent to the MCW Graduate School from your current or any previously attended college/university. Official transcripts must be in an original, sealed envelope or sent electronically from a certified service provider. Electronic transcripts may be accepted from institutions that subscribe to the following services:

• eSCRIP-SAFE
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Request that your official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores to be sent to the MCW Graduate School from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Use institutional code 1519. Applicants who have earned a terminal degree may request an exemption to the GRE test score submission by submitting a written request via email to gradschool@mcw.edu.

Applicants are encouraged to explore whether they may be eligible to receive a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate.

Letters of Recommendation
Once you enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses in our online application system and save your progress, an email will be sent to them with a link to a portal where they can submit their letter and form. Letters of recommendation and recommendations forms can also be submitted directly from the letter writer via email to gradschool@mcw.edu.

International Student Applicants
An official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test score is required of all applicants who did not receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S.-based, non-online degree granting program. Please arrange for your IELTS/TOEFL scores to be sent directly to the MCW Graduate School from their respective service. For TOELF, use institution code 1519. A score of 100 or higher on the internet-based version of the TOEFL or a score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS is recommended for competitive consideration.

There is no particular order in which application materials need to be submitted/received. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all components have been submitted prior to their program’s priority application deadline date.

Complete an online application
A $50 application fee is required for all applications submitted. Application fee waivers are not available to non-degree applicants.

Transcripts
Arrange for your official transcript to be sent to the MCW Graduate School from your current or any previously attended college/university. Official transcripts must be in an original, sealed envelope or sent electronically from a certified service provider. Electronic transcripts may be accepted from institutions that subscribe to the following services:

• eSCRIP-SAFE
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse

Applicants interested in our Biomedical Engineering doctorate program should apply to MCW. Applicants interested in our Bioinformatics, Healthcare Technologies Management and Biomedical Engineering master degree programs should apply to Marquette University.

International Applicants must provide official* copies of college and/or university transcripts in the native language of instruction and in English translation. Transcripts are also known as academic records or mark sheets. If academic transcripts do not include proof of graduation, i.e.: diploma and/or degree certification, official copies of these documents must be provided as well.

* Official: Documents bear the original seals and/or stamps of the institution and/or signatures of institution officials (registrar).

All academic credentials are reviewed and verified by the Graduate School. Transcripts of official academic records must be submitted in the native language and in English translation. (Back to Application Process)

Advising
If you have any questions regarding your academic or non-immigrant status while here, please feel free to consult the International Student Advisor in the Graduate School office. Other topics on this website will address the common non-immigrant issues.

Extension of Stay
There is an expected date of completion of studies on each international student's I-20 form. If you find that your studies will extend beyond your expected date of completion, please see the graduate school office at least 30 days prior to the completion date on your I-20 to complete the proper forms for extension of your studies. To schedule an appointment email the graduate school.

I-20 Forms
Most international students are in F-1 (student) non-immigrant status while attending graduate school and possess the I-20 form which is their "certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant status for academic and language students". Please keep this form in a safe place as you will need it throughout your stay in the United States. If your I-20 form is lost or damaged beyond repair, you may receive a "replacement I-20" from the Graduate School International Student Advisor. For a replacement I-20, email the Graduate School.

Practical Training
After completion of studies in the graduate school, many international students will remain in the United States for an additional year to complete further academic training (e.g. post-doctoral training). You must apply for practical training approximately 90 day prior to the completion of your degree program, i.e. graduation. Please see the International Student Advisor to determine if you are eligible for practical training under Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) regulations and to obtain the forms and instructions for applying to practical training.

Taxes - requires updates!
Some international students may not be subject to certain United States taxes on their stipends/ fellowships. Please consult the Payroll Manager,  Cheryl Milosavljevic (955-8239) or send an email, for information on tax treaties (if any) for your particular country of origin. 

Travel Outside the United States
International (F-1) students must have authorization to travel outside the United States while attending graduate school. There is a space on the back of your I-20 forms for authorization to travel. You must bring the I-20 form to the graduate school for authorization prior to your travel outside the United States. If you have questions regarding this process send the graduate school an email.

Visa Status
The visa that is in a passport usually has an expiration date that is different than the expiration of non-immigrant status (F-1) as indicated on an I-20. In other words, visa status and non-immigrant (F-1) status are NOT the same. A visa can expire but a person will still be in lawful status as long as his non-immigrant (F-1) status has not expired. In most instances, a new visa can be obtained by returning to the home country for a visit and applying for a new visa while there.