International Admissions Requirements

Johnson & Wales University’s admissions process goes beyond simply looking for academically accomplished students. The university seeks to attract and retain highly motivated and demonstrably capable students. Students’ motivation and interest in succeeding in their chosen careers are given consideration along with their academic achievements.

The assessment of international qualifications is completed at and by Johnson & Wales University. This includes assessment for entry to all programs, as well as transfer credit evaluation.

While not required for all programs of study, graduate students are encouraged to submit employment information, résumé/CV and letters of recommendation for admissions consideration.

Applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents (holding a “green card” or permanent resident card) of the United States must meet the same admissions requirements as all other applicants, including some additional documentation.

International applicants must submit the following:

Application

  • An accurate, complete and legible international application must be submitted. All schools attended must be listed with dates of attendance. 

Transcripts

  • Official secondary school transcript showing subjects and marks received with graduation date. Diplomas and any external examination results should be submitted, if applicable. Students who have not yet graduated from secondary school must submit a transcript showing all completed work, and expected results and graduation date may be submitted for review.
  • Certified word-for-word translations must be submitted with all non-English documents.
  • Candidates with postsecondary coursework from an institution outside the United States must submit to Johnson & Wales University all official documentation and must request a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services Inc. (WES) or another NACES approved international credential evaluation service. Note that all non-English documents must be accompanied by certified word-for-word English translations. In certain circumstances we may require course descriptions and/or syllabi (subject details, module descriptors or content outline). Those with coursework in progress must submit final updated official documentation as soon as it becomes available.

English Proficiency

  • Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through academic transcripts or testing. English language proficiency is required for admission to all programs of study at Johnson & Wales University.
  • English Language Proficiency test results (if applicable or available, please see the English Proficiency Requirements).
  • All English Proficiency documents should be uploaded to the student's applicant portal for review.

Financial Support

  • Certified bank statement or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support for one academic year.

I-20 Processing

  • Reservation deposit submitted via applicant portal.
  • Copy of biographical section of applicant’s current passport.
  • Certified bank statement or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support for one academic year. Bank statements cannot be older than three months from the time of issue.
  • Completed financial declaration signed by both the applicant and sponsor.
  • Transfer verification form, if the student is currently on an F-1 visa and studying in the United States. This form will be sent to students as applicable.
  • All I-20 documents should be uploaded to the student's applicant portal for review. 

All documents and information should be clear and legible; if important information cannot be read by the International Admissions staff, the admissions process is delayed.

Official or certified final documents should be sent by courier or brought to the campus where the student intends to enroll. We also accept as official documents received by secure electronic transcript services.

Providence Campus
Johnson & Wales University
International Admissions
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903 USA
Telephone: 401-598-1000
Fax: 401-598-2948

Charlotte Campus
Johnson & Wales University
International Admissions
801 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202 USA
Telephone: 980-598-1107
Fax: 980-598-1111

Graduate programs are available to international students at our Providence Campus location only. 

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (holding a “green card” or permanent resident card) of the U.S. must meet the same admissions requirements as all other applicants, including some additional documentation required for the Form I-20. International Graduate Studies students must submit official or certified transcripts/mark sheets from all institutions attended and diploma showing bachelor’s degree (and master's degree, if applicable) conferral. Photocopies, fax copies, U.S. Notary copies, scanned or emailed documents may be valid for application purposes*. However, official or certified documents will be required before final enrollment, presented either by mail or in-person. We also accept as official documents received by secure electronic transcript services. Without such verification, students will not be allowed to register for the current semester or continue enrollment and will be in jeopardy of losing their academic status with the university as well as their immigration status. For international students, a loss of immigration status will require their immediate departure from the United States.

*JWU reserves the right to request verified copies or official documents as needed.

English language examination results must be submitted on an official test transcript that is no more than two years old. Please see English Proficiency Requirements for scores required for admission.

International applicants must submit the following:

  1. An accurate and complete graduate application. All schools attended must be listed, with dates of attendance.
  2. All postsecondary (college or university) transcripts, marks sheets, diplomas or certificates. Post-secondary qualifications include associate degree, diploma, certificate, bachelor's degree, post-graduate diploma and master's degree. All non-English credentials must be accompanied by certified word-for-word translations.
  3. Two letters of recommendation
  4. A statement of purpose
  5. A résumé or CV
  6. Certified bank statement or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support for one academic year. Bank statements cannot be older than three months from the time of issue.
  7. Completed financial declaration form signed by both the applicant and the sponsor
  8. Copy of biographical section of applicant’s current passport
  9. English Language Proficiency test results (if applicable or available, please see English Proficiency Requirements)

All documents and information should be clear and legible; if important information cannot be read by the International Admissions staff, the admissions process is delayed and, as a result, so is the acceptance/Form I-20 process. All documents must be sent to the Providence Campus location directly:

Providence Campus

Johnson & Wales University
International Admissions
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903 USA
Telephone: +1-401-598-1074 or 1-800-342-5598
Email