International Applicant and Non-native English Speaker Requirements

International applicants and non-native English speakers must submit additional materials with their application.  Depending on your academic history and native language, you may have to submit certain documents and complete additional prerequisite coursework. Read through the requirements below to see which apply to you.

In additional to application materials required for all applicants, international applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

1. UW-Madison PharmD Financial Verification Form
   • Please email your completed form to the UW-Madison PharmD Admissions Office
2. World Education Services (WES) transcript evaluation
   • WES transcript evaluation is required if you have completed postsecondary coursework outside of the United States or Canada. When placing your order, select the WES ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation. This evaluation must be sent directly to PharmCAS.
3. TOEFL or IELTS
   • International applicants and non-native English speakers must submit the TOEFL or IELTS to PharmCAS.
   • Applicants must earn a score of at least 92 on the TOEFL (IBT) or 7.0 on the IELTS.
   • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid within two years of the testing date so you must request that scores be sent to PharmCAS before 2 years have passed from your test date.
   • The TOEFL/IELTS may be waived if:
     • You are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada
     • You will complete at least 4 full-time semesters (an equivalent of 48 credits) of graded course work at a U.S. or Canadian college/university prior to starting the PharmD program. Completion of graded course work cannot be more than 5 years prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment.

You may also need to complete additional coursework prior to being considered for admission.  Please note the following:

• All science prerequisites must be completed within ten years of the desired year of entry and prior to the the Fall 2025 term. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the PharmD Admissions Office.
• All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
• All applicants are required to attend an accredited U.S. or Canadian university for at least one full-time semester (12 credits) prior to being considered for admission.
• The English composition prerequisite must be completed at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Some international credits may be counted towards our prerequisite courses. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES and submitted to PharmCAS. Please see international student requirements for additional information.

If admitted into PharmD program, all international students must submit the following:

1. A copy of a bank statement showing the necessary funds for one academic year of tuition.
2. A letter of support, if your expenses will be sponsored by someone other than you.
3. A photocopy of your current I-20, VISA and Passport (if applicable).

Important information concerning Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization for students on F-1 visas. Eligible students may seek authorization to work in an internship, co-op, or practicum that is directly related to their major field of study. The purpose of CPT is to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S.

CPT Guidelines

• Students who are authorized for 365 or more days of full-time CPT*, are not eligible for post-completion OPT.
• Students will need CPT authorization when completing any APPE rotation during the Fall or Spring term. *Note that completing all APPE rotations in the PharmD program is equal to less than 365 days. Students are not required to use CPT for their IPPEs.
• Accumulating part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) generally does not affect eligibility for post-completion OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for students on F-1 visas. It allows students to work off-campus in a job directly related to their major field of study. The purpose of OPT is for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S.