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International Graduate Admissions

Welcome! We are excited that you are considering Shepherd University to continue your education. In 2022, Shepherd was named “A Best-Value College in West Virginia” by Niche and “A Top Public School” by U.S. News and World Report. We are confident that our campus community will provide you with an excellent academic and personal experience. Click here to view our graduate programs.

Navigate to:   Graduate Application Process The Form I-20  |  Costs

Graduate Application Process

  1. Complete the Graduate Studies Application for admission.
  2. Submit $40 nonrefundable application fee.
  3. Submit academic records for any post-secondary work.
    • For coursework completed outside of the United States, applicants must order an official course-by-course evaluation from any current member of NACES.  Evaluations must include a statement of degree equivalency.
    • Course descriptions may be required for the award of specific credit.
    • General policy governing the award of transfer credit:
      • Graduate courses from other institutions or other Shepherd University graduate programs will be evaluated, at the time of admission, by the dean and/or the coordinator of the program to which the applicant is applying, or the department chair in which the course is offered.
      • Up to 9 credit hours may be transferred to a Shepherd graduate program from another institution or program, either prior to starting the program or during the program, at the discretion of the program coordinator in consultation with the department chair and the dean. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis by the dean if it would inappropriately prolong the graduation of a student.
      • Courses transferred to a Shepherd graduate program must have a minimum grade of “B,” and must have been taken within seven years based on the date of admission to the degree program (see sunset clause).
  4. If your native language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency for admission. There are two types of admission:

Regular Admission allows a student to enroll at Shepherd with no stipulations.

Provisional Admission requires a student to enroll in Shepherd’s IELP courses and one additional course as advised during their first semester at Shepherd. If the student successfully completes those courses, they may then continue as a degree-seeking student at Shepherd.

Proficiency Assessment Regular Admission Provisional Admission
IELTS 6.5 5.5
TOEFL Internet Based 79 67
Duolingo English 105 90

The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) and Financial Documents

Students planning to study under an F-1 student visa status will need an I-20 issued by Shepherd.  Form I-20 allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. To be eligible for an I-20, you must be accepted to the University and the following documents must be submitted:

1. Proof of Funding

Submit Proof of Funding (i.e. bank statement or bank letter) in English demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the cost of attendance at Shepherd University for at least one academic year (refer to Estimated Cost of Attendance).

Proof of funding may be from one of the following sources:

2. Affidavit of Financial Support

Complete and submit the Affidavit of Financial Support form.

3. A copy of your passport information page.

All additional documents should be sent to:

Mailing Address Shepherd University
Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown, WV
25443-5000

Estimated Cost of Attendance

As a public university, Shepherd requires non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents of West Virginia to pay out-of-state tuition and fees.  The amount listed does not include any financial aid and actual costs may vary.

2022-2023 Estimated Graduate Cost-of-Attendance for International Students
Tuition                                                             $13,046
Books and Supplies                                       $1,500*
Room and Board                                            $14,898†
Medical Insurance                                         $750**
Personal                                                           $1,250
Total                                                                 $31,444 USD

*International students are required to maintain a full academic course load each semester (a minimum of 12 undergraduate credit hours or 9 graduate credit hours).
Note: Additional funds are required for any dependents who accompany you. For a nine (9) month period, $5,000 for each dependent is required.

*Books, medical insurance, and personal expenses are estimated.
**All international students are required to have medical health insurance coverage.
†Room and board is based on housing in Dunlop or Printz Apartments (single occupancy) and the Gold Plan meal option.  Click here for more details on housing and meal plan options.