Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants

Submit your documentation to the JWU Admissions Portal.

Yes. Many of JWU’s new international students transfer from postsecondary schools around the world. Candidates with postsecondary coursework from an institution outside the United States must submit to Johnson & Wales University all official documentation and must request a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services Inc. (WES), ECE Dispatch or another NACES-approved international credential evaluation service. Note that all non-English documents must be accompanied by certified word-for-word English translations.

In certain circumstances, we may require course descriptions and/or syllabi (subject details, module descriptors or content outline). Those with coursework in progress must submit final updated official documentation as soon as it becomes available. Credit will be awarded for courses completed with a “C” or better (minimum 2.0/4.0) that are similar in level and content to courses at JWU. Scholarships are available to transfer students.

Students must select only one campus at the time of application. However, after enrollment you may be eligible to transfer to another JWU campus.

Yes, it is possible to transfer from one JWU campus to another. Interested students must first consult with an academic counselor in Student Academic & Financial Services (SAFS) to initiate a request as well as speak with their International Student Advisor to initiate the SEVIS transfer to another campus.

As a student at JWU, you’ll have many housing options to choose from. On campus, there are many types of residence halls that offer traditional rooms, suites, apartment-style living, as well as learning-living communities that are designed around a theme or academic discipline. All are equipped with cable, Wi-Fi, and, for your convenience, laundry facilities on-site. At our Providence and Charlotte campuses, first-time undergraduate international students are required to live on campus during their first three years. This policy includes undergraduate students entering as a first-time college student as well as transfer students, whether they enter in the fall or spring semesters.

Exemptions to this requirement may be granted based on one of the following reasons:
-Student will be living at home with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within 35 miles of JWU’s campus.
-Student is married or has dependent(s).
-Student has a disability requiring off-campus housing.
-Student turns 24 years old before the first day of classes of their first enrolled semester.
-Student is not eligible to live on campus.

Please note, Graduate students and ESL students are not required to live on campus. However, JWU does have on-campus housing options at our Providence Campus if interested.

All of our campuses have trained security personnel and our electronic security systems utilize the latest technology. JWU offers:
-24-hour foot and vehicle patrols
-Controlled dormitory access by security card or key
-Controlled academic and administrative building access by security card
-Late-night escort service

Tuition and fees vary by program and campus. You can find current tuition rates on the Tuition & Fees webpage. Keep in mind additional costs, such as housing, meal plans, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Yes. Scholarships are available for high-achieving international students, transfer students and specific academic programs. Eligibility and award amounts vary, and students must submit scholarship applications by deadlines.

JWU offers payment plan options to help manage tuition and fees. Contact the Student Accounts Office for details.

English proficiency is required when starting an academic degree at JWU. However, international applicants who are not yet proficient in English may first enroll in JWU’s English Language & Culture Academy (ESL). Successful completion of the program’s advanced levels satisfies the English requirement and allows students to begin their academic degree (Fall or Spring intakes only at the Providence campus). Please visit the JWU Catalog to learn more about English requirements.

After you are admitted and pay your deposit, as well as provide proof of financial support, JWU will issue an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate. It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to allow for the time it takes to get your F-1 visa.

F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks.

Contact the JWU Global-International Student Services Office immediately to notify the university. They can provide guidance on late arrival policies.

Yes. JWU offers International Student Orientation before the start of each semester, covering:
-U.S. culture and academic expectations
-Campus resources and student services
-Visa and immigration compliance
-Housing, banking and transportation guidance

Yes. The JWU Global-International Student Services Office (ISSO) provides guidance on immigration and cultural adjustment throughout your time at JWU.

Yes. International students must have health insurance. JWU offers plans specifically for international students, covering medical services in the U.S.

Yes. JWU offers a wide range of student clubs, professional organizations, sports, and cultural groups. Participation helps students build friendships, leadership skills, and professional networks.

Yes. The Experiential Education & Career Services office offers a variety of experiential learning programs and career services, including internships, work-integrated learning, résumé critiques, mock interviews, career fairs, exposure to industry professionals, on-campus interviews and more. These services assist students in building skills to obtain employment and independently manage their careers.

All undergraduate and graduate programs offered at each campus are generally open to international students. Some programs may have limited seats or prerequisites, so check with your International Admissions Officer for program-specific eligibility.

All undergraduate students need to complete placement tests to ensure appropriate course placement at JWU.

Full-time enrollment for international students typically ranges from 12 or more credits per semester. International students must maintain full-time status to remain compliant with visa requirements.