Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to PLU

When is your application deadline?

There is no deadline. The priority date is May 1 for admission to the fall semester, and December 1 for admission to the spring semester.

What are your application requirements?

You can find an application, as well as all the details, at the international application page. In general, the requirements are:

  • Fill out the application
  • Submit an essay
  • Send official transcripts translated to English from all schools you’ve attended (upper secondary and any schools you are currently attending)
  • Complete the Declaration of Finances form
  • TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores, or other proof of English language proficiency, if your first language is other than English
  • Copy of your passport photo page

What are your English proficiency requirements?

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency can be demonstrated in multiple ways, such as through official English test scores or by completing secondary school in certain countries and where English is the medium of instruction. You can review the minimum proficiency requirements here.

Do I have to take SAT/ACT?

No, but if you have a good score you may be qualify for a better scholarship.

Do I need to take TOEFL?

You will need to take some English proficiency test if your first language is other than English. A waiver is considered if you meet the following requirements:

  • If you are attending, or have attended, a U.S. college/university
  • If you are attending, or have attended, a U.S. high school
  • If you are attending, or have attended, a school where English is the medium of instruction

See all of the ways you can demonstrate English language proficiency here.

What are the minimum admission requirements?

There is no minimum GPA to be accepted to PLU. Minimum grade point averages for acceptance to PLU may vary, depending on the applicant’s country of origin. For other test scores, the minimum score is:

  • 79 TOEFL (a higher score is required for graduate programs)
  • 6.5 IELTS
  • 115 Duolingo English Test
  • 56 PTE

Do you accept my credits for my IB diploma?

Yes, 30 credits.

Do you accept my credits for the last year of my high school?

Yes, 32 credits from Scandinavian countries.

Do I need to submit a bank statement?

Yes, but only after you are admitted to PLU.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, for free. An application, as well as all the details, is at the international apply page.

Where can I get an application?

You can find an application, as well as all the details, at the international apply page.

How do I apply for the nursing program?

The PLU Nursing program does not require a separate application. The application to PLU is also your application for direct admission to Nursing. If selected, you will be guaranteed admission (after completion of several academic requirements) to PLU’s BSN program starting your third year. Learn more about nursing admission here.

How do I submit requirements?

E-mail: intl@plu.edu
Fax: 253-536-5136
Mail: PLU Office of Admission, Tacoma, WA, USA 98447

Where do I send my documents?

PLU Office of Admission, Tacoma, WA, USA 98447

Do you offer conditional admission?

No.  Your application to PLU will be evaluated based on all of the application materials that you submit, including your personal essay, official school transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and optional letters of recommendation.

If you do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements for undergraduate study, you may still be eligible to apply for PLU’s International Pathway Program (IPP). The Undergraduate IPP allows students to improve their English language skills while taking PLU university classes. First year students in the International Pathway Program will be able to reach sophomore status after one year.

What do I write for my essay?

International students respond to the same essay questions as do domestic students. You can find the questions on the international application.

How soon can I know if I have been admitted to PLU?

You will be notified in 1-2 weeks after all requirements are received.

Paying for College

What’s the cost?

Same as domestic students. You can find more information here.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, merit-based scholarships are available. You can find more information about scholarships here.

Do you offer a full tuition waiver?

It is very uncommon, but international first year applicants are eligible to apply for the prestigious President’s Scholarships that go up to a full tuition waiver. To learn more about the Regents’ and President’s scholarships, click here.

Can I get more than one scholarships?

Yes, in some cases.

About PLU

Do you have an ESL program?

PLU does not have an ESL-only program for students who are not degree-seeking.

PLU does have an International Pathway Program (IPP) for students who do not meet the English proficiency requirement for direct admission. Standard & Advanced IPP options are available depending on the student’s English proficiency. You can learn more about PLU’s International Pathway Program and how to apply here.

Do you offer online programs?

PLU does not offer online degree programs. The university believes there are unique opportunities to working personally with your professors.

Can I visit the campus? Can I talk to someone on campus?

We encourage all students, when possible, to visit campus and meet with an admission counselor. You can find all of the details here.

What majors are available at PLU?

A list of all the available majors and minors can be found here.

What do I do after being admitted?

Pay $200 (U.S.) deposit to confirm your spot (the same as domestic students). You can find out all of the details here.