International Students

At RWU, we form a community to help you succeed and adjust to life in the U.S. We welcome students, like you, from all over the world and help them each step of the way. We value what you add to our community and are focused on your success. To aid you, we provide a range of services that includes peer mentors and support groups.

Along with your studies, adventure waits for you here. There’s plenty to do on campus and we’re perfectly located in Bristol, Rhode Island. We’re just a half hour drive from both Providence and Newport, RI, and a 60-minute drive from Boston. New York is just a three-hour train ride from Providence, which also has bus stations and an airport to get you where you want to go.


students sitting at tablesFirst-Year Students

This section is for international applicants who have not taken any college/university courses after completing secondary school (high school). College/university courses taken while in high school do not affect this status.

Learn More About First-Year Admission Requirements

students sitting at tables in the Global Heritage HallTransfer Students

This section is for international transfer applicants who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have subsequently enrolled in and/or completed one or more college-level course(s).

Learn More About The Transfer Admission Requirements

student working at a computerEnglish Language Pathways

There are various ways international students are considered for admission based on their language proficiency and readiness to pursue full-time enrollment. 

Learn More About English Language Pathways

student listening in classVisa & I-20

Most international students will need an F-1 visa to study in the United States. View the requirements needed for freshman and transfer students to obtain the visa and the Form I-20.

Learn More About the Visa and Form I-20

students sitting outside watching fireworksScholarships

All RWU international students are eligible for a merit scholarship valued at 50% of our standard tuition, room and board. Some exceptions. 

Learn More About Scholarships

Students sitting outside on campus at nightResources

Explore other helpful resources for financial and academic assistance and immigration and government-related information.

Learn More About Resources for International Students 

Students walking on campus on a sunny dayTuition & Fees

Get up-to-date information on annual tuition prices and fees. Also, try out the Net Price Calculator, a helpful tool that will assist you in the financial planning process.

Learn More About Undergraduate Tuition & Fees 

Students smiling for a photo at Global FestInternational Student Services

RWU works with student services and academic departments to ensure the successful matriculation and graduation of international undergraduate and graduate students as well as visiting scholars.

Learn More About RWU's International Student Services 

Student talking to a professor at an Intercultural Center eventIntercultural Center

RWU embraces all cultures and backgrounds and furthers a civil discourse across global perspectives. The entire RWU community is encouraged to take advantage of the many resources and activities at the Intercultural Center, which provides a student-centered space with the motto: “Welcoming people of all nationalities, faiths and personal identities.”

Learn More About RWU's Intercultural Center


Additional Information

We firmly believe that our campus community is enhanced by the presence of international students, providing international students with a distinctive education experience while at the same time enriching the education of U.S. students through their own exposure to people from other countries and cultures.

Roger Williams University values global cooperation in a world that has increasingly become culturally, environmentally and economically interdependent. RWU is committed to developing strong global leaders by providing students with the international and intercultural experiences and competencies needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives. The University aspires to advance students' knowledge of world politics, economies and events, and to instill in all an appreciation and understanding of other cultures and customs in and out of the classroom.

Roger Williams University has a working relationship with international agencies to assist in the recruitment of international students. It is our commitment to work with organizations who operate to the high ethical standards and in the best interest of the student, their families, and Roger Williams University. The following represents a complete list of organizations that have an official working agreement with Roger Williams University:

Along with your application, you must submit official secondary school academic records of the last four years of study, plus a copy of any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates.

Please contact us for any specific requirements for your own country.

If you are applying during your last year of secondary school, state the name of the certificate you expect to receive and when. Send an unofficial school transcript with your application now, and send original or certified copies of your credentials when they become available.