Policy 3.6: Graduate Registration Waiver

A student must maintain registration as a full-time or part-time graduate student for the quarter the degree is conferred. However, certain eligible students may be allowed to graduate the following quarter without being required to register by paying the Graduate Registration Waiver Fee.

3.6.1 Eligibility

The student must have been registered for the previous quarter and meet one of the two following criteria:

A thesis or dissertation student has completed all Graduate School and graduate program degree requirements (courses, examinations, etc.), the thesis or dissertation has been approved for submission by the student’s committee, and the student needs additional time for formatting the document.
A non-thesis master’s student has completed all Graduate School and graduate program degree requirements (courses, examinations, etc.), but missed the master’s degree request deadline.

3.6.2 Process Requirements

The thesis or dissertation must be submitted in the UW ETD Administrator Site no later than 14 calendar days following the last day of the quarter in which all degree requirements were met.

Thesis master’s students must submit a new master’s degree request within the first week (5 weekdays) of the quarter in which the student will graduate.
Non-thesis master’s students must submit a new master’s degree request by the last day of instruction for the quarter in which the student will graduate
All students must pay the Graduate Registration Waiver Fee by the last day of instruction for the quarter in which the student will graduate.

3.6.3 Exclusions

The following do not meet eligibility requirements for the Graduate Registration Waiver

Students with unfinished capstone or culminating project requirements with the exception of the thesis or dissertation formatting
Students with Incomplete coursework
Students who were on leave the previous quarter
Thesis or dissertation students requiring content revisions to the document

3.6.4 International Students

F-1 and J-1 students who are planning to remain in the U.S. after completing degree requirements must notify International Student Services (ISS) of the student’s new expected degree conferral date and that the student is using the Graduate Registration Waiver. ISS may need to update I-20 or DS-2019 documents to reflect the completion of degree requirements.

Policy 3.6 created: December 2022

Policy 3.5: Graduate Student Status: Leave, Withdrawal, Reinstatement, and Re-Entry Policies.

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 478-161-015 establishes registration expectations for graduate students at the University of Washington as follows:

“Graduate students are required either to be registered each quarter (except summer) or to be officially on leave until the completion of all requirements for the graduate degree toward which such a student is working. Graduate students who do not maintain continuous enrollment must file an on-leave application with the graduate school. An “on-leave graduate student” is a graduate student in good standing who is away from the university and has been granted on-leave status. Failure to register each quarter (except summer) or to go on leave will constitute presumptive evidence that the student has withdrawn and resigned from the graduate school. The quarter-off eligibility is not available to graduate students.”

Students who meet the conditions above have “graduate student status,” at the University of Washington. Graduate student status applies across all graduate programs in which a student is enrolled. The following policies establish procedures for students who are not registered for classes to maintain or regain graduate student status.

3.5.1 On-Leave Status

On-leave status allows students to pause their studies during the academic school year while maintaining graduate student status.

3.5.1.1 Academic Program Requirements while on Leave

Students in requested on-leave status may be required to complete administrative tasks to maintain graduate student status but cannot be required to make any specific academic progress, including expectations described in Academic or Final Academic Alerts, except to meet time to degree limits.

Deadlines for resolving an ‘Incomplete’ grade remain unchanged while a student is on leave.

3.5.1.2 On-Leave Status Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for on-leave status during the academic year, a student must:

satisfy any graduate program(s) policies pertaining to going/remaining on leave.
receive approval from all graduate programs in which they are enrolled.
be in graduate student status at the University of Washington the quarter immediately prior to going on or continuing leave.
not be registered on the first day of the requested on-leave quarter.
not be registered in any other student status (e.g., Non-Matriculated or Graduate Non-Matriculated), as this will terminate on-leave status—even if the student later drops those courses.
not be suspended from the University (except in the case of emergency suspensions).

[Note: The “good standing” referenced in the WAC quoted above is separate from “good academic standing.” As such, the WAC does not prohibit students in Academic Alert or Final Academic Alert from being granted on-leave status.]

Students must request leave on a quarterly basis (except summer) and pay a non-refundable, quarterly fee.

On‑leave requests may be approved or denied at the program’s discretion, consistent with the program’s written policies. The program is responsible for monitoring requests and issuing decisions in a timely manner. For requests submitted at least five business days before the first day of classes, any denial must be issued no later than the sixth day of the quarter, in order to provide the student with sufficient opportunity to register for courses. This requirement does not apply in those circumstances where program policy states that on-leave status will not be approved.

[Note: Eligible international students should consult with International Student Services regarding the student’s immigration status prior to final approval of on-leave status.]

3.5.1.3 Access to University Resources while on Leave

On-leave students are entitled to the following:

use of the University libraries
access to student email accounts
use of the Husky Health Center Primary Care Center on a pay-for-service basis
pay for use of the Intramural Activities Building (IMA)

On-leave students are not entitled to the following:

extensive faculty and staff counsel
examinations of any type (except for language competency)
thesis/dissertation filing
appointments as Academic Student Employees
University housing
student insurance
any form of financial assistance

3.5.1.4 Time to Degree and Limits for On-Leave Status

Time in on-leave status counts toward the time to degree limits (See Graduate School Policy 1.1 for information on time to degree limits), except in the case of emergency suspensions (see 3.5.1.5)

3.5.1.5 On-Leave Status during Emergency Suspensions

Students placed on emergency suspension, and meeting requirements 3 through 6 in section 3.5.1.2 are also placed in on-leave status at the request of Community Standards and Student Conduct Office. Any revocation of campus privileges established in the suspension supersede the privileges typically afforded students on leave. Time in emergency suspension will not count toward time-to-degree limits.

3.5.2 Graduate Student Status in Summer

In summer quarter, graduate student status is maintained regardless of registration. On‑leave status as described in 3.5.1 is not available.

3.5.2.1 Academic Program Requirements in Summer

Programs may require summer registration and can issue Academic Alerts as described in Policy 3.7.3 if students fail to register for required summer curriculum.

If described in written program guidelines, programs may require some academic work (e.g., workshops, research, or exams (not general or final)) between spring and autumn quarters for students regardless of registration status.

Because on‑leave status is unavailable in summer, programs with registration or other summer requirements should define how they will handle student requests—made only for good cause—to delay required summer work. Approval of such requests is at the program’s sole discretion. Programs must document decisions and plans for meeting requirements at a later time (which may be a subsequent summer).

Students cannot be required to meet expectations described in Academic or Final Academic Alerts if not registered in summer, except to meet time to degree limits. Academic Alerts issued at the beginning of summer quarter by programs that do not require summer registration should extend through fall quarter, ensuring students have time to complete required work.

3.5.2.2 Access to University Resources during Summer

Unregistered students in summer maintain the same access to university resources as described for students in on-leave status in 3.5.1.3.

3.5.3 Program Withdrawal

Students in graduate student status can request withdrawal from a graduate program, effective the quarter following their request. For doctoral students, with program approval, this request can be made in conjunction with a request to move into an “exit master’s,” if one exists for that program. Students who withdraw from a program may only re-enter through reinstatement (see below) by submitting a new application [Note: consult with GEMS to determine which].

3.5.4 Reinstatement for Graduate Programs except for Stacked Degree or Graduate Certificate Programs

Students previously registered in the Graduate School who have failed to maintain graduate student status but wish to resume studies within the same degree program must file a request for reinstatement to the Graduate School as described in Scholastic Regulations 102.7E. This must be approved by the program, requires a non-refundable fee, and is not official until the student registers for coursework.

3.5.5 Re-Entry for Students in a Stacked Degree or only in a Graduate Certificate

As described in Scholastic Regulations 102.7F, the Graduate School will review and approve reentry requests for students who were previously enrolled solely in a Graduate Certificate or Stacked Degree program and who have not maintained graduate student status. This must be approved by the program and is not official until the student registers for coursework

Policy 3.5 revised: November 2021; December 2022; December 2024; April 2026

Policy 3.4: Visiting Graduate Student Status

Visiting Graduate Student status permits eligible students to enroll in University of Washington coursework without being admitted to a University of Washington graduate degree or certificate program. This status does not provide priority or preference for future admission to any graduate program.

[NOTE: All applications for Visiting Graduate Student status are administered by the Graduate School’s Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) office. For process details see: Visiting Graduate Students].

3.4.1 Enrollment for Visiting Graduate Student Status

There are two categories of visiting graduate students, each with distinct eligibility and enrollment requirements.

3.4.1.1 Enrollment by Graduate Students in Good Standing at Another Institution

Graduate students who are actively pursuing a graduate degree at another college or university may be hosted by a University of Washington graduate program as visiting graduate students.

Visiting graduate students may only be hosted by one graduate program at a time and may not hold any other student status while enrolled as a visiting graduate student. The length of enrollment is determined by the student’s home institution and the hosting graduate program.

Graduate School Admissions criteria:

The student must have been admitted to a graduate program at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution, be in good standing, and actively pursuing a graduate degree at that institution.
The student must be approved by a University of Washington graduate degree granting department/program and meet the qualifications for admission described in Graduate School Policy 3.1.1.
Students who are non-native English speakers must satisfy English Language Proficiency requirements as described in Graduate School Policy 3.2. Test scores used to meet this requirement must be at the “Recommended” level or higher.

3.4.1.2 Enrollment by Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA)

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) may be hosted by UW programs in Visiting Graduate Student status. Programs and the FLTA students share responsibility for ensuring compliance with FLTA program enrollment requirements.

Graduate School Admissions criteria for Fulbright FLTA applicants:

There are no University of Washington Graduate School admissions criteria for native speakers of English who have been accepted into the FLTA program.
Students who are non-native English speakers must meet the expectations of Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.

3.4.2 Unsatisfactory Performance

A program may discontinue a student’s Visiting Graduate Student status using procedures outlined in Policy 3.7.5 (Expedited Status Changes) if the student fails to:

meet performance expectations documented in the host program’s offer letter or in program policy.
maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in UW coursework.

Policy 3.4 created: March 2022, Revised: May 2026

Policy 3.3: Enrollment of Graduate Non-Matriculated Students

Under the conditions given below, departments, schools, or colleges may choose to offer enrollment in their graduate courses to Graduate Non-matriculated (GNM) students. In this context, a Graduate Non-matriculated student is a post-baccalaureate student who wishes access to a limited number of graduate courses, but who has not been admitted by the Graduate School to a degree program. These Graduate Non-matriculated students must not be enrolled in any courses where they would displace admitted degree-seeking graduate students. This status is not appropriate for international students on F-1 visas.

Applicants for GNM status must meet Graduate School minimum admission requirements and must be evaluated for acceptance by the academic unit according to the typical criteria for admitting students to the unit’s graduate programs.

Tuition and fees charged GNM students for graduate level courses cannot be less and may be more than those charged to graduate students.

Acceptance as a GNM student confers no guarantee or priority for later admission to a graduate degree program.

3.3.1 Admissions

Applications for the GNM program are processed by the Graduate School’s Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) office. Applicants who present at least a 3.0 grade point average in the applicant’s last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours, along with other applicable credentials, may be admissible as Graduate Non-matriculated (GNM) students. Non-native English speakers must also meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement as outlined in Policy 3.2.

3.3.2 Enrollment

No department is required to open its courses to GNM enrollment; participating departments have the authority to create and monitor standard enrollment limits for all admitted GNM students. GNM students must obtain approval from course instructors before enrolling in graduate level courses. Registration for most Seattle Campus GNM students is handled by UW Continuum College Registration Services; however, students taking advantage of the university employee or state employee tuition benefit register in the same manner as matriculated UW students. GNM students at the UW Bothell and UW Tacoma campuses will receive registration materials and instructions from the appropriate departmental office.

3.3.3 Credit

A student who is later admitted to the Graduate School may apply a maximum of 12 applicable GNM credits (or any combination of GNM and up to six approved transfer credits totaling twelve credits) towards a graduate degree, or a maximum of 6 applicable GNM or transfer credits towards a graduate certificate. If applying GNM or transfer credits towards a graduate certificate that is part of a stacked master’s degree, no more than 6 applicable GNM or transfer credits may be applied to each individual graduate certificate that is part of the stacked master’s degree and no more than 12 applicable GNM or transfer credits may be applied to the stacked master’s degree total.

Time limits for master’s and doctoral degrees (Six- and ten-year, by default) commence at the point of enrollment in the first GNM course which is later applied for credit toward degree requirements.

3.3.4 GNM Students at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma

GNM status as the UW Bothell and UW Tacoma campuses is not funded on a self-sustaining basis. Tuition and fees are comparable to those charged to graduate students.

3.3.5 Performance Expectations

In order to continue in the GNM program, students must maintain the standard minimum Graduate School cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Policy 3.3 revised: November 2021; December 2022

Policy 3.3.1 revised: August 2023

Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements

Current Policy (Until Autumn 2026)

[Revisions to Policy 3.2 have been approved and will be enacted for Autumn 2026 for admissions decisions for student enrolling Winter 2027 or later. The revised version of this policy can be reviewed at the bottom of this page.]

English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.

Students who will receive a Teaching Assistantship will also be required to satisfy additional requirements described in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.

3.2.1 Demonstration of Proficiency

Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways. A graduate program may set additional standards or qualifications in any of these categories. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.

A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States and where English is the medium of instruction.
A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom and where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus.
Official documentation from the applicant’s undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree-granting institution (if the institution is in a country other than those listed in #2 above) verifying that all instruction is in English. A minimum of three years of enrollment at the institution is required. Documentation must be presented to the Graduate School; credential service reports are not acceptable. Acceptable documentation must be one of the following:
- Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
- Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
Official English Language Test Score (sent electronically to the University of Washington via testing center). Note: Graduate programs may require a higher minimum scores for admission than the scores listed below.

These specific English Language Test scores are the only versions accepted for admission to the Graduate School. Other tests or versions do not qualify.	TOEFL iBT	TOEFL MyBest	Duolingo	Academic IELTS
Minimum Required Score (ELP Not Satisfied)	4.0 (80 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)	4.0 (80 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)	110	6.5
Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied)	4.5 (92 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)	4.5 (92 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)	125 or higher	7.0 or higher
Test Format Allowed	Test Center or Home	Test Center or Home	At Home	Test Center or Home

3.2.2 Submission of Test Scores

The Graduate School also accepts the TOEFL paper-delivered test, which is available only to students in areas without internet testing access. Contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) for special instructions if you have taken this test.
Applicants using TOEFL test scores must submit official scores electronically via ETS, using the University of Washington’s institution code 4854. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
Applicants using Academic IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
Applicants using Duolingo test scores must submit official scores via Duolingo to the University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma). An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
An applicant who does not meet the minimum required score will not be considered admissible by the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not offer conditional admissions to students who have not yet met the minimum English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.

3.2.3 Meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

An applicant who has attained a qualifying degree or a Recommended Score on an official English language test per 3.2.1 has satisfied the Graduate School’s ELP requirement without conditions.
An admitted applicant who scores below the Recommended level will be required to satisfactorily complete one or two UW Academic English Program (AEP) courses to meet the ELP requirement. Enrollment in any required AEP courses must begin in the student’s first quarter.
An admitted applicant who is required to take ENGL 103 and ENGL 104 may fulfill this requirement during the summer before the start of their graduate program by successfully completing the Graduate School Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs [Note: additional fees apply.]
Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted or on the date the program requests a deferral petition.

Revised Policy – Effective Autumn 2027

[For students enrolling Winter 2027 or later]

[Note: Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English, defined as: English was first the language the applicant learned at home, and the applicant received most of their schooling before 8th grade in English, and does not need extra support understanding or using academic English].

3.2.1 Demonstration of Graduate School Minimum and Recommended English Language Proficiency

Proficiency at the level required for admission to the Graduate School by applicants that are not native speakers of English can be demonstrated in one of the following ways.

An earned and bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (or an internationally recognized academic degree at the same level) from an accredited institution for which English was the medium of instruction.
- For applicants using an English‑medium‑of‑instruction (MOI) degree to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, the following residency conditions apply:
  - For institutions located in an English-speaking country:
    The student must have been in residence in that country for the full duration of enrollment in the degree program.
  - For institutions located in countries where English is not the official or dominant language: The student must have been in residence on, or in close proximity to, the degree granting campus for the full duration of enrollment. Remote, distance, online, or primarily offsite enrollment does not satisfy the residency requirement
    - [Note: students that are non-native English speakers will be asked if they meet these residency requirements in the Graduate School application].
  - Official documentation from the applicant’s degree-granting institutions verifying that all instruction is in English (as described in the Graduate Admissions page) is required, except for degrees from accredited institutions in the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Canada, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, the United States, or the Virgin Islands.
Official English Language Test Score (sent electronically to the University of Washington via testing center). An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores. Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted or on the date the program requests a deferral petition

These specific English Language Test scores are the only versions accepted for admission to the Graduate School. Other tests or versions do not qualify.

TOEFL iBT (at test center or home)

Duolingo*

Academic IELTS (at test center or home)

Minimum Required Score
(ELP Not Satisfied; additional English language requirements as described in 3.2.2)

(80 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)

115

6.5

Recommended Score
(ELP Satisfied without conditions)

4.5

(92 for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026)

130 or higher

7.0 or higher

3. Previous admittance and current enrollment, or previous degree completion in, a UW graduate program.

A graduate program may set additional standards or qualifications in either of the above categories. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.

[Note: As programs determine whether they will accept DET scores for admission, please note that the Duolingo English Test (DET) emphasizes short, real‑time, general‑use tasks, whereas TOEFL and IELTS assess deeper academic literacy in English through extended reading/listening and integrated source‑based writing. Accordingly, students admitted with DET scores may manage everyday classroom communication effectively but could face greater difficulty completing high‑cognitive‑load, technology‑restricted work in English—such as in‑class writing, complex (non-translated) readings, and real‑time discussions—without the assistance of technology.]

3.2.2 Meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

An applicant who has attained a qualifying degree or a Recommended Score on an official English language test per 3.2.1 has satisfied the Graduate School’s ELP requirement without conditions.

3.2.2.1 Requirements for students not meeting recommended scores.

An admitted applicant who scores below the Recommended level will be required to satisfactorily complete one or two UW Academic English Program (AEP) courses to meet the ELP requirement. Enrollment in any required AEP courses must begin in the student’s first quarter [Note: additional fees apply].
An admitted applicant who is required to take AEP courses ENGL 103 and ENGL 104 may fulfill this requirement during the summer before the start of their graduate program by successfully completing the Graduate School Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs [Note: additional fees apply].

Policy 3.2 revised: November 2021; March 2022; April 2022; November 2022; December 2022; August 2023 (removal of temporary policy statement)

Policy 3.2.3 revised: February 2023, January 2026

Policy 3.2.1 revised March 2024

Policy 3.1: Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate study at the University of Washington provides opportunities for study leading to graduate certificates, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The objective of the admissions policy of the Graduate School is to admit those students deemed best able to contribute to and benefit from the educational programs and opportunities offered at the University.

Enrollment in a specific graduate certificate or degree program is limited to the number of students for whom faculty, staff, and available facilities resources can provide high-quality graduate instruction and research guidance. Each graduate student must be admitted into a specific graduate program; the Graduate School does not permit general graduate enrollment.

The Graduate School is responsible for determining the minimum requirements for admission which are based on the Washington Student Achievement Council Admission Standards Policy.

Departments may have additional or more stringent requirements and must clearly communicate those qualifications in their prospective student-facing materials.

[Note: This policy is strictly intended to guide academic programs in setting admissions criteria. Prospective students should consult individual program materials to determine their eligibility. See also: Graduate School Admissions website]

3.1.1 Qualifications

A prospective graduate student must have one of the following:

A baccalaureate degree meeting the requirements below, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (or equivalent; see footnote at the end of this document for details on GPA). [Note: The policy below on qualified bachelor’s degrees is effective beginning with the Autumn 2027 admissions cycle. The effective policy up that point can be found at the bottom of this document].
- A 3- or 4-year baccalaureate from a nationally recognized postsecondary institution in the United States (U.S.) with institutional accreditation from the following approved accreditation agencies: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC); Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); or WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) college or university, or
- A 3- or 4-year baccalaureate degree from a university recognized by the appropriate national authority (e.g., Ministry of Education) and determined by the UW to be comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. institution, in a country with 13 years of pre-university formal education, or
- A 4-year baccalaureate degree from a university recognized by the appropriate national authority (e.g., Ministry of Education) and determined by the UW to be comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. institution, in a country with 12 years of pre-university formal education, or
- A 3-year baccalaureate and a 1-year postgraduate diploma from a university recognized by the appropriate national authority (e.g., Ministry of Education) and determined by the UW to be comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. institution, in a country with 12 years of pre-university formal education, or
- With program-level approval, a 3-year baccalaureate that does not meet the above conditions but would qualify a student for admission to academic graduate programs in the country in which it was earned.

A master’s degree, an educational specialist degree, a graduate doctoral degree (practice or research), or a professional doctoral degree. The degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution, and the prospective student must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0-point scale) calculated from the total cumulative credits.

An applied baccalaureate degree earned at a Washington community or technical college. Applied baccalaureate degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the graduate degree program or department for admissions. The prospective student must have either: at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0-point scale) calculated from the total cumulative credits; or at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0-point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits.

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. No exceptions for this English proficiency requirement will be granted. See Policy 3.2 Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.

The Graduate School does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for admission; however, graduate programs may require GRE scores or any other tests related to the applicant’s field for use in the admission review process.

3.1.2 Alternate Standards

3.1.2.1 Alternates to Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

Programs may petition the Graduate School to admit students who do not meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements under alternate admission standards. Programs petitioning under alternate admission standards must collect, review and provide to the Graduate School evidence that the student meets a minimum of two of the following requirements:

Satisfactory scores on the GRE, GMAT, or other approved tests.
An analytical essay written by the student demonstrating critical thinking skills.
A statement of intent written by the student demonstrating a level of knowledge and intellectual maturity appropriate to the proposed field of graduate study.
Evidence of successful graduate coursework in the intended field of study or in a closely related field.
Evidence of professional success in a field relevant to the proposed area of study.
An admissions interview either in-person or via phone or videoconference.

[Note: An analytical essay typically is focused on a student’s academic pursuits and interest, while a statement of intent includes information about a student’s personal journey.]

3.1.2.2 Alternates to an Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Programs may petition the Graduate School to admit students who do not have a bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognized postsecondary institution with institutional accreditation, but who have significant professional experience. Programs petitioning under alternate admissions standards must collect, review, and provide to the Graduate School evidence that the student meets the following requirements:

Evidence of significant professional success in a field relevant to the proposed area of study, and
A minimum of two of the following:
- A transcript showing 100-level course work or higher with the achievement of a 3.0 grade point average for at least 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours.
- Evidence of successful graduate coursework in the intended field of study or in a closely related field.
- Satisfactory scores on the GRE, GMAT, or other approved tests.
- An analytical essay written by the student demonstrating critical thinking skills.
- A statement of intent written by the student demonstrating a level of knowledge and intellectual maturity appropriate to the proposed field of graduate study.
- An admissions interview either in-person or via phone or web.

Programs may not submit petitions for students who were admitted with the expectation of completing a qualifying bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment and who fail to provide evidence of having met that expectation.

3.1.2.3 Alternate Standards for Doctoral Students Accompanying New Faculty

The Graduate School supports new University of Washington (UW) faculty members by allowing accompanying doctoral students who have begun doctoral work at another institution to be admitted through a special process.

3.1.2.3.1 General Policies

Qualified doctoral students accompanying a new University of Washington (UW) faculty hire may be admitted to a UW research-based doctoral program under the following provisions:

The graduate student has begun a doctoral program at the faculty member’s previous institution and has an established advising and research relationship with the new faculty hire.
The graduate faculty of the UW program recommend the student as qualified for the UW doctoral program using the program’s standard admissions criteria. This includes endorsement of previously completed coursework that may be applied towards the UW degree, as well as confirmation that the student’s program of study while at UW will be substantial enough to warrant the granting of the UW degree.
As part of a holistic assessment of the student’s qualifications and academic background, the program determines the content and milestones (e.g., coursework, General Exam) that must be completed at UW. In most circumstances, the student will complete the General Exam at UW.

3.1.2.3.2 Application Process

Doctoral students accompanying a new faculty hire are admitted through a special application process. After program faculty have approved admitting the student, the program will direct the student to submit an application for admission. After the student has applied, the program submits a short narrative proposal and accompanying documents to the Graduate School through a petition process.

Student and program submissions must include the following materials:

Submitted with student application:

A copy of the student’s current transcript.

Submitted with program petition:

An overview of the student’s progress towards the doctoral degree at the prior institution and at what stage the student will enter the UW doctoral program. Include information on how the student’s remaining work at the University of Washington will constitute a meaningful curricular experience reflective of a UW degree.
A completion plan for the student, including coursework, exams, and other milestones towards the degree.
A description of the UW degree requirements that will be waived (coursework, dissertation credits, or other requirements such as graded credits or 500-level credits) and the rationale for waiving the requirements based on work from the prior institution.
Confirmation that the graduate faculty of the academic unit have approved admitting the student under these special provisions.

Upon approval of the proposal by the Office of Academic Affairs, the student may be admitted, and the requirement waivers outlined in the proposal will be noted in the student’s record for use at the time of graduation from UW.

3.1.3 Admission Procedure

Application for admission to the University of Washington is made simultaneously to the Graduate School and to the graduate program. Each department or other unit authorized to offer a graduate certificate (open to applicants not currently enrolled in a degree program) or degree program maintains a graduate admissions committee that must include at least three faculty members with graduate faculty status. This committee is responsible for the fair and complete evaluation of applicants and is expected to maintain files and to be able to demonstrate that full and fair consideration has been given to each applicant. Students meeting the Graduate School admission requirements are admitted into programs of study by the graduate admissions committee in the department offering the program.

Each department is responsible for ensuring that students have met the Graduate School admission requirements prior to offering admission. Each department shall inform the Graduate School regarding students granted admission and students denied admission.

The Graduate School and each graduate admission committee shall be guided by the following:

Priority for admission of applicants into a graduate certificate or degree program is based upon the applicant’s apparent ability, as determined by the University of Washington, to complete the program with a high level of achievement. To ensure this, programs should, in non-technical language on their admissions page:
- Describe the expectations of each required component of the application.
- Describe expectations for how AI can and cannot be used in the preparation of application materials.
No admissions practice may discriminate against an individual because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran, including disabled or Vietnam-era veterans.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in application review processes must:
- Not involve processes or software that violate FERPA, record retentions, or institutional data privacy policies, or that share applicant data with third parties.
- Not involve subjective judgement, nor subvert human judgement, of student success or potential.
- Not involve directly ranking, selecting, or eliminating candidates.
- Be communicated to applicants on the program’s application page.
- Be reviewed by the admissions committee on an annual basis to assess potential bias, privacy, and intellectual property issues.
- [See Also: Guidance on the Use of AI for Graduate Admissions Committees]
Sustained efforts shall be made to recruit a qualified and geographically, socioeconomically, and experientially broad applicant pool.
All applicants to a certificate- or degree-offering unit shall be processed through the same set of procedures to ensure that all applicants are evaluated on the applicant’s individual merits.
Tests and criteria for admission should relate to the actual requirements of the graduate program. Reasonable accommodation for testing conditions may be made to compensate for relevant disabilities.
Additional factors may be used in developing a pool of qualified applicants for admission to the Graduate School. Weights given these and other factors may vary among graduate programs. No factor will confer admission on an academically unqualified applicant. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Grades earned, especially for subjects in or closely related to the field of the applicant’s proposed graduate work.
- Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Tests, on the GRE Advanced Test, on other tests related to the applicant’s field, and on other aptitude tests which may be required.
- Interviews of the applicant by the department admissions committee.
- The career objectives of the applicant and the extent to which the graduate certificate or degree program may be expected to prepare the applicant for those objectives.
- Written and oral recommendations from persons who are qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic record and promise.
- The applicant’s degree objective, i.e. a certificate, a stacked degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, or a master’s followed by a doctoral degree.
- Academic accomplishments evaluated in the context of the applicant’s life experiences that may have impacted their educational journey.
- Activities or accomplishments, educational goals, prior employment experience, special talents, and lived experiences.

3.1.3.1 Admissions for Currently Enrolled Graduate Students

To ensure fair and complete evaluation of all applicants, the following section outlines the limited circumstances in which currently enrolled graduate students can be enrolled in additional programs without using the Graduate School’s standard admission process or application portal. For all admissions actions described in this section, programs must ensure that admission criteria and procedures for these actions align with the principles in Section 3.1.3 and are consistently communicated and applied.

3.1.3.1.1 Program Enrollment that may Occur at Any Time

Programs may at any time allow graduate students enrolled and registered for credit in a UW graduate degree program to enroll in the following categories of program without applying through the Graduate School’s standard admissions process:

An option within the same degree program (see Policy 1.3).
A graduate certificate that is open only to students currently enrolled in UW graduate degree programs.
(For enrolled doctoral students) An en route or exit master’s degree, either within the same program or identified as such in the master’s program proposal.

3.1.3.1.2 Program Enrollment Reviewed Alongside External Applicants

Programs may enroll students based on application materials submitted directly to the program (outside the Graduate School admissions portal) from graduate students currently enrolled and registered for credit in a UW graduate degree program for the following categories of program:

A PhD degree in a program in which the student is currently enrolled as a master’s student.
A graduate certificate that is also open to external applicants.

Under these conditions:

Materials must be submitted by the due date for program applications posted in the Graduate School admissions portal.
Submitted materials must be reviewed alongside materials received through the Graduate School admissions portal.
The program must submit a list of accepted enrolled students during the same period they submit decisions for applications received through the Graduate School admissions portal.

Outside the application timeline, programs may petition the Graduate School to enroll students into these categories of program only when:

The student was unable to apply during the program’s application cycle due to circumstances beyond the student’s control (e.g., timing, personal or professional constraints).
The admissions committee has reviewed materials substantially equivalent to a completed application and has evaluated the student against the most recent applicant pool.

3.1.4 Enrollment Confirmation on Behalf of a Student

Programs may petition the Graduate School to confirm enrollment on behalf of a student without paying the enrollment confirmation deposit (ECD). This petition cannot be requested for applicants planning to attend on an F1 or J1 visa.

For those whose petition has been approved, an ECD will not be applied toward their tuition and fees assessed for the quarter in which they have been admitted. The student is responsible for all tuition and fees (See the Office of the University Registrar for more information about the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit Refund Policy).

3.1.4.1 Criteria

The department must:

Have extended an offer of admission to the student and informed the Graduate School that the student has been granted admission (see Policy 3.1.3).
Submit an Enrollment Confirmation Petition [in Slate] by the day prior to the start of the admit term.

A prospective student must meet one of the following criteria:

The student participated in a pipeline program used by the department to recruit students.
The student meets the Graduate School’s published criteria for Application Fee Waivers.

If a student does not meet the Graduate School’s criteria, the department may submit an Enrollment Confirmation Petition on behalf of the student. The circumstances should be described in as much detail as possible.

3.1.4.2 Veterans Benefits

U.S. military veterans, active service members, and their dependents who plan to use VA education benefits should contact the Veterans Education Benefits Office (veteran@uw.edu) for guidance on eligibility and next steps.

Notes

Note on GPA requirements in Policy 3.1.1: The prospective student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0-point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution that does not use an alpha-numeric grading or evaluation system) for those credits earned at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0-point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.

Students may have earned credits used towards a bachelor’s degree from multiple institutions. The 3.0 grade point average (GPA) requirement only requires that the cumulative GPA be reviewed from the degree granting institution. If a student’s cumulative GPA from the degree granting institution is lower than a 3.0 and the student has credits earned from multiple nationally accredited institutions, the student’s GPA may automatically be recalculated to include additional transcripts. If this recalculation results in a 3.0, the student has met the minimum GPA requirement. If this recalculation does not result in a 3.0, programs may petition the Graduate School for the student to be admitted using Alternate Standards.

Qualifying Bachelor’s Policy prior to Autumn 2027:

A baccalaureate degree from a nationally recognized postsecondary institution with institutional accreditation from the following approved accreditation agencies or equivalent for international institutions: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) college or university. The prospective student must have at least a 3.0 grade-point-average on a 4 point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution that does not use an alpha-numeric grading or evaluation system) for those credits earned at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.

Policy 3.1 revised: August 2011, March 2019; March 2022; April 2022; October 2024; October 2025; April 2026

Policy 3.1.2.3 revised: February 2023; October 2024

Policy 3.1.1 revised: July 2023

Policy 3.1.4 added: November 2023

Policy 3.1.4.1 revised February 2024; March 2024; April 2025

Policy 2.2: Graduate Courses in Non-Degree-Offering Units

Graduate courses normally should be offered only under the sponsorship of academic departments or other units which are authorized to grant graduate degrees. However, in certain cases faculty members of an academic unit not authorized to offer a graduate degree or graduate certificate program may be granted permission to offer courses numbered 500 to 599 and create a new course prefix, if required.

Courses proposed under this provision should not be intended as part of a graduate degree program being developed by the sponsoring unit. Such courses should be offered under the approved prefixes of existing graduate degree programs until the new degree has been established by the Board of Regents. Procedures for authorization of new graduate degrees are described in Policy 1.7.

2.2.1 Review and Approval Process

Graduate courses to be offered by non-graduate-program-offering units must follow the regular UW course and course prefix approval process. This includes curricular review by the appropriate school, college, or campus and final approval by the UW Curriculum Committee. The Graduate School will review and endorse proposed courses and prefixes as part of the course approval workflow. The course proposers must indicate all affected units and the Graduate School in the “Potentially Affected Departments, Schools, or Colleges” section of the course proposal. These units will be asked to review and acknowledge the course proposal.

In requesting approval of courses under this policy the unit must provide a written statement, included with the course application materials, showing that each course meets the following criteria:

The academic and budgetary impact of the course has been assessed and approved by the leadership of the academic unit and the school/college/campus.
Instructors should be members of the graduate faculty or meet equivalent standards for scholarship and teaching experience. Provide a list of expected instructors and academic titles, including indication of graduate faculty status.
Classes should have majority graduate or postdoctoral (as opposed to professional or undergraduate) enrollment. Provide an estimate of the total enrollment for each.
The course should have clear interdisciplinary value in the following ways. Provide an explanation of the following criteria:

It should extend and integrate knowledge from more than one discipline to the extent that it is not appropriately offered by a graduate-degree-offering unit.
Its enrollment is drawn from more than one graduate-degree-offering unit.

Policy 2.2 created: March, 1987. Revised: April, 2007; February 2020

Policy 2.1: Graduate Course Numbers, Titles, and Audience

Graduate courses numbered in the 500s through 800s are intended for and ordinarily restricted to either students enrolled in the Graduate School or graduate non-matriculated students who meet the requirements of Policy 3.3.

Graduate courses should be presented at a level that assumes enrolled students bring to the class a background at least equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the field or a related interdisciplinary field. Graduate courses must not be used to correct deficiencies in the student’s undergraduate work; courses normally expected to be part of undergraduate preparation for graduate study must be identified by undergraduate course numbers.

Some courses at the 300 and 400 levels are open to graduate students; see Policy 1.1 for using these courses for graduate degree requirements.

2.1.1 Course Numbers and Titles

In order to maintain as much breadth as possible in the course offerings of a graduate unit, graduate level courses normally will carry the prefix designation of the academic unit authorized to offer the graduate program, e.g., English, Drama, Education, etc. However, in certain fields identification of specializations in graduate courses may be necessary or desirable. To propose special designation, the faculty in that unit may transmit to the Dean of the School or College the request to identify the field of specialization in the prefix. Special designation, if approved by the Dean of the College and the Registrar, may be established.

The following standardized course numbers and course titles have been established for graduate courses in all disciplines numbered 600, 601, 700, 800. Courses numbered 801 may have alternate course titles. Descriptions for all courses below are at the discretion of the proposing unit.

600 – Independent Study or Research: Used for individual readings or study, including independent study in preparation for doctoral examinations, research, etc. Prerequisite: permission of Supervisory Committee Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, or Graduate Program Coordinator’s designee.

601 – Internship: Used for Internships. Prerequisite: permission of Supervisory Committee Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, or Graduate Program Coordinator’s designee.

700 – Master’s Thesis: Used for research for the master’s thesis, including research preparatory and/or related thereto. Limited to graduate students who have not yet completed the master’s degree in the student’s program of enrollment at the University of Washington. Prerequisite: permission of Supervisory Committee Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, or Graduate Program Coordinator’s designee.

750 – Educational Specialist Capstone: Used for the culminating capstone experience for Educational Specialist degree programs (see Policy 1.1.3). Course title may vary to reflect the specific nature of the capstone.

800 – Doctoral Dissertation: Used for research for the doctoral dissertation, including research preparatory and/or related thereto. Limited to those who have completed the master’s degree or the equivalent and have been admitted into a doctoral degree program, or candidate-level graduate students. Pre-master students initiating doctoral dissertation research should register for 600. Prerequisite: permission of Supervisory Committee Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, or Graduate Program Coordinator’s designee.

801 – Practice Doctorate Project/Capstone: Used for the culminating project/capstone experience for practice doctorate degree programs (see Policy 1.1.5). Course title may vary to reflect the specific nature of the project/capstone (e.g., project, practicum, portfolio, applied dissertation, clinical work, etc.).

2.1.2 Course Delivery Location

Graduate courses are offered on campus except for courses where all of the following conditions are satisfied:

The course is equivalent in quality to courses offered in residence at the University, as judged by consideration of course content, assignments, examinations, performance expected from students, grading practices, assignment of graduate faculty, etc.
It is designed for and presented mainly to students who have been admitted to and are enrolled in the Graduate School of the University of Washington or who have been enrolled by units as graduate non-matriculated students.

2.1.3 Course Enrollment

Under certain conditions, qualified graduate non-matriculated students may be enrolled in graduate courses and earn credit later applicable towards a graduate degree. These conditions are outlined in Policy 3.3.

Postbaccalaureate students, undergraduate students, and non-matriculated students who do not meet Graduate School admission requirements may enroll in 500-level courses provided that permission has been obtained in advance from the faculty member who will teach the class, and from the unit Chair/Director or designated representative. Permission should be granted only when the student appears to be exceptionally well prepared for entrance into the course so that the tempo and quality of the graduate instruction is not adversely affected. Such students should not constitute more than 20% of the total number enrolled in the class.

2.1.4 Parallel 400-500 Courses

Units that expect regular graduate enrollment in an undergraduate 400-level course should propose a 400-500 parallel course.

There must be significant differences between the undergraduate and graduate courses that are reflected in areas such as course content, grading practices, learning outcomes, readings and assignments, exams, and performance. Student evaluation criteria for the 500-level course should be established such that graduate students completing only 400-level assignments, or completing assignments only at the level expected of an undergraduate would receive a grade of less than 2.7.

2.1.5 Ungraded courses (CR/NC and S/NS)*

For CR/NC courses, submission of a CR grade indicates that the student has met course expectations at a level such that the course may be applied towards graduate degree requirements.

For S/NS courses, an S grade indicates that the student has met course expectations at a level such that the course may be applied towards graduate degree requirements. A graduate program may restrict S courses from counting towards program requirements.

*these clauses were moved verbatim from Policy 1.1 in Winter 2026

Policy 2.1 revised: August 2021; December 2022; January 2025; November 2025; February 2026;

Policy 1.9: Temporary Suspension of Admissions

The Graduate School approves temporary suspension of admissions for graduate degree programs, graduate certificates, and graduate degree options that offer direct admissions.

[Process details are available at Guidelines for Suspending Admissions.]

1.9.1 Purpose

Suspension of admissions must be used to address program needs.

Suspension of admissions must not be used as a substitute for formal program termination. Any consideration of permanent program or option termination must adhere to the Guidelines for Terminating a Graduate Program or Program Option.

Programs offering regular admission at intervals longer than a year (i.e., every other year or longer) do not need to suspend admissions for non-admission years.

1.9.2 Duration

Admissions may be suspended for one or two academic years.

1.9.3 Authorization of Suspension of Admissions

In most cases, suspension of admissions is initiated when the graduate faculty of the academic unit offering the graduate program votes to suspend admissions to a graduate program or program option. After a vote of the faculty, the unit must communicate outcomes with the college/school dean or EVCAA and must follow any authorization process required by the college/school or campus, prior to submitting a request to Graduate School.

In exceptional cases, the dean or EVCAA of the school, college, or campus where a program is located may petition the Dean of the Graduate School to authorize suspension of admissions to a graduate program or program option without a faculty vote. The Dean of the Graduate School will consider this request in consultation with the Graduate School Council.

1.9.4 Student Support

Any suspension of admissions must be designed to fully accommodate the curriculum, advising, and support for currently enrolled and admitted students and include communication and fee reimbursement plan for any students who have been granted deferred admission.

Suspension of admissions requests for graduate certificates and stacked degree programs must also include a communication plan that is inclusive of all non-graduated students enrolled in the program (regardless of current enrollment status) within the previous six years.

If approved, the graduate program is responsible for placing a notice of suspended admissions on its website and in any other program materials.

1.9.5 Process Timeline Requirements

A suspension of admissions request should be initiated far enough in advance for the Graduate School and other administrative units to act early in the application cycle (approximately 6-8 weeks before the application opening date).

If applications to a program have been received, admissions to that program will not be suspended for that admissions cycle.

1.9.6 Resolution of Suspension

The program must notify the Graduate School of its intent to reopen admissions and describe changes that have been implemented to allow for sustained delivery of a quality graduate program. This notification must arrive two months before the application is set to be opened.

If after requesting a one-year suspension, the program is not prepared to resume admissions, it may request a second year of suspension following the same rules described in the sections above.

If the program is not prepared to resume admissions after two years of suspension, it must consult with the Graduate School to determine whether to extend the suspension with a reevaluation plan or to initiate program termination through an RCEP.

Policy 1.9 created: May 2022

revised: April 2026

Policy 1.8: Authorization and Periodic Review of Academic Programs and Units

1.8.1 Authorization of New Graduate Programs and Options

The review and approval process for new graduate degree programs, new graduate certificate programs, and degree options [alternative credentials per Policy 1.3] within existing graduate programs is coordinated by the Office of Academic Affairs in the Graduate School. During this process, elements not related to the content, level, or policy compliance of the graduate program, such as financial aid eligibility, visa eligibility, program location, tuition and fee structure, are referred to the appropriate University administrative offices for assessment.

[Additional guidance on the program proposal process]

1.8.2 Review and Authorization of Graduate Program Changes

The Office of Academic Affairs in the Graduate School reviews and authorizes changes to graduate program curricula and graduate program titles. The Office also serves as a stakeholder and provides feedback on proposed changes to a program’s location and mode of delivery.

[Additional guidance on changing an existing program]

1.8.3 Termination of Graduate Program Options

The Office of Academic Affairs in the Graduate School authorizes the termination of options within graduate degree programs in those circumstances where there will be no impact on faculty appointments, significant change to curriculum of college/school/campus, or departure from mission of college/school/campus.

[Additional guidance on terminating a degree option]

1.8.4 Periodic Review

1.8.4.1 Periodic Review of Academic Units and Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

University of Washington Executive Order 20.4 mandates the regular review of all degree-offering academic units, including the undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs they administer. Although responsibility for academic unit review is shared by the Dean of the Graduate School and the Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, the Graduate School’s Office of Academic Affairs is designated to oversee and facilitate the academic unit review process.

[Additional guidance on academic unit review]

1.8.4.2 Five-Year Reports for Provisionally Authorized Programs

New academic graduate programs are initially authorized by the Board of Regents with provisional status. Programs with provisional status must undergo review at least once every five years until they are granted continuing status.

[Additional guidance on five-year reports]

Policy 1.8 created: February 1985. Revised: June 2010; January 2017; October 2022; March 2024; June 2025; May 2026