Apply to WKU as a refugee or displaced student
Kentucky Innovative Scholarship Pilot Project
Full undergraduate scholarships for displaced students
Foreign nationals who have received U.S. asylum (asylees), submitted a U.S. asylum application (asylum-seeker); resettled refugees; those in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, or a special immigrant visa (SIV) may qualify for undergraduate scholarships up to the total cost of attendance for Displaced Students pursuing an undergraduate postsecondary certificate or degree.
This scholarship applies to undergraduate admissions only. If you are interested in
applying to graduate school, contact the WKU Graduate School to inquire about admission and graduate assistantships.
WKU offers more than 180 undergraduate degree programs including:
Accounting, Computer Science, Marketing, Engineering Technology Management, Civil Engineering, Communication Studies, Education, Architecture Science, Environmental Sustainability & Geographic Studies, Biology, Nursing, Public Health, Dental Hygiene, Business Data Analytics, Chemistry, Health Care Administration ... and so much more!
VIEW THE FULL LIST OF DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelors Degree (After High School)
- A completed application- contact: applyinternational@wku.edu
- Minimum academic requirements:
- Freshmen: 2.5 GPA (2.25 for Pathway)
- Transfer: 2.0 GPA (students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit)
- English proficiency requirements (one of the following):
- TOEFL, IBT – 71 (61 for Pathway)
- IELTS – 6.0 (5.5 for Pathway)
- DuoLingo - 100 DET (90 for Pathway)
- Official Academic Records (where possible) from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received, including an English translation
All necessary documents, including academic records, and proof of English language proficiency, must be received before an admission decision can be made.
If you don’t have access to your academic documents, consult WES Gateway for assistance with putting together a record of past credentials.
- Foreign nationals who have received U.S. asylum (asylees), submitted a U.S. asylum application (asylum-seeker); resettled refugees; those in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, or a special immigrant visa (SIV).
- Admissable to WKU as an undergraduate student
Eligibility is subject to verification of status, submission of required official documents, and completion of all necessary forms.
Individuals from these countries may qualify:
-
Afghanistan
-
Burma
(Karen, Karenni, Chin, Boa) -
CUBA
-
Democratic Republic of Congo
-
Iraq
-
Somalia
-
Ukraine
Not limited to these national origins who may qualify. Please direct any questions regarding qualifications to applyinternational@wku.edu.
- Applicants must not have gained citizenship as of July 1, 2022
- Applicants must have arrived in the U.S. within the past five years
Scholarships up to the total cost of attendance for Displaced Students pursuing an
undergraduate postsecondary certificate or degree. (Application fee is included.)
Other scholarships may also apply.
We are here to support you! Please fill out the form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible:
How to apply to WKU (English):
How to apply to WKU (Dari):
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WKU is committed to helping you achieve your goals both in and outside of the classroom. 84% of recent WKU graduates are successful in seeking employment.
With a great central location, reach any U.S. destination within a day. For more than 40 years, Bowling Green has been welcoming refugees from around the world who have built lives and businesses in our community.
As a student-centered applied research university, Western Kentucky University is engaged in quality academic programs. Hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and internships ensure that you get a job and excel in your career and in life.
Setting you up for success in your first year: WKU IPAS
Along with our traditional programs of study, WKU also offers an International Pathway to Academic Success (IPAS). The IPAS program is designed to facilitate international student success in several ways:
- Exclusive courses designed for first-year international students
- Dedicated faculty with a commitment to international student learning
- Co-curricular support such as tutoring and academic workshops
- Enrichment experiences to introduce students to life and study in the United States
IPAS participation is offered at no additional cost, and all courses will count toward a WKU degree for full academic credit. Enrollment in IPAS will last for one or two semesters depending on the academic needs of each student.
Chat with a current WKU student: Learn what it's like on campus
WKU's living options will enable you to learn about yourself and others, experience meaningful connections, and realize your peak potential.
There are several restaurants available to students on-campus, including vegetarian and halal options as well as sensitivity to food allergies.
WKU offers transportation options to help students navigate campus including a campus bus system easily accessed free of charge.
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