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. 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.
2. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
   • International applicants and non-native English speakers must submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo to PharmCAS.
   • Applicants must earn a score of at least 92 on the TOEFL (IBT), 7.0 on the IELTS, or a 125 on the Duolingo English Test.
   • Beginning January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT will transition to a 1–6 scoring scale in 0.5 increments. Under this new scale, applicants must achieve an overall score of 4.5 with minimum subscores of 4.0. Additional details are available at: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt
   • TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 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/Duolingo English Test 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 2026 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 (in-person) 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)

Because federal immigration and employment authorization requirements may change, students should refer to UW–Madison International Student Services (ISS) for the most current information about CPT, OPT, and related requirements.