Admission is on a rolling basis. Apply early for better access to competitive internships and housing.

Fall 2021

March 15

Priority Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support

May 1

Final Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support

May 15

Final Deposit Deadline

August 23

Program Start Date

December 18

Program End Date

Spring 2022

September 1, 2021

Priority Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support

October 1, 2021

Final Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support

October 15, 2021

Final Deposit Deadline

January 5, 2022

Program Start Date

May 3, 2022

Program End Date

^*Should an international student be unable to move forward with obtaining their visa due to COVID-19, restrictions on international travel, or domestic immigration policy, the WSP team will fully refund that student's deposit and program fees that have been paid.

^**WSP respects each partner’s home school deadline. Partner universities should consult with Terrell Austin tausin@american.edu to review special circumstances.

1. Contact your home school’s WSP partner representative to discuss your program options - Washington Semester credit-bearing program or the non-credit program. If you select the non-credit program, work with your school representatives to understand how your university will count the Washington Semester non-credit program on your home school transcript or mark sheet.
2. Your partner representative will explain the application requirements to apply to the Washington Semester Program. Complete your home school’s requirements.

1. Once you have completed your home school requirements, create an account.
2. Apply to the correct program. If you want the non-credit program, select: Washington Semester Program International Non-Credit. For the credit bearing program, select Washington Semester Program International. Please use care in deciding and selecting between the credit bearing and non-credit programs. We cannot change your program after an offer of admission is extended.
3. After you have created an account, complete the application.
4. After you have submitted the first portion of your application, you must return to your account and complete supplemental items (once you refresh the page, supplemental items should be an option).
   
   Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items.

• Official university transcript
• Nomination from your home school - noting if you have been approved for the credit bearing or non-credit program option
• Unofficial copy of proof of English Fluency

Minimum scores for admission to the Washington Semester Program are:

Paper Based TOEFL

550

Internet Based TOEFL

80 (Minimum of 18 on Speaking & Listening)

IELTS

6.5

PTE

59

CEFR*

B-2

Duolingo**

120

*Please note: Students submitting a CEFR level as proof of English proficiency may be asked to submit additional documentation. Students submitting a CEFR level as documented via IELTS scores must have a 6.5 or higher in the IELTS to meet the eligibility requirement.

**American University is accepting Duolingo results temporarily due to Covid-related test administration issues.

If you do not meet the above-noted minimum scores, we strongly encourage that you enroll in the English Training Language Academy (ELTA) for one semester prior to joining Washington Semester. Upon successful completion of the ELTA program, you will progress to the Washington Semester Program (entering the program you applied to - the credit program or non-credit certificate program). To qualify for ELTA, your minimum scores must be:

Internet Based TOEFL

70

IELTS

6.0

PTE

50

Please submit all supplemental items electronically (upload with your application). Your certified electronic transcript should be sent to ogisdocuments@american.edu through your home institution. If your institution cannot issue an electronic copy, please let us know at washsem@american.edu.

Please reach out if you are unable to submit any of your documents electronically.

The Washington Semester Program helps international students every step of the way in applying for a J-1 visa. Please visit International Student and Scholar Services for more information on immigration and international student life at American University.