Your Story is Next
Westmont College welcomes international students to study in the hills of beautiful Santa Barbara. Our international student population consists of those who do not have United States Citizenship or a United States Permanent Resident Visa, as well as students who are United States Citizens but have grown up overseas. Our International student population represents 48 different countries on campus.
Steps to Apply
Discover everything you need to know about applying to Westmont as an international student, including requirements, deadlines, and application steps, below.
1.
Apply Online
We recommend international students apply with the Common App, which is free of charge.
2.
Send Transcripts
All documents, including high school and college transcripts, must be translated into English and evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service before being sent to the Office of Admissions. You can contact any credential evaluator approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluators (NACES).
3.
Send Reference Letters
Westmont requires one academic reference from a teacher in a major subject (i.e. English, Science, History, Math, etc.). In addition, an optional pastoral/character reference may be submitted. The reference forms may be accessed within either application.
Request official transcripts of all high school and college (if dual-enrolled) work to be submitted directly from school officials. If filing the Common App, the request may be processed online through that application process.
4.
English Proficiency
If English is not the primary language in your home country, proof of English proficiency is required in the form of a TOEFL score (83 minimum) or IELTS score (6.5 minimum).
We do not currently accept the Duolingo English Test to fulfill this proficiency requirement.
5.
Interview
Interviews are required of all international student applicants. We want to know you personally.
Schedule Your Interview
Schedule Your Visit
6.
Certification of Finances
All international students are required to complete the Certification of Finances form to complete their application. This information will not impact your admissions decision, but must be sent in order for the application to be reviewed by our admissions team.
7.
SAT/ACT Scores
Applicants have the option of submitting ACT or SAT scores or withholding them. However you choose to proceed, we always conduct a holistic review of each application, including academic credentials, extra-curricular involvement, demonstrated leadership and more.
Financial Aid
International students may receive up to $25,000 in merit-based scholarship aid. Applicants are also eligible to apply for departmental aid: athletic (based on coach’s assessment), music, art, theatre and cultural diversity. Students may also work on campus. Please also submit the Certification of Finances form. For further questions, reach out to your counselor or Westmont's financial aid office.
See your scholarship eligibility at a glance:
What Westmont scholarship do you qualify for? On the chart below, find your GPA and your SAT and/or ACT scores and discover the size of your scholarship award. With some scholarships, higher test scores can compensate for a lower GPA—and vice versa. This amount doesn't include any need-based aid you may receive on the basis of your FAFSA or talent-based awards such as athletics and music scholarships.
Applying test-optional?
Students applying without ACT or SAT scores are eligible for all our academic scholarship tiers. Merit scholarships are awarded based on the academic criteria available to us. Admission decisions are always made on the basis of a holistic review, including academic credentials, an interview, extra-curricular involvement, demonstrated leadership and more.
Scholarship Criteria
These scholarships are awarded to first-year and transfer students with a distinguished high school or college academic profile. More than 95 percent of first-year and transfer students receive an academic and/or talent-based scholarship. A combination of academic GPA, SAT or ACT scores and overall quality of the application determine the scholarship amount. Students eligible for academic scholarships are notified within their offer of admission.
Represented Countries
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Missionary and Third Culture Students
Students who currently live internationally but have U.S. citizenship will apply through the traditional application process for a first-year or transfer student. These students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid and do not require a visa to attend Westmont, but still bring unique international experiences and perspectives!
If you are a missionary kid or third-culture kid applying, we are here to support your transition to Westmont, connecting you with an admissions counselor who works specifically with this group of students to ensure a smooth application process and experience.
TESTIMONIES
International Student Stories
Find out more about life at Westmont as an International Student.
FAQs
International students are invited to First Connections, an early orientation program where they are able to meet other students coming to Westmont from outside of the U.S. and begin to build community.
With students from 48 countries currently at Westmont, we are committed to support you as we know that moving to a new country and school can be a culture shock.
Non-US citizens accepted for admission need a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Status Form (I-20) to apply for the F-1 Visa (Student Visa). An I-20 is issued to admitted students after the college has received the Certification of Finances demonstrating proof of funding and a confirmation deposit.
International Students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships and part-time jobs while on the F-1 Visa, through CPT and OPT programs.
Non-U.S. citizens accepted for admission need a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Form (I-20) to apply for the F-1 Student Visa. An I-20 is issued to accepted students once the college has received a Certification of Finances demonstrating proof of funding and a confirmation deposit.
Westmont is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State Board of Education, and National Association of Schools of Music.
International News
See what the world is saying about Westmont.
Why employers value a liberal arts degree
"...Westmont College in California is internationally known for its academic quality, leadership training and unique emphasis on intellectual, spiritual and personal growth..."
Developing holistic learners and intellectual thinkers
"Westmont College helps students grow both spiritually and intellectually through a rigorous liberal arts education..."
The most underrated colleges in America by Toutiao in China
"Westmont College is a sectarian Christian liberal arts college that attaches great importance to cultivating students' religious beliefs and spirituality while providing academic education..."
Westmont ranked top-20 in the U.S. for faculty interaction with students
"Westmont College is a Christian liberal arts college located in Montecito, California. The university also has small class sizes, and students are encouraged to come up with ideas and communicate with professors in class..."
Brenda Tirado
Senior Admissions Counselor for Transfer and International Students
805.618.2328