School of Biological SciencesGraduate StudiesInternational Students

International Students

International graduate students are encouraged to apply to our programs. If you are an international student and have concerns about your course study, educational financing, or length of stay in the United States, you will find the Office of International Students and Scholars a valuable resource in answering many of your questions. Some typical concerns of international graduate students are related to financial issues described below.

Tuition

International students on research and teaching assistantships follow the same rules for payment of tuition as U.S. students. In other words, they can obtain a tuition waiver for up to one year, after which they must apply for a tuition waiver for the following year, although it is not guaranteed. If an international student is not supported on a teaching or research assistantship, they are required to pay out-of-state tuition.

Employment

WSU stresses that international students who are not funded on research and teaching assistantships should have sufficient funds available on entering the graduate program to complete their course of study. International graduate students should not plan on part-time employment as a means of support through graduate school.

If, however, a research or teaching assistantship becomes unavailable for an international student during their course of study and supplementary employment is necessary, the Student Employment Center can assist in finding part-time work. Employment is limited to 20 hours or less for students enrolled in the graduate program.

Social Security Number

Any international student employed by WSU or a private business must obtain a Social Security number. Vist the Social Security Administration in Lewiston, Idaho, or contact the agency by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

Taxes

International students who are employed in the United States are taxed the same as residents but file their tax statements using different forms. Taxes are due annually on April 15. Most graduate students will find filing fairly simple; information and forms are available at the U.S. Post Office.

Practical Training

Upon graduation, international students may remain in the United States for 12 months to obtain practical training. To apply for this status, a letter written by the student’s advisor to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service is required. The International Students and Scholars Office can provide assistance in applying for practical training.

Helpful Links

International Programs

International Programs serves as the Washington State University advocate for interaction between faculty, students, and citizens of nations and cultures worldwide.

Student Involvement

Student Involvement is the center for the co-curricular student experience at WSU.