Freshmen Students 

Welcome to our information page for prospective freshman applicants. We invite you to check out the abundance of information that is available on our Website.

Why Study at Winthrop?

Winthrop is a public, co-educational university of distinction that was founded in 1886. It’s beautiful and safe campus is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA. Winthrop is a truly international University with a student population of 201 international students from over 50 countries as well as approximately 6,500 students from across 46 states in the United States. We offer 41 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree programs through four academic colleges.

Winthrop is recognized as one of the best institutions of its kind, where quality and value work together to prepare students to LIVE, LEARN, and LEAD.

While studying at Winthrop you will benefit from all this University has to offer. The University’s academic programs are tailored to your needs and expectations and through personal guidance you will be put on a path to success. The University is known for personalized attention and its welcoming environment to international students.

At Winthrop you’ll meet new people who share your interests and viewpoints or they will introduce you to theirs. You’ll join clubs and participate in sports; enjoy concerts and theater productions. Your studies will begin in the classroom, but over time will include hands-on research and real-life work settings.

The Winthrop Experience: 

• You will graduate with a degree from a fully accredited American University.
• You will belong to a community of learners who want you to succeed both academically and personally
• You will be able to enjoy and experience 17 NCAA Division 1 sports
• You will interact with professors and classmates from 42 American States and from over 50 countries worldwide
• You will make friendships and build networks that will last a lifetime
• You will be taught by faculty who love to teach, and with average class size of no more than 24 most classes will be interactive and intimate.
• You will be able to join different clubs and organizations, and with more than 150 clubs to choose from you’ll easily find where you fit.

Don’t wait to start your future. Apply now. The application process is quick and easy.

Applying for Admissions

Admission to Winthrop is competitive, but the process is easy. Applications will be assessed individually to ascertain the fit between you and the University. Winthrop works with rolling admissions allowing you to apply throughout the year! We do however recommend applying at least three months in advance of the start date of the term in which you would like to start to guarantee sufficient time to complete all necessary steps in the admission and immigrations process.

The Admissions Decision 

As soon as we receive your application we will work closely with you throughout the admissions process. In addition to your application the University requires the following documentation to complete your file:

• Official and original transcripts from all previously attended high schools and universities translated into English.  For the purposes of admissions and transfer credit, an official document is a document that has been sent directly to Winthrop University from the issuing institution or examining body.
• Official and original results of any standardized tests, such as SAT and ACT examinations (please note that SAT and ACT examinations are not required for international students);
• Official documentation of English proficiency (see below for English language requirements);
• A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $60 must accompany the application. This fee includes a delivery charge for admissions material. If you are unable to pay this fee due to Credit Card restrictions, please leave the fields below blank. The $60 fee will be charged to your student account and must be paid upon arrival at Winthrop University.
• Copy of identity page of passport (to ensure correct spelling)
• To expedite the admissions process we encourage all new applicants to send us their completed application package at time of application, including all necessary documents as described above.

English Language Requirements 

You must provide evidence that you meet one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of at least 520 paper-based or 68 internet-based;
• A band score of 6.0 on IELTS with no sub score lower than 5;
• Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an ELS English Language Center;
• SAT verbal score of 450 or higher;
• Graduation from a high school where English is the primary language of instruction;
• Successful completion of four (4) semesters of full-time study at an accredited US college or university;
• Successful completion of two semesters of English Composition from a US institution (online courses not accepted).

Financial Guarantee 

All students are required to provide evidence of financial support through an official bank letter or original bank statements. This document must indicate sufficient funds to support your education and living expenses while studying in the United States for the period of one academic year. Immigration documents cannot be issued without this documentation. Please note that this is not part of the admissions process.

For up to date tuition fees and other expenses please click here. A sample bank statement can be downloaded by clicking here.

Please note that in order for us to process an application and consider it for full undergraduate admissions we require students to submit all of their original and official transcripts.  For the purposes of admissions and transfer credit, an official document is a document that has been sent directly to Winthrop University in a sealed envelope from the institution you attended or from the examining body. 

These transcripts have to be sent to us directly by the issuing institution.  Please ask that all original documents be sent to the following address: 

Winthrop University

The International Center

701 Oakland Avenue

Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA

IB and AP Graduates 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit 

Winthrop is one of only a few schools that awards advanced college course credit for scores of 4 or above on higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. A minimum score of 5 is required to receive credit for Math with Further Math's and Computing Studies.

View a table showing the course credits that can be earned for International Baccalaureate Examinations.

The International Baccalaureate Scholarship 

The International Baccalaureate scholarship is awarded to freshman applicants who complete the IB Program (Diploma or Certificates) through the senior year of high school and who have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) on their higher level courses. Please see our Financial Aid page and scroll to "Out-of-State Freshmen Scholarships" for more information on the IB scholarship requirements and award amount.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams and Advanced Placement Credit 

To assist you in achieving your academic goals, Winthrop awards Advanced Placement (AP) credit for scores of 3 or above on Advanced Placement Tests (taken in conjunction with designated high school AP classes).

View a table showing the course credits that can be earned for College Board Advanced Placement Tests.  

If you should have any further questions to the information displayed on this page please contact the International Student Recruiter.