International Graduate Admissions

Welcome! We are excited that you are considering Shepherd University to continue your education. In 2022, Shepherd was named “A Best-Value College in West Virginia” by Niche and “A Top Public School” by U.S. News and World Report. We are confident that our campus community will provide you with an excellent academic and personal experience. Click here to view our graduate programs.

For questions regarding International Graduate admissions, please contact Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions Sherry Donovan at sdonovan@shepherd.edu.

Navigate to:   Graduate Application Process |  The Form I-20  |  Costs

Graduate Application Process

1. Complete the Graduate Studies Application for admission.
2. Submit $40 nonrefundable application fee.
3. Submit academic records for any post-secondary work.
   • For coursework completed outside of the United States, applicants must order an official course-by-course evaluation from any current member of NACES.  Evaluations must include a statement of degree equivalency.
   • Course descriptions may be required for the award of specific credit.
   • General policy governing the award of transfer credit:
     • Graduate courses from other institutions or other Shepherd University graduate programs will be evaluated, at the time of admission, by the dean and/or the coordinator of the program to which the applicant is applying, or the department chair in which the course is offered.
     • Up to 9 credit hours may be transferred to a Shepherd graduate program from another institution or program, either prior to starting the program or during the program, at the discretion of the program coordinator in consultation with the department chair and the dean. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis by the dean if it would inappropriately prolong a student’s graduation.
     • Courses transferred to a Shepherd graduate program must have a minimum grade of “B,” and must have been taken within seven years based on the date of admission to the degree program (see sunset clause).
4. If your native language is not English, you will be required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency for admission.

The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) and Financial Documents

Students planning to study under an F-1 student visa status will need an I-20 issued by Shepherd.  Form I-20 allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. To be eligible for an I-20, you must be accepted to the University and the following documents must be submitted:

1. Proof of Funding

Submit Proof of Funding (i.e. bank statement or bank letter) in English demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the cost of attendance at Shepherd University for at least one academic year (refer to Estimated Cost of Attendance).

Proof of funding may be from one of the following sources:

• Bank statement or bank letter (student personal funds or funds from family members or private sponsor)
  • Must be on a bank or financial firm’s letterhead
  • Must be in English or with certified English translation
  • Must be dated and be less that six (6) months old when I-20 is issued
  • Must bear a signature, official seal, and/or be on letterhead from official agency
  • Must include the account holder’s name, account type and balance, and currency type
• Government, employer, or other institutional support letter
  • Must be in English or with certified English translation
  • Must include date of issue, name of recipient, and field of study
  • Must indicate Shepherd University as your institution and location of field of study
  • Must indicate total amount of funding in U.S. currency and the period of time covered by the award
  • Must have an official letterhead
• A scholarship letter or award letter from Shepherd University

2. Affidavit of Financial Support

Complete and submit the Affidavit of Financial Support form.

• The form must be signed by you and all sponsors who will be legally responsible for your financial support.
• If you have more than one sponsor, each sponsor will need to complete Part II.
• If you already have an F-1 visa and are transferring from a U.S. institution to Shepherd University, please submit a copy of your visa, current I-20 form, form I-94, and complete a SEVIS transfer-in form.

3. A copy of your passport information page.

All additional documents should be sent to:

Estimated Cost of Attendance

As a public university, Shepherd requires non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents of West Virginia to pay out-of-state tuition and fees.  The amount listed does not include any financial aid and actual costs may vary.

2024-2025 Estimated Graduate Cost-of-Attendance for International Students
Tuition and Fees                                            $13,046
Books and Supplies                                       $1,500
Housing and Meals*                                     $11,556
Personal Expenses                                         $3,000
Total (USD)                                                 $29,102**

* Housing and Meals are based on double occupancy in a traditional residence hall and 21 meals per week. Click here for more details on housing and meal plan options.
** International students are required to maintain a full academic course load each semester (minimum 9 credit hours for graduate students).
Note: Additional funds are required for any dependents who accompany you. For a nine (9) month period, $5,000 for each dependent is required.