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.

International Undergraduate Admissions Policy

1. 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.
    
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.

4. Official documentation of English proficiency (see specific English language requirements below).

5. A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $60 must accompany the application.
    
   
6. 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 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.

• 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.