Western Illinois University

Requirements for Admission

For further information on entrance requirements based on your student level, please see the sections below:

Freshman year

• Have a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States.
• On a 4.0 scale, you must have a grade point average of at least 2.5. All grades and scores will be translated to a scale of 4.0.
• Non-native English speakers must take one of the following exams to demonstrate their English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PTE Academic. (WIU's school code is 1900.) Learn more about the English proficiency criteria and which countries are exempt.

Student Transfer

• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college-level coursework attempted, as well as good standing at the previous institution. All grades and scores will be translated to a scale of 4.0.
• Applicants who have completed less than 24 semester hours must additionally meet freshman entrance requirements.
• Non-native English speakers must take one of the following exams to demonstrate their English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PTE Academic. (WIU's school code is 1900.) Learn more about the English proficiency criteria and which countries are exempt.
• For information on transferring your undergraduate college credits to WIU, see our Transfer Credits page.

Doctoral Students

Hold a degree that is comparable to a recognized bachelor's degree in the United States.

Have a 3.0 or better GPA for the previous two years of undergraduate work attempted; or have a total GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for all college courses attempted. All grades and scores will be translated to a scale of 4.0. Please see the Departmental Admission Requirements if your department has a higher GPA requirement.

Non-native English speakers must take one of the following exams to demonstrate their English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PTE Academic. (WIU's school code is 1900.) Learn more about the English proficiency criteria and which countries are exempt. Higher scores may be required for entrance to some academic programmes.