International Students

You are here

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is eager to be a destination for students from across the globe! Our One Stop Student Services team and International Student Advisors are here to help from the time you inquire about our institution, through the visa process, and beyond.

  • Get started by applying for admission and completing the steps outlined below.
  • Not sure which degree or certificate you would like to pursue? CWI offers a variety of programs and hands-on training opportunities to help you reach your goals, transfer on, or prepare you with the skills needed for a successful career.

Explore Your Options

International Student Admission Process

The International Student Admission Deadline is July 8, 2024, for Fall 2024 semester. There is not a summer start option. 

  • 1. Complete the FREE Admission Application

    Apply to CWI

    • International students must be 18 or older to apply. 
    • The International Student Admission Deadline is July 8, 2024, for Fall 2024 semester.
    • The admission application should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
      • Creating a password for your account will enable you to return to your application at any time to complete.

    Once your application has been submitted, be sure to add onestop@cwi.edu as a contact to ensure you are receiving important communication from the College.

  • 2. Submit Transcripts

    International students seeking a degree or certificate are required to submit official transcripts as part of the admission process.

    Official transcripts must be:

  • 3. Verify English Proficiency

    Classes at CWI are taught in English. As such, international students must demonstrate appropriate levels of English proficiency in order to be admitted to a degree program. 

    Accepted English Proficiency Exams:

    All documents can be submitted via email to internationalservices@cwi.edu

    Part of the admissions process also requires students to verify their English skill level through placement testing. See Step 5 below to learn more. 

  • 4. Provide Additional Documentation

    As an international student, additional documentation is required of you for admission including: 

  • 5. Review Cost of Attendance

    • International students are not eligible for financial aid or Work Study.
    • As CWI does not have on- or off-campus housing for students, please secure housing prior to arriving in Idaho.
    Type Academic Year*
    Tuition and Fees for Full-Time Enrollment (minimum 12 credits)

    $7,344 (For 12 credits per semester)
    $306.00/per credit over 12 credits

    Food and Housing** $8,149
    Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment $1,573
    Personal Expenditures** $3,205
    Transportation** $2,015
    Estimated Total *** $22,286

    *Estimated costs are for a full-time, undergraduate, international student taking at least 12 credits each semester.
    **Food and Housing, Transportation, and Personal Expenditures may vary depending on circumstances. 
    ***For each dependent issued a F-2 Visa, there will be an additional $1,000 added to the required amount.  

  • 6. Verify Academic Skill Level

    All incoming, international students must take the CWI Write Class Placement (WCP) and place into a college level English course unless they have previous English credit from a U.S. college. Math Placement may be completed once you arrive in Idaho.

    CWI's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) will contact you with further placement information.

  • 7. Obtain Student Visa

    Once you have completed all the steps for admission and are officially accepted as a student, CWI will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) proving you are legally enrolled in a program or are a student in the United States. Your I-20 will allow you to apply for an F-1 student visa through the American Consulate.

    • Once all your required documents have been received and processed, your I-20 will be available within 7 business days.
    • Your Designated School Official (DSO) at CWI will contact you to arrange for your I-20 to be sent to you or picked up.
    • If you are an international student transferring from another college or university in the United States, your I-20 must be sent electronically directly from the institution through the Student and Visitor Exchange Information System (SEVIS).

    For any questions or concerns regarding your I-20 or student visa, please contact internationalservices@cwi.edu

  • 8. Preview Next Steps

    Once officially admitted as a student, your first step will be to complete New Student Orientation

    Following Orientation, please contact the PDSO to complete:

    • International New Student Orientation through Blackboard, 
    • And to request a video conference to help with course registration.

    Student Checklist for Success

  • 9. Explore Resources & Employment Options

    Review options for health insurance, transcript evaluation, and transportation.

    International Student Resources

    Learn more about on-campus employment, Curricular and Optional Practical Training, and economic hardship employment.

    International Student Employment