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 130 international
students from close to 40 countries as well as approximately 6,500 students from across
46 states in the United States. We offer 42 undergraduate and 26 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 18 NCAA Division 1 sports
- You will interact with professors and classmates from 42 American States and from
over 40 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.
International Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Please note: To help expedite consideration of your application for admission, please
submit all the required documentation listed below at your earliest opportunity.
Unfortunately, applications cannot be considered for admission until Winthrop University's
Office of Admissions has received ALL required application materials.
- Undergraduate applicants (beginning freshmen and transfers) must submit official transcripts,
mark sheets and examination certificates in their native language for all secondary
and/or postsecondary coursework, along with certified, literal (exact) English translations
for documents not originally issued in English. All official documents must be sent directly from the issuing institution, examining body, evaluation service or
translation service to Winthrop University's Office of Undergraduate Admission.
- Effective with summer 2014 applications, undergraduate applicants (beginning freshmen
and transfers) must submit secondary and college or university credentials from non-U.S.
institutions to a foreign credential evaluation agency for a course-by-course evaluation
with grade point average calculation. Winthrop recommends a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org). The credential evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation service
to Winthrop University's Office of Admissions.
- SpanTran is a NACES company that has created a custom portal for Winthrop students
to help you obtain a course-by-course evaluation with grade point average calculation
at a discounted rate. You can apply with their custom application by clicking here. Once completed, SpanTran will send an official, electronic copy of your evaluation
to Winthrop at no cost.
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. is a NACES approved company that has created a custom
portal for Winthrop students to help you obtain a course-by-course evaluation with
grade point average calculation at a discounted rate. You can apply for these services
using their custom portal by clicking here.
- 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
but are highly recommended for potential scholarship eligibility). Standardized test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Winthrop University's Office of Admissions.
- Official documentation of English proficiency (see specific English language requirements
below).
- A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $60 must accompany the application.
- A clear photocopy of identity page of passport (to ensure correct spelling of applicant's
name and verification of birthdate).
English Language Requirements
Winthrop University requires proficiency in spoken and written English. This helps
ensure that students who speak English as a second language are able to participate
fully in the classroom and be successful members of the Winthrop community. Official
score reports for proof of English proficiency must be sent directly from the testing
agency to Winthrop University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Winthrop University requires one of the following scores to prove English language
proficiency:
- 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.
- A Duolingo English Test score of 95
- Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes
Program from an ELS English Language Center. Please note that Winthrop must receive an official Academic Report and copy of the
ELS Certificate directly from ELS.
- SAT Evidenced Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher for freshmen applicants
only.
- Graduation from a high school where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Successful completion of two semesters at an accredited US institution as a full-time
student, and completion of two semesters of English composition with a grade of C-
or higher (online English composition courses are not accepted).
- International students from the following countries are exempt from the English Language
Requirement: Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda,
Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada (except
Quebec), Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana,
Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Islas Malvinas, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati,
Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat,
Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St.
Christopher & Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines,
Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda,
United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Virgin Islands, Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
All application materials must be sent to us directly by the issuing institution.
Please ask that all original documents be sent to the following address:
Winthrop University
Office of Admissions
Joynes Hall
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.
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).
If you should have any further questions to the information displayed on this page
please contact the The Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Student Visa and Financial Guarantee
To receive the immigration document required to obtain an F or J visa, all international
students are required to provide evidence of financial support for one academic year
at Winthrop. Proof of funding for a year at Winthrop is not an admissions requirement
but a requirement of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students
are required to complete a Statement of Financial Responsibility and Affidavit of Support verifying proof of funding. This document must indicate sufficient funds to support
your education and living expenses while studying in the United States and be accompanied
by an official bank letter or original bank statements. Immigration documents cannot
be issued without this documentation.
Winthrop's International Center can provide information on the Statement of Financial
Responsibility and Affidavit of Support and costs for studying at Winthrop. If you
have any additional questions about the F or J visa and your immigration status while
studying at Winthrop please contact the International Center.
