Shepherd University welcomes and hosts students from around the world.
An international student refers to anyone who requires a visa or temporary visa (F-1, J-1, A2, E2, etc.) in order to study in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), or if you are a dual citizen, refugee, asylee, or undocumented student/DACA, you are not considered an international student.
International students are encouraged to start the application process at least six months in advance. Please check the admission requirements for international undergraduate students and international graduate students.
International Undergraduate Students
International Graduate Students
International Application Deadline
All application documents must be submitted by the following dates:
- June 1 for fall semester (Beings August)
- November 1 for spring semester (Begins January)
Shepherd University is test optional, meaning international students are encouraged, but not required, to submit SAT and ACT scores. Shepherd University’s SAT code is 5615; the ACT code is 4532.
For any questions regarding the application process, please call +1 (304) 876-5662 or email oia@shepherd.edu.
Mailing Address:
Shepherd University
Office of International Affairs
301 N. King St.
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown, WV
25443-5000
Undergraduate Students
International Freshmen
An international freshman is a student who, upon application, is a senior in high school, or a student who has graduated from high school and has not yet been enrolled in a college or university.
Application checklist:
1. Complete Shepherd’s online application or apply through the Common App. Pay the non-refundable $45 application fee.
2. Submit a copy of your current valid passport’s biographical information page.
3. Submit your official high school transcripts. If your transcripts are not in English, you will be required to submit an official, certified translation in addition to the original untranslated document.*
4. If your native language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency for admission. Test scores are valid for two years from the test date and must be submitted directly to Shepherd University from the testing agency.
Proficiency Assessment | Test Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 70 (code: 5615) |
Duolingo English | 105 |
ACT English | 19 (code: 4532) |
SAT English | 490 (code: 5615) |
Pearson Academic (PTE) | 53 |
College Credit | 2 College-level English courses at an accredited U.S. college or university, with grades of C or higher |
GCSE or GCE English Exam | Letter grades A, B, or C or numerical grades 4-9 |
International Baccalaureate | Completion of an International Baccalaureate Diploma |
*A digital copy of official high school transcripts is acceptable if it is emailed to oia@shepherd.edu by a school official at your high school OR it can be mailed to the Office of International Affairs in a sealed envelope from your high school.
International Transfer Students
An international transfer student is a student who, upon application, has attended a college or university, earning transferrable college credits following high school graduation.
Application checklist:
1. Complete Shepherd’s online application and pay the non-refundable $45 application fee.
2. Submit a copy of your current valid passport’s biographical information page.
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities previously attended. For college coursework completed outside of the United States, you must order an official course-by-course evaluation from any current member of NACES. Evaluations must be sent directly to Shepherd University by the agency. Course descriptions may be required for the award of specific credit.
4. If your native language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency for admission. Test scores are valid for two years from the test date and must be submitted directly to Shepherd University from the testing agency.
Proficiency Assessment | Test Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 70 (code: 5615) |
Duolingo English | 105 |
ACT English | 19 (code: 4532) |
SAT English | 490 (code: 5615) |
Pearson Academic (PTE) | 53 |
College Credit | 2 College-level English courses at an accredited U.S. college or university, with grades of C or higher |
GCSE or GCE English Exam | Letter grades A, B, or C or numerical grades 4-9 |
International Baccalaureate | Completion of an International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Credential Evaluations
For college coursework completed outside of the United States, you must order an official course-by-course evaluation from any current member of NACES. Evaluations must be sent directly to Shepherd University by the agency. Course descriptions may be required for the award of specific credit.
You may also use SpanTran, Evaluation Company. Their evaluation portal linked to Shepherd University can be found here, SpanTran Application.