Admissions for International Students

The department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) offers many opportunities for international students to excel in our program. We encourage international students to apply for admission as full time students in our programs.

Requirements for Applicants Demonstrating English Language Proficiency.

Applicants who do not have English as their native language need to prove their English Language Proficiency.

For ways to satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement through proof of previous education and not through test scores, please read the beginning of this policy, but keep in mind that if you do end up needing to use test scores to prove English Language Proficiency, you will need to satisfy the minimum score requirements that are outlined here, not the minimum scores that are displayed in that linked policy.

Human Centered Design & Engineering only accepts the following minimum scores. To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the required minimum scores listed below.

TOEFLiBT Total Score: 92
IELTS Score: Total 7
Duolingo Total Score: 125

There are no specific sub-score minimums that applicants need to meet.

(Note: These score requirements were recently updated in April 2025)

Information regarding international degrees and language proficiency requirements can be found on the UW Graduate School International Student Application page.

The UW Graduate School also maintains a page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for international applicants.

Sending TOEFL Test Scores

Please use UW institutional code 4854. If a department code is required, indicate 99 (Any Department Not Listed).

MyBest scores are accepted.

Applicants who are providing a TOEFL score to demonstrate English language proficiency should include a copy of their unofficial scores in the application.

Please note: It may take several weeks for TOEFL scores to show as being "received" by the University of Washington. After applying, please be patient and periodically log-in to your application profile to check the status of your application. Do not contact the Graduate School or the department of Human Centered Design & Engineering to check the status of test scores or any other application materials.

Applicants using IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365, or by selecting "University of Washington - all campuses." An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.

International Student Visa and Employment Resources

Please direct all questions about visas, employment, OPT, and travel to UW International Student Services.