FAQ

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.  (Note: PLU does not provide fee waivers or coupons for English language tests)
• Copy of your passport photo page

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.

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

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.

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

Yes, 30 credits.

Yes, 32 credits from Scandinavian countries.

You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended in order for credits to be evaluated. International transcripts must be translated to English and submitted for international credential evaluation by any organization on the AICE list or NACES list before being sent to PLU.

The Evaluation Company (formerly called SpanTran) is listed as a NACES-approved international credential evaluator and has created a custom application for Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: Evaluation Request Form – Pacific Lutheran University

To ensure that all students are prepared for the rigors of a U.S. college education, we do not allow a gap in education of more than two years after the completion of secondary school.

If you have taken a break from your education that exceeds this two-year period and wish to apply to PLU, you must first complete at least one academic year at another accredited college or university. This ensures that you remain academically engaged and prepared for the challenges of university-level coursework.

Yes, but only after you are admitted to PLU.

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.

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

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

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.

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

PLU Office of Admission, Tacoma, WA, USA 98447

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Yes, in some cases.

PLU does not have an ESL program for students, and in order to study at PLU you must meet our English proficiency requirement.

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

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

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

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