Admissions Requirements

Make the Most of Your Past Educational Experiences

Your previous educational experiences are valuable, and Winthrop wants to help you make them count. We accept transfer credits for our online programs, reducing the time and financial commitment required to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree. Eligible students can transfer up to:

• 75 percent of the credits for the B.P.S.
• 9 credits toward a master’s degree

If you have questions, our enrollment specialists are here to offer a smooth transfer experience. No matter where your educational journey began, we’ll support you in becoming a Winthrop graduate.

We’re Proud to Support Your Academic Success

Winthrop values our military students and the perspectives they bring to class. We offer dedicated services to active-duty and veteran students, helping us earn recognition as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in 2025, according to U.S. News & World Report.¹

Access Your VA Educational Benefits

We honor educational benefits offered to eligible veterans and their dependents through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits help approved students pay for college—additional details are available on the VA website.

We offer resources to help you use your VA benefits at Winthrop University. If you’re enrolled at Winthrop and have been approved by VA for educational benefits, email our VA benefits coordinator to receive assistance.

We Participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Winthrop works with VA to help cover tuition and fee expenses that exceed the thresholds established for the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® (Chapter 33). To discuss this opportunity with an enrollment specialist, request information or call 833-257-1704.

Winthrop Welcomes Students from Around the World

Students from an estimated 40 countries are continuing their education at Winthrop University. As you start the admissions process, keep these details in mind:

• We do not provide conditional admission for any prospective student. All admission requirements must be fulfilled before an application can be reviewed for an admission decision.
• Applicants must have all official test scores and transcript evaluations sent directly to our office from the issuing institution or agency. We cannot accept these documents from the applicant.
• Online programs cannot be approved for F-1 visa status.

With in-person and online formats, Winthrop provides options for full-time students and working professionals. Learn more about our in-person programs. Here are common requirements for international students applying to Winthrop’s online programs:

• Application: All international applicants must submit an online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $50.
• Transcript evaluations: Applicants are required to have international coursework evaluated by an independent evaluation service; a course-by-course evaluation is required, and the official report must be sent to us directly from the evaluation service. For coursework completed outside of the U.S., the international transcript evaluation is sufficient; we do not also need the official transcript directly from the school.
• Official U.S. transcripts: If any undergraduate or graduate coursework was completed in the U.S., those official transcripts must be sent directly to our online admissions office from the issuing institution(s). We will not accept transcripts from applicants.
• English language proficiency: All international applicants must present one of the following:
  • TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or at least 79 on the internet-based test
  • IELTS score of at least 6.0 (6.5 for the M.B.A.)
  • Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an English Language School (ELS) center

Applicants who take the TOEFL or IELTS must have the official score report sent to Winthrop University directly from the testing service. Applicants who complete the ELS program must have an official Certificate of Completion and Academic Report sent from the ELS center.

• Scores (for graduate programs only): Applicants must submit an official score on a standardized test (GMAT, GRE, MAT, PRAXIS, etc.), as appropriate to the discipline. An adequate score on an appropriate standardized test is required for admission to most graduate degree programs.
• Preparation: Applicants should have demonstrated adequate academic preparation in their proposed area of study. Those with deficiencies in academic preparation may be required to take additional work to strengthen their backgrounds.
• Program-specific requirements: The individual colleges may have other requirements, such as letters of recommendation, additional test scores, experience, an audition or a personal interview, educational background beyond the bachelor’s degree, etc. For specific requirements, review the admission details for your program of interest.

Do you have questions about the eligibility requirements for our online programs? Request information or call 833-257-1704 to talk with an enrollment specialist.