International Admissions
Programs That Go Over and Above
University of the West
UWest provides a high-quality education and unique student experience at a reasonable price—and to sweeten the deal, we throw in personal attention (due to our incredible 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio), a personalized academic path (because we believe your education should be as unique as you are), and a beautiful, peaceful campus just a short drive from Los Angeles, the beach, and the stunning San Gabriel Mountains.
We think you’re going to like it here!
Awaken Your Purpose
Undergraduate Requirements for International Admissions
- Application – Complete the UWest online application
- $100 Application fee – This is non-refundable and may be made by check or credit card. Please make checks out to: University of the West.
- Personal Statement – A 400-500 word essay answering the question, “What skills and attitudes do you believe are necessary for a successful life?”
- Official Transcripts – Copies of your high school transcript and transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
- Diploma – Copies of official high school diploma, or its equivalent.
- Official documents – All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current passport
- Current US visa (if applicable)
- English Proficiency Verification – All instruction at University of the West is in English. Non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores . Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with UWest for a fee of $50 USD.
- Documentation of Finances – After admission, all international students are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Once you are admitted, you will be asked to submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.
Additional requirements for international transfer applicants
Transfer students are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa (if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card (if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
| TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 59-68 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 69 & above | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| IELTS – Academic | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Applicants who submit minimum test scores may be conditionally admitted. Students who are admitted on a conditional basis are required to complete University of the West’s English Placement Test (EPT) before beginning classes. International students who have successfully completed three or more years of substantive academic coursework at or above the baccalaureate level at an institution where English is the language of instruction may not be required to submit TOEFL or Academic IELTS scores or take University of the West’s EPT.
Graduate Requirements for International Admission
- Application – Complete the UWest online application.
- $100 Application fee – This is non-refundable and may be made by check or credit card. Please make checks out to: University of the West.
- Statement of Purpose – Your original statement of purpose should be 500-600 words (typed, double-spaced), describing your interest in a specific area of study at UWest and your goals beyond achieving an advanced degree. The statement should include why you chose to study at University of the West, desired focus and/or research area, and personal goals or aspirations.
- Official Transcripts – Copies of transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
- Letters of Recommendation – Three letters of recommendation submitted directly from the references in a sealed envelope or from an email with a professional domain. Academic letters of recommendation are highly encouraged. References may not be a relative of the applicant.
- Diploma – Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.
- Official documents – All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current passport
- Current US visa (if applicable)
- English Proficiency Verification – All instruction at University of the West is in English. Non-native English speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with UWest for $50 USD.
- Documentation of Finances – All international student applicants are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Please submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.
Additional requirements for international transfer applicants
Transfer students are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa (if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card (if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
| TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 69-78 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 18 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 79 & above | 19 | 19 | 21 | 20 |
| IELTS – Academic | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Applicants who submit minimum test scores may be conditionally admitted. Students who are admitted on a conditional basis are required to complete University of the West’s English Placement Test (EPT) before beginning classes.
International students who have successfully completed three or more years of substantive academic coursework at or above the baccalaureate level at an institution where English is the language of instruction may not be required to submit TOEFL or Academic IELTS scores or take University of the West’s EPT.
Additional Requirements
MBA / Post MBA Certificate
Submit current resume/CV
Post MBA certificate: MBA required, Letters of Recommendation: Not required
MBA / Post MBA Certificate
- Submit current resume/CV
- Post MBA certificate: MBA required, Letters of Recommendation: Not required
Psychology - Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
- Statement of Purpose: Two written statements are required:
- Autobiography (200-250 words)
- Personal Statement addressing the question “Why Marriage and Family Therapy at UWest?” (450-500 words)
- Additional Document: Curriculum vita is optional but recommended.
Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (MDiv)
- Interview: Application should be prepared for a telephone or in-person interview, which may be required at the discretion of the chair. A campus visit is strongly recommended.
- Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s MDiv program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
Doctor of Buddhist Ministry (DBMin)
- Prior degree requirement: Applicant should hold an MDiv degree or master’s degree in related field. However, applicant with a master’s degree in an unrelated discipline may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
- Prior experience: One year of CPE residency is highly recommended. Applicant who lacks residency experience must meet one of the following:
- 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Care (CPE); provide evaluation letter from CPE supervisor assessing written communication and emotional and spiritual development.
- Three years in ministerial/temple work following the completion of master’s degree. Letters of recommendation: Four letters are required, including:
- Two letters from academic sources such as advisor, dean, chair.
- One letter from peer such as Dharma brother or sister.
- One letter from pastoral supervisor or master.
- Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s DBMin program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
- Interview: An interview is required, either by telephone or in person.
Religious Studies (MA)
Prior degree requirement: Both graduates with traditional bachelor’s degrees and graduates of recognized Buddhist colleges are eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.
Religious Studies (PhD)
- Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
- Prior degree requirement: Applicant must have a master’s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Chaplaincy, Philosophy, or the equivalent. If this criterion is not met, the student cannot be admitted into the PhD, but may be eligible to apply to the MA program.
- Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the applicant’s proposed area of research, his or her academic preparation to engage in such research, and how the program will be instrumental in pursuing his or her scholarly and professional goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two of the three recommendation letters from qualified scholars at recognized educational institutions.
- Thesis: A copy of student’s MA thesis, if applicable.
Awaken Your Purpose
