LWTech is a public technical college in Kirkland, on Seattle's Eastside, a short drive from Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond. It teaches hands-on programmes that lead straight to work: computing, cybersecurity, health, design and trades. Some finish as applied bachelor's degrees, and associate transfer degrees are also offered. It is also home to the state's only funeral service programme.
Kirkland, Washington, United States
Official website: lwtech.edu
Public institute of technology in Washington
Kirkland, Seattle's Eastside
Certificates, associate and applied bachelor's degrees
$10,000 – $14,000
International students, per year, varies by programme
$18,000 – $24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on lwtech.edu before you apply.
BAS Computing and Software Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
BAS Cybersecurity and Networking
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
AAS Funeral Service Education
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 68
Applied bachelor's degrees in computing and cybersecurity.
A campus close to Microsoft and the Eastside tech firms.
Washington's only funeral service education programme.
Computing graduates join software, IT support and network teams around Seattle.
Transfer students move on to Washington universities.
STEM bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT and the STEM extension.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is on a hillside above Totem Lake, with computing labs, health clinics and trade workshops. There are no residence halls, so students rent or use homestays.
Kirkland sits on the shore of Lake Washington. Rents on the Eastside are high, and Seattle is about 30 minutes by bus.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
LWTech admits international students for most quarters. Apply two to three months before the quarter starts to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
The college runs on quarters, with starts in fall, winter and spring. Some programmes only start in fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Lake Washington Institute of Technology first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computing and software development, cybersecurity, transfer degrees and funeral service are popular. Entry needs completed secondary school and English at IELTS 5.5 to 6.0; applied bachelor's degrees also need prior college credit.
The LWTech Foundation offers some scholarships, but awards for international students are limited. Ask the international office what you can apply for.
