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Frequently Asked Questions

GRADUATE NONMATRICULATED (GNM) STATUS

Q: What is a Graduate Non-matriculated Student?

Graduate Non-matriculated (GNM) defines a student status designed to provide access to graduate courses for qualified post-baccalaureate individuals who are not at the present time seeking a graduate degree but who may later want to apply these credits toward a degree.  All applicants must be evaluated by the graduate unit in which they seek this status and be judged qualified to do graduate level work in the courses to which they seek entry.

Q: What is the difference between Non-matriculated (NM) student status and Graduate Non-matriculated (GNM) status?

GNM status does not refer to any degrees you currently hold, but to whether or not you plan to apply the credits to a specific graduate degree in the future.  Credits taken as a Non-matriculated student cannot be applied to a graduate degree.  If you wish to take graduate-level courses but do NOT plan on applying the credits to a degree, you should register as a Non-matriculated (NM) student.  Please visit the UW Educational Outreach website at www.outreach.washington.edu for information on how to register for this status.

Q: How do I become a GNM student?

Applicants to GNM status must contact the department directly for application information.  Not all departments choose to offer GNM status.  Departments will counsel students regarding GNM status and provide instructions and departmental requirements to appropriate candidates.   Applicants must then complete the Application for Graduate Study and submit official transcripts from each collegiate institution that they have attended.

Q: How do I register for courses as a GNM student?

Because GNM is a special access status, registration is done through UW Educational Outreach. Successful applicants will be referred to a website to register for classes.  However, GNM students who are using the UW or State Employee Tuition Benefit will register through MyUW .

Q: How many credits may I earn as a GNM student?

GNM students may take any number of credits, but please note the following:  should you later be admitted to a master's degree program, a maximum of 12 GNM credits or any combination of GNM and transfer credits may be applied toward the degree.  If you are admitted to a doctoral program, a maximum of 12 GNM credits may be applied.  (Transfer credits from another institution are not accepted toward a doctoral degree.)

Q:Must I register every quarter in order to maintain GNM status?

Not unless you are using the UW or State Employee Tuition Benefit and registering through MyUW, in which case you must maintain continuous registration (except for Summer Quarter) or lose your student status.  If you register through UW Educational Outreach you are not required to maintain continuous enrollment, but after an absence of 4 consecutive quarters or registration in any other status, you must repeat the GNM application process.

Q: May students with F-1 visas participate in the GNM program?

No.  Federal regulations mandate that international students be enrolled in a program of study which leads to a degree.

Q: Can I be a GNM student in more than one department? 

Yes, but not simultaneously.  Students may hold GNM status in only one unit at a time and they may not hold any other student status while enrolled as a GNM student.  If you want to transfer to GNM status in another program, you must apply to that program in the usual way.  However, you may request that transcripts and other student records from the first program be forwarded to supplement the new GNM application.

Q: What are the standards for academic performance for a GNM student? 

GNM students are expected to maintain a grade-point-average of at least 3.00.

Q: How much does it cost to enroll as a GNM student? 

Students pay on a per-credit basis as follows:  Graduate fees are assessed for all courses 500 level and above, and undergraduate fees are assessed for courses at the 100 to 499 level.  Current information may be obtained from UW Educational Outreach, (206) 543-2310 or on their website:  http://www.outreach.washington.edu/

Q:When can I apply to Graduate School?

You may apply to Graduate School at any time, although some departments do not admit students every quarter.  However, a master's degree must be completed within 6 years and a doctoral degree within 10 years of the first GNM course that is applied toward graduate degree requirements.

Q: As a GNM student am I eligible to receive student financial aid and to purchase student health insurance?

Probably not.  Most financial aid is governed by federal regulations that require students to be enrolled in degree programs.  However, you may contact the Student Financial Aid Office at osfa@u.washington.edu for further information.

 Eligibility for student health insurance is restricted to students enrolled in degree programs.

Q:  Do I have access to University facilities such as the Library and the IMA?

GNM students may use the University Library system.  The IMA is supported by student service and activity fees associated with matriculated student enrollment.  Therefore, GNM students may not use the facilities.

Q: Can I open a computer account?

Yes.  Anyone taking a class for credit may have a computer account.