Study abroad at Western Washington University

Learn more about studying at Western Washington University as an international student.

Western Washington University campus view
Western Washington University logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    128
  • Nationalities
    35
  • Total programs
    161
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at Western Washington University

Western Washington University is a public university based in Bellingham, Washington state. The University’s International Study Center offers global pathway programs including intensive English, international year, and pre-master’s programs. International students are given an introduction to the academic skills and knowledge needed for a liberal arts style education. The Study Center is part of Western’s campus, meaning you can get to know the university you will complete your full program at. You will be supported and part of university life from day one.

After completing your international year or pre-master’s program, you can progress to your chosen program and undergraduate studies or master’s in business administration. The university campus has over 200 student groups for a variety of interests. There are also excursions you can join to see more of the local area.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Western Washington University

  • Career services

    While gaining hands-on experience in your degree, you will be supported by mentors and have access to career services to seek opportunities and grow your network

  • Expert faculty

    99% of all classes are taught by faculty, 74% of which hold the highest degree in their field

Location

Western Washington University

516 High St, Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Bellingham, Washington sits perfectly between a sheltered bay opening up to the spectacular San Juan islands and Mount Baker, the crown jewel of the Northern Cascades. With Seattle and Vancouver both a short drive away, it’s the ideal place to study, work, recreate, and relax.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Fees and funding

Western is nationally recognized for providing an excellent education at an affordable cost, with Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranking Western as a top value in education.

Western offers both merit- and need-based assistance to help make your education possible

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$27,366 per year

  • MBA tuition

    US$36,096 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$27,375 per year

Funding

Undergraduate

International Achievement Award (IAA) First Year

  • Amount

    Up to US$10,000 per year

  • Requirements

    The First-Year IAA is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to a limited number of students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. Selection is based on information in the application for admission, including essay, secondary school transcripts, cumulative GPA, evidence of English proficiency, and submission of the application by the priority deadline; no additional scholarship application is required.

International Achievement Award (IAA) Transfer

  • Amount

    Up to US$10,000 per year

  • Requirements

    The Transfer IAA is a two-year merit scholarship awarded to a limited number of transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. Selection is based on information provided in the application for admission, including essay, transcripts from accredited post-secondary institutions, cumulative GPA, evidence of English proficiency, and submission of the application by the priority deadline; no additional scholarship application is required.

Graduate

International students are not eligible for financial aid and must provide verification of funding for one year of expenses. If an international student is hired as a Teaching Assistant (TA), the compensation for the TA (stipend and waiver) can be used to offset some of the financial documentation required for the visa processing. However, TA compensation will not cover all costs of attendance.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Western Washington University?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652Range: $1,046 to $4,269
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349Range: $891 to $2,857
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214Range: $130 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73Range: $50 to $110
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110
Monthly public transport pass$65Range: $35 to $138
Monthly grocery basket$350Range: $250 to $500
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $3 to $9
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $11 to $23
Gym membership$45Range: $20 to $135

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Western Washington University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at Western Washington University

There is a counseling, and wellness services at Western that is dedicated to supporting students and promoting a healthy balance between emotional and physical health while studying. There are additional services for students to assist with their academic progress and general health.

Living on campus at Western is a great way for international students to adjust to student life and be surrounded by other students in the same situation.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • Food & Restaurants
    • Restaurants
    • Bars
    • Cafe’s
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Campus Doctor
    • Travel Vaccinations
    • Minor Surgery
    • Physiotherapy
    • Emergency Contraception
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
  • Fitness Centre
    • Personal Trainers
    • Free Weights
    • Fitness Classes
    • Machines
  • Sports Facilities
    • 1 Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
    • Sport facilities
    • 1 Natural Turf American Football Pitches
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • 1 Basketball Courts
    • 1 Golf Coursenumber
    • 1 volleyball courts
    • 1 Tennis Courts
  • Praying Rooms
    • Language Center
    • Pre sessional English Academic skills courses
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • 271 Clubs & Organizations
  • Tutoring Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Individual Study Rooms
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs

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