Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States • Founded 1834 • QS 2027 #801-850
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1834, the Wake Forest University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Winston-Salem (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North Carolina.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Wake Forest University (WFU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Wake Forest University (WFU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 190-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WFU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Wake Forest University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Wake Forest University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Wake Forest University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 6 items
- Babcock Graduate School of Management
- Professional Schools
- School of Law
- Wake Forest Divinity School
- Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Programs Offered
Search and filter Wake Forest University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
96 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 38 programmes
Showing 10 of 38.
Master's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Professional Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes
How to apply to Wake Forest University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Wake Forest University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Identify the right programme
Wake Forest University's catalogue includes 96 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Wake Forest University's admissions process.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Wake Forest University's official website at www.wfu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (336) 758 5000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wake Forest University
A short Q&A covering Wake Forest University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was Wake Forest University established?
Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 (approximately 192 years ago).
Where is Wake Forest University located?
Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, United States.
Is Wake Forest University public or private?
Wake Forest University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Wake Forest University?
Student enrolment at Wake Forest University is around 5,485.
How is Wake Forest University ranked?
It ranks QS 2027 #801-850.
Does Wake Forest University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Wake Forest University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
How is Wake Forest University organised academically?
Wake Forest University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Wake Forest University officially recognised?
Yes, Wake Forest University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is Wake Forest University's official website?
The institution's website is www.wfu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside Wake Forest University.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Other Christian-Protestant-affiliated institutions in the United States appear below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Winston-Salem: universities located close to Wake Forest University.
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