Cultures and Communities, Undergraduate Certificate

Online Application

Students who have or need a students visa (F1 or J1) should use the UWM International Student application.   (uwm.edu/apply-international-bachelors)

*Please use the “Log in with Portal Account” option.

Student who do not need a student visa (F1 or J1) should use the University of Wisconsin – System application.  (apply.wisconsin.edu)

Any student without previous university study (New Freshmen), can also use the Common Application.

Application Fee

• UW-Milwaukee is currently waiving the application fee.  You can apply at no cost.

Evidence of English Proficiency

Provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. An approved test score that meets the requirement for regular or conditional admission; or,
2. University Study: Completion of at least eighteen months of full-time, for-credit academic study (approximately three semesters) at a recognized or accredited institution of higher education whose language of instruction is English immediately prior to enrollment at UWM; or,
3. Secondary/High School Study: Proof of completion of the last two years of secondary/high school at an institution whose language of instruction is English immediately prior to enrollment at UWM.
4. A positive recommendation from the director of the Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI), stating that the applicant has passed the 700 level of reading and writing with a B grade or higher.

Applicants who do not have English language proficiency and wish to apply for a bachelor’s degree can apply for conditional admission.

Only students with full English proficiency can be admitted to the UWM-Waukesha or UWM-Washington County campuses, as no Foundation level courses are offered there.

Official Transcript and Diploma from Secondary Studies

Submit original or officially-certified copies of academic records for all secondary education (high school). You must also submit academic records from all post-secondary (university or college) education, whether or not the program was completed. Official records must be submitted in the native language and must be accompanied by an official English translation.

ACT and SAT for New Incoming Freshmen

SAT or ACT scores are not required, but you can submit them if you have them.  They may help your application or eligibility for scholarships.

Additional Requirements if Applying to Engineering or Computer Science

All applications to majors in the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) are reviewed by the CEAS academic administration.

If you are a transfer student applying to CEAS, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, transfer students need to have completed calculus at the post-secondary (university) level and received a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Applying as a Transfer Student

The process of applying as a transfer student is the same as applying as a new freshman. All of the above requirements apply to transfer students. Also, please see the frequently asked questions page for more information pertaining to transfer students.

Online Application

Use the UWM Panthera Graduate Admission Application to apply.

Application Fee

• Application Fee

You can pay the fee with a credit card in your UWM Panthera Graduate Admission Application or mail a check or international money order to the International Admission office.

Reasons for Graduate Study Statement

In your Panthera application, submit a statement that gives your reasons for graduate study. The statement is used to determine the appropriateness of UWM’s programs to your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. The following are required criteria for the statement:

1. Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
   Describe specific interests and your background in the field.
2. List any relevant skills or training you have acquired.
3. List relevant academic awards or honors you have received.
4. If your program requires recommendations, list the names of those individuals who will write on your behalf.

Evidence of English Proficiency

Provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. A TOEFL IBT, Academic IELTS, or CAE/CPE score that meets the requirement for admission; or,
2. A bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) or higher degree from UWM, or another approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction. The following criteria must also be met:
   1. you must have attended this institution for at least 1 year; and,
   2. your degree was received within two years of your application to UWM or your degree was not received within two years of your application to UWM but you have lived and worked continuously in the U.S. since receiving your degree.
   3. Please note-TOEFL scores must be sent via ETS to code 1473. This code is the same for both undergraduate and graduate study.

Official Transcript(s) and Degree Certificate(s) from Post-Secondary Institution(s)

Applicants must submit academic records from all post-secondary (university or college) education, whether or not the program was completed. For your application, you will be able to upload unofficial versions of your transcripts. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit an official version of your final degree-bearing transcript.

Official records must be submitted in the native language and must be accompanied by an official English translation. Click here for further instructions about submitting transcripts.

Program Specific Requirements

• Individual graduate programs may require additional items for your application. For example, GMAT scores, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, portfolio, resume, department application, or writing sample.
• Before you apply, you can find out about any additional requirements of your program by visiting the program’s website. If you have any questions about these program specific requirements, please contact your intended graduate program directly.