International Admissions
To complete your application, you’ll need to apply online, pay the application fee, and submit your education records and proof of English proficiency.
The Fall semester document deadline is June 1. The Fall 2025 semester begins on August 25.
The Spring 2026 semester document deadline is October 1.
If you have specific questions about your application, email is@winona.edu.
English Proficiency Requirements
Request your test scores to be sent to WSU.
In some cases, the English proficiency requirement may be waived. Please contact is@winona.edu to discuss your situation.
| Test | Required Score for Undergraduate Programs | Required Score for Graduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT | 68 | 80 |
| TOEFL PBT | 520 | 550 |
| ACT | 21 | N/A |
| SAT | 1060 | N/A |
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 58 |
| Duolingo | 95 | 105 |
Learn more about the TOEFL, ACT, SAT, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo tests.
How to Apply
The steps for applying to WSU are a little different depending on what type of student you are and the program you plan to study.
Apply as a First-Year Student
An international student who recently completed secondary education and has not taken any university courses is considered a first year student.
Complete the online application for Winona State University. A social security number is not required to apply.
This is when you’ll create a StarID and password.
Here are instructions for the online application if you need help.
If you have difficulties completing the online application, please email is@winona.edu.
There’s a $20 application fee, which can be paid online.
You’ll need your StarID and password to log in.
- Log into eServices with your StarID and password.
- Select “Bills and Payments” from the main menu. The application fee should appear as an outstanding payment.
- Select the option to make a payment and enter your credit card information.
Upload your education records to the My Warrior Life Portal.
If needed, explain any gaps in your education history.
Unofficial transcripts can be used for admission decisions. However, original or certified true copies with English translations must be presented before the start of your first semester.
Please see Winona State’s minimum score requirements.
If you took the IELTS or PTE Academic, submit your score report through the My Warrior Life portal. If you took the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test, please request the agency to send your official score directly to Winona State University.
WSU’s school code for the TOEFL and SAT is 6680.
WSU’s school code for the ACT is 2162.
Apply as a Transfer Student
An international student who has attended another university and earned a minimum of 24 credits is considered a transfer student.
Complete the online application for Winona State University.
Review our instructions for the online application if you need help.
If you have difficulties completing the online application, please email is@winona.edu.
There’s a $20 application fee, which can be paid online.
You’ll need your StarID and password to log in.
- Log into eServices with your StarID and password.
- Select “Bills and Payments” from the main menu. The application fee should appear as an outstanding payment.
No fee is required if you are transferring from Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), Riverland, or Minnesota State College Southeast.
If you have less than 24 college credits, you’ll need to submit high school transcripts or certification.
If you attended a college or university outside of the U.S., please upload your transcript to the My Warrior Life portal.
Unofficial transcripts can be used for admission decisions. However, original or certified true copies with English translations must be presented before the start of your first semester.
WSU will automatically retrieve your transcripts from any Minnesota State colleges or universities you attended.
You’ll need to request transcripts from each non-Minnesota State institution.
If you attended an institution outside of the United States, please work with one of the following evaluation agencies and request a course-by-course evaluation of each of your college or university transcripts:
We also accept evaluations done by other members of NACES and AICE.
Please see Winona State’s minimum score requirements.
If you took the IELTS or PTE Academic, submit your score report through the My Warrior Life portal. If you took the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test, please request the agency to send your official score directly to Winona State University.
WSU’s school code for the TOEFL is 6680.
For the SAT and ACT, WSU’s school code is 2162.
Apply as a Graduate Student
Remember that admission to WSU Graduate Studies is the first step. The deadline to submit all documents is March 1.
Admission to the graduate program is the second step. Please check the individual graduate program admission deadlines and screening times for more information.
International graduate students can enroll in the following programs:
If you have questions about the admission process or graduate programs, feel free to reach out to is@winona.edu.
Complete the online application for Winona State University.
You can stop and save your progress if you’d like to come back later.
There’s a $20 application fee, which can be paid online.
You’ll need your StarID and password to log in.
- Log into eServices with your StarID and password.
- Select “Bills and Payments” from the main menu. The application fee should appear as an outstanding payment.
- Select the option to make a payment and enter your credit card information.
If you attended an institution outside of the United States, please work with one of the following evaluation agencies and request a course-by-course evaluation of each of your college or university transcripts:
We also accept evaluations done by other members of NACES and AICE.
If you attended an institution in the United States, please request transcripts from each institution be sent to WSU.
If you attended any Minnesota State colleges or universities, your transcripts will be automatically retrieved.
Please see Winona State’s minimum score requirements.
If you took the IELTS or PTE Academic, submit your score report through the My Warrior Life portal. If you took the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test, please request the agency to send your official score directly to Winona State University.
WSU’s school code for the TOEFL is 6680.
Apply as an Exchange or Visiting Student
Exchange and visiting students usually enroll at WSU for just a semester or two as a study abroad experience while earning their degree from their home university.
Talk to your university advisor about becoming a visiting student at WSU.
Complete the online application for Winona State University.
Review our instructions for the online application if you need help.
If you have difficulties completing the online application, please email is@winona.edu.
There’s a $20 application fee, which can be paid online.
You’ll need your StarID and password to log in.
- Log into eServices with your StarID and password.
- Select “Bills and Payments” from the main menu. The application fee should appear as an outstanding payment.
- Select the option to make a payment and enter your credit card information.
Request your home institution to send your transcripts to Winona State University.
For questions, contact is@winona.edu.
Typically, your home institution will provide proof of English Proficiency with your transcripts.
If not, please contact is@winona.edu with questions.
Return to WSU
A returning student is someone who studied at WSU for a while, then left the university prior to earning a degree. Now the student wishes to complete their academic program.
Learn more about the Return to WSU process as an International Student.
Track Your Application
Can’t wait to see if you got in?
You can check on your application status any day, any time in the My Warrior Life portal.
Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll find a checklist that outlines your next steps for housing, financial aid, and more.
Students receive a message with a decision 2-3 weeks after all information and documents are submitted.
Remember that admission to Winona State University is the first step. Some degree programs have additional requirements for entrance.
Questions about Your Application Status?
If you have questions about the status of your application, contact us at is@winona.edu.
Learn more about your next steps after admission.