You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the University Pathway Program and entry to Woodbury University on this page. See frequently asked questions about:

• University Pathway Program
• Your university degree
• Entry requirements
• English language level
• Fees
• Dates
• Applying
• Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel, etc)
• Contacting us

University Pathway Program

Who is the course designed for?
The University Pathway Program is an access course for international students who want to study at University in the USA. You must meet all the University's requirements for degree admission, except the undergraduate or graduate TOEFL requirement. The University Pathway Program will improve your language proficiency to the level necessary for a Woodbury University degree.

How long is the University Pathway Program?
This depends on how quickly you make progress, and your level of English on entry. Most students reach the appropriate level of English proficiency in one or two semesters.

What will I study on the University Pathway Program?
As well as English language (listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar,) you will also develop practical study skills, and learn about American Culture. As your English improves, you can choose to take one or two University academic credit classes alongside your Pathway Program, with permission from your student advisor.

Where is the University Pathway Program taught?
Pathway Program classes are taught on the Woodbury University campus. You will study alongside American and other international students at the University.

How will I be assessed during the University Pathway Program?
Small class sizes mean your instructors are able to monitor your progress carefully and know when you are ready for academic courses. You will create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to ensure maximum success within the program. This includes monthly grade reports and active advising coordinated with the staff at Woodbury University.

How will I know when I'm ready to progress to a degree?
At the end of the semester, you will be recommended for full-time study on your degree program if you have:

• passed all of your University Pathway Program courses
• completed your academic portfolio
• reached the target English Language level (equivalent of TOEFL iBT 79)

The Academic Affairs office at Woodbury University makes the final decision of when you are allowed to transition into your degree program.

Who runs the University Pathway Program?
The University Pathway Program is run and operated by Study Group, global experts in university preparation and international education, in partnership with Woodbury University.

How many hours of study are there per week?
This will vary depending on how many credit classes you can take and your level of English, but you will be on a full timetable with approximately 18-26 academic hours of class time per week.

Can I use all the facilities on campus?
Yes! You will be a fully enrolled Woodbury student, and have full access to all campus facilities including borrowing rights at the library, entry to student clubs and organizations and the ability to apply for a job on campus.

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Your university degree

Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at Woodbury University?
Yes. On entering the University Pathway Program, you have the peace of mind of knowing that you have met the academic entry requirement for a Woodbury University degree. You will receive a conditional offer for a degree -  conditional upon your English Language proficiency increasing to the standard required, by completion of the University Pathway Program. Your visa is issued for the entire duration of your studies.

Which degrees can I study at the University?
See the undergraduate majors and MBA degree available to international students at Woodbury University.

How can I find out about the degree courses?
Links to more information about all of Woodbury University degrees can be found on the University's online Undergraduate Catalog and Graduate catalog.

How long are undergraduate University degrees in the USA?
Baccalaureate programs in the United States generally take four years to complete. Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees in America.

How long are Master's degrees in the USA?
In the US, a graduate (or Master's) degree is usually studied for 1-2 years, but the length of time varies depending on the number of credits required.

When can I begin studying my Woodbury University degree?
During phase 2 of the University Pathway Program, you can choose to take some credit classes towards your degree. You will move into full-time degree study when you have reached the language level required for degree entry (see English Language FAQs).

When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
You must choose your preferred degree before you apply for the University Pathway Program. Your University Pathway Program application form is also your Woodbury University degree application.

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Entry requirements

How do I qualify for the University Pathway Program?
You must meet all the entry requirements for your chosen degree program, except the standard Woodbury University TOEFL requirement (see English Language Level FAQs).

What are the academic entry requirements for a Woodbury University bachelor's degree?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation with the equivalent of 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average). Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.

What are the academic entry requirements for the University Pathway Program? High school graduation with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.

What are the academic entry requirements for a Woodbury University Master's degree?
Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0, completion of a bachelor's degree program from an accredited university and specific requirements for individual courses. See the entry requirements page for details or Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.

How old do I have to be to start the program?
For the undergraduate program you must be at least 17 years-of-age.

Can international students apply to the University Pathway Program?
Yes, the University Pathway Program at Woodbury University is designed for international students who need to improve their English before a degree. You must be a non-American citizen, ordinarily resident outside the USA.

Can US students apply?
We do not accept applications from US citizens.

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English language level

What level of English language do I need to enter the University Pathway Program?
Students must have an English language level equivalent to TOEFL 32 iBT (97 CBT/400 PBT).

What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the University Pathway Program entry requirements?
Depending on your level of English, you can study ESL classes in Los Angeles before you start the University Pathway Program.

How can I find out my English Language level?
We will determine your English level with a test when you arrive at Woodbury University.

Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying?
No. You can take the Study Group English test if you do not have a current IELTS or TOEFL grade. We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test before you arrive.

What level of English language do I need for a Woodbury University degree?
When you reach the equivalent English level of TOEFL 79 iBT, you can move into full-time study on your Woodbury University degree.

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Fees

What are the fees for Woodbury University?
Tuition fees in US dollars (USD) are shown on the fees page for both the University Pathway Program, and for your degree program. Tuition fees are likely to rise each intake.

Can I get a scholarship?
Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships for the University Pathway Program. We encourage you to contact:

• the Financial Aid Office of Woodbury University to inquire about the financial aid available to international students.
• your relevant government agency to inquire about international study scholarships or student loans.
• the US embassy in your home country.

What bank account should fees be paid into?

More information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

When are the fees payable?
Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of $500 in order to release the I-20 immigration documents that you will need to apply for a visa. The remaining fees can either be paid in two installments, or in full in advance. Payments are due:

• July 1st for the fall semester
• November 1st for the spring semester

How can fees be paid?
We accept payment by wire (electronic bank transfer), check or Bank Draft drawn in US dollars, or by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Wire payments are recommended.

Are there any extra charges?

• The service fee for the payment plan is $500.
• Payments made by credit card after the due date will be subject to a fee of 2% of the total program value unless you have paid for an optional payment plan.
• Students with balances due after 30 days are subject to a $500 late payment fee.
• A fee of $100 may be added to bookings when a post-arrival study plan change is requested.

Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.

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Dates

When can I start the University Pathway Program?
You can start the program in the spring semester (January) or fall semester (August) each year.

What is the Woodbury University academic calendar?

When can I start my Woodbury University degree?
You move onto your degree program in either January or August, following completion of all Pathway Program courses and having reached the required English level for degree study. The timing depends on the rate of your progress but most students start full-time degree study one or two semesters after they join the University Pathway Program. However, you may be opt to take credit classes towards your degree in Phase 2 of the Program.

There are three intakes each year for the MBA program: January, August and October.

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Applying

How do I apply to the Woodbury University Pathway Program?
You apply for the University Pathway Program through Study Group. You can submit your application in two ways:

1. Download the application form, complete it electronically, and fax or email it back to us.
2. Contact our Student Enrollment Advisors using the online form to ask a question first

What happens after I submit my application?
You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications. Read more about the next steps in the admissions process.

Who will help me with my application?
One of our team of expert International Student Advisors will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the University. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.

When will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
If your application is successful, we will offer you a place at the University. To accept your place, you must sent us a $500 deposit. Once we have received your deposit payment we will send you an I-20 document. You will need to submit this with your visa application.

How long does it take to apply to the University?
The University Pathway Program application process is much faster than applying directly to a University. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within 3 to 4 weeks once we have all your relevant documentation.

What is the deadline for applications?
There is no deadline - we offer rolling admissions. However, we do recommend that you apply as early as possible for the University Pathway Program, and at least ten weeks before it starts, because the visa application process may cause delays to your admission.

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Pre-arrival

Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
Yes, comprehensive insurance is offered to students on the University Pathway Program. The insurance has been developed specifically for international students. View more information about StudyCare insurance.

Do I need a visa to study in the US?
Yes, you will most likely require an F-1 Student Visa. See our visas page for more information. Visas will be issued for the entire duration of your studies at Woodbury University.

Can I work while I am a student in the US?
You are legally allowed to work in positions on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during University semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation breaks. Further advice can be found on the Woodbury Office of International Admissions website.

How do I get to Woodbury University?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.

Will I be picked-up at the airport?
Yes, if you book and pay for a transfer during the booking process. This means that a private car service will pick you up on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and take you to your accommodation.

When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University in time for international student orientation. Dates for the Fall 2011 intake are:

• Arrival: August 18
• Orientation: August 19-21
• Classes start: August 22

What will happen when I arrive in the US?
Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. You will receive expert care and support from Study Group’s staff on campus.

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Contacting us

How do I find out more about Woodbury University?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.

How can I contact the Woodbury University Pathway Program?
You can contact us using the online inquiry form, by telephone, by fax or by post. Details are on the How to Contact us page.

Who will answer my questions?
The University Pathway Program is run by Study Group. Our team of expert Student Enrollment Advisors will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the University.

What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you.

How can I get in contact with other students at Woodbury University?
Join the Student Facebook Group to connect with other students at Woodbury University.

I am trying to use your inquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our inquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You can contact us by email instead on iscusa@studygroup.com.

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