Admitted International Student Resources​

As an international student, you must complete additional time-sensitive requirements to secure your enrollment and initiate visa processes. After confirming your intent to enroll in the Washington University Graduate Admissions Portal and submitting your $200 advance tuition deposit, you must complete the following steps:

1. Submit the Washington University New International Graduate Student Status Form online.
2. Complete the Washington University Affidavit of Financial Support and submit via email with all required financial documents to brownadmissions@wustl.edu.

Additional information about these steps can be found below.

Once the Brown School receives all required documents, we will provide your information to the Washington University Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to process and issue your Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20). This is the government document you will use to apply for F-1 visa status and to enter the U.S.

I-20 processing can take up to 6 – 8 weeks; we encourage you to submit your documents as soon as possible to allow yourself ample time to initiate the visa process.

Incoming international student must make plans to arrive in the U.S. no later than August 20, 2023. If you are currently in the U.S., you must complete these steps and initiate the necessary procedures for submitting a change of visa status or transfer.

New International Graduate student status form

This form is required of all new international graduate students, and should be completed as soon as possible after confirming intent to enroll and submitting the $200 advance tuition deposit. The status form should take only a few minutes to complete and requests the following information:

• Legal Name and Date of Birth
• Email Address (please use the same email address on file with the Admissions Office)
• Program of study at WashU (select Brown School: Graduate Programs)
• Current U.S. visa status (if applicable; students currently holding an F-1 or other visa status will be required to provide additional information regarding their status)

Affidavit of Financial Support

International students must provide proof of financial support and sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S.

Students must download and complete the Washington University Affidavit of Financial Support and submit the signed form and required financial documents as attachments in an email to brownadmissions@wustl.edu.

The Affidavit of Financial Support requires students to certify the required amount of funding for their specific graduate program; see the tables below for the required amount for your program.

Eligible funding sources may include institutional scholarship, external grants or scholarships, personal loans, personal savings, or sponsor support (e.g. parent, family member, friend, employer, etc.)

If a sponsor is providing any of the funding, the Affidavit of Financial Support must also be signed by the sponsoring individual/organization. If you have more than one sponsor, utilize page 2 of the affidavit form for additional sponsors.

Required Documents

Submit the following documents to brownadmissions@wustl.edu:

• Completed Affidavit of Financial Support with student and sponsor(s) signature
• Review the required program costs below to identify the minimum amount you are required to demonstrate.
• Copy of student’s passport bio page
• If you will be bringing dependents to the U.S. you must also provide a copy of passport for dependent(s).
• Proof of funds from financial institution or awarding agency
• Documentation for institutional funding from Washington University/Brown School will be provided by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment (you do not need to send us a copy of your Brown School scholarship award notification)
• External grants or scholarships require an official award letter stating the amount and type of funding awarded
• Personal loans require an official approval letter stating the origination date and amount available
• Personal funds and/or funds from a sponsor require a bank statement or signed bank letter on letterhead showing funds immediately available. Documents must meet the following criteria:
• Must be an electronic copy or scan of original document
• Must include date of issue within six months
• Must be in English or include English translation
• Must include account holder’s full name; must match name of student or sponsor signing affidavit of support
• Must include official institutional logo, stamp, seal or signature
• The following documents will NOT be accepted as proof of financial support:
• Retirement accounts
• Proof of valuable property
• Tax and income statements
• Photographs or screenshots of bank statements or letters
• Letters authored by the sponsor attesting to their account balance without including certification
• Letters of projected income

Required Funding Amounts

Please review the minimum amount required for your program below. The total listed includes tuition and fees, student health insurance, and estimated living expenses.

Washington University sets the amounts required for living expenses annually based on university averages. While actual expenses may vary, the amount you are required to demonstrate for the purposes of the Affidavit of Financial Support cannot be modified.

Save the date! The Brown School will host a required international student orientation August 21 – 22, 2023, prior to the required all new student orientation August 23 – 25. Additional details will be sent to you via email.

Incoming international student must make plans to arrive in the U.S. no later than August 20, 2023.

The Brown School recognizes the unique transitions faced by international students studying in the U.S. Our Office of Global Programs and its partners are committed to making the international student experience a positive one, and host a number of programs, events and initiatives to assist and support students during their time at our School and beyond. Learn more here.

Washington University’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is a centralized resource that offers support to international students throughout their time at the University. OISS services include immigration advising, orientation to the WashU and St. Louis communities, and other programs to help students thrive academically and socially and engage them in U.S. life and culture. Visit the OISS website to learn more.

What is the Affidavit of Financial Support?

After being admitted and confirming your intent to enroll at the Brown School with a $200 advance tuition deposit, international students must submit Washington University’s of Financial Support form to demonstrate your ability to fund your tuition, fees, and living expenses while studying in the U.S. You must include financial documentation for each source of funding to meet the minimum amount required for your program. See the tables above for required funding amounts for each program .

Once the Brown School receives all required documents, we will provide your information to the Washington University Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to process and issue your Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20). This is the government document you will use to apply for F-1 visa status and to enter the U.S.

Can I adjust the amount required for “living expenses” if I think I can live in St. Louis for less than the amount listed?

No. Washington University sets the amounts required for living expenses annually based on university averages. While your actual expenses may vary, the amount you are required to demonstrate for the purposes of the Affidavit of Financial Support cannot be modified.

How do I submit the Affidavit of Financial Support?

You must submit the Affidavit of Financial Support form with all required signatures and required financial documents as attachments in an email to brownadmissions@wustl.edu .

When will I receive my I-20?

Once we receive your Affidavit of Financial Support and all of the required documentation showing sufficient funding, it can take up to 6 – 8 weeks for processing. We encourage students to plan ahead and submit required documents as soon as possible to allow ample time for the visa application process.

Once your I-20 has been issued, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your I-20 document in the OISS portal.

I was admitted to the Master of Public Health program; why does my I-20 show “Environmental Health” as my Program of Study?

Your I-20 document accurately reflects Environmental Health 51.2202 as your Program of Study. Environmental Health 51.2202 is the STEM-designated federal Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code that allows our Master of Public Health students to qualify for an additional two years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S. upon completion of degree requirements. Learn more about the F-1 STEM OPT Extension here.

The I-20 shows Environmental Health 51.2202 as the program of study for all incoming MPH students at the Brown School, regardless of the MPH specialization/concentration.

When should I apply for my visa?

Once your I-20 has been issued, you must schedule an appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for your F-1 entry visa. Learn more about the visa process here.

When can I arrive?

You must enter the U.S. within a 30-day period of time, based on the dates provided in your I-20. You may not arrive before the ‘Earliest Admission Date’ or after the ‘Program Start Date’ showing on your I-20.

International students coming to the U.S. for Fall 2023 must plan to arrive between July 22, 2023, and August 20, 2023. We recommend that students arrive as early as possible within this time frame to settle in prior to the start of the semester. Learn more about planning for your arrival here .

Can I request a late arrival?

International students must plan to arrive in the U.S. no later than August 20, 2023, for the Fall 2023 term. In limited situations when extenuating circumstances may cause an unavoidable delay, a late arrival may be requested. If granted, permission for a late arrival provides a two-week extension. Further extensions are not permitted.

Students are expected to arrive by the stated deadline of August 20, 2023, and must make every effort to do so before requesting permission to establish a late arrival plan. If you find yourself in this circumstance, you must notify the Brown School Office of Admissions as soon as possible to receive additional instruction.

Will I be required to take an English placement test?

Prior to enrollment, the Brown School’s Global Programs Office (GPO) will review each international student’s admission application materials (including language proficiency exam scores or waiver status) to assess for academic English language skills. This assessment will determine if the student is required to enroll in an English Language Support course in the fall semester. Students may also be asked to complete an additional language proficiency exam provided by the Brown School. The GPO will reach out individually to students over the summer who are required to take the additional exam or enroll in a support course.

Where will I live?

Washington University graduate students live off-campus in privately-owned or University-owned properties. Many find it convenient to live in neighborhoods near campus, which can allow for an easier commute on public transit systems. Learn more about living in St. Louis and find housing resources here.

Am I eligible for employment as an international student?

International students are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Part-time positions on campus range from research assistantships to administrative support in campus offices. During Orientation, a part-time job fair will introduce you to a variety of campus employment opportunities. The Brown School’s Office of Career Services promotes new part-time opportunities throughout the year and is available to assist students in seeking opportunities throughout their time at the Brown School. Resources will also be available to assist international students with navigating procedures related practical training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Learn more about employment and practical training for students with an F-1 visa type.

Am I eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension?

Students with certain degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) are eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension in addition to the standard 12-month Post-Completion OPT for F-1 students

The Brown School’s Master of Public Health program is classified as a STEM-eligible degree , allowing international MPH students on an F-1 visa to apply for up to three years (36 months) of employment in the U.S. after graduation if they meet the criteria. Learn more about the F-1 STEM OPT Extension here.

Please Note: All Master of Public Health students will see Environmental Health 51.2202 listed as the Program of Study on their I-20 document. Environmental Health 51.2202 is the STEM-designated federal Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code that allows our international MPH students to qualify the STEM OPT Extension. The I-20 shows Environmental Health 51.2202 as the program of study for all incoming MPH students at the Brown School, regardless of the MPH specialization/concentration.

Social work and social policy are not classified as STEM-eligible degree programs.