Applying as an International Student

You will find a place for yourself here

JMU hosts more than 425 international and foreign-born students from 75 different countries. The countries from which the greatest number of students originate are Korea, China, India, Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

Learn more about Madison's location in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, rigorous academic programs, rankings and recognitions, and our affordable tuition and fees.

International Admissions Process

International undergraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis. See below for deadlines and application guidelines.

Note: Graduate students should visit our Graduate School for application information. U.S. citizens living abroad and students living in U.S. territories should follow the same application process as domestic students.

• Application, submitted online or by mail (download ).
• Transcripts or statement of marks of all secondary and post-secondary education, translated into English. Transcripts must be complete. For applicants still enrolled the transcript or statement of marks must also include grades for the most recent term. The transcript must be an original copy certified by the sending institution.
• Excellent class rank and an academic background that shows a strong program of study.
• At least one letter of recommendation.
• Proof of English language proficiency in ONE of the following ways:
  
  • For applicants who meet all other admission requirements but lack the necessary TOEFL or IELTS score, the student may enroll in the English Language Transition Program.
  • TOEFL scores for applicants from non-English speaking countries. The TOEFL scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services to the Office of Admissions. Please specify the JMU CEEB code (005392) on the testing form.   
  • Minimum test scores: 550 paper-based TOEFL, 80-81 Internet-based TOEFL.
  • SAT score of 500 on the Critical Reading Portion of SAT exam.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 - 7. Submitted scores must be directly from IELTS. Student copies will not be accepted.
  • Submission of a General Certificate of Secondary Education or General Certificate of Education "O" level in English language.
  • Possession of an American associate's or bachelor's degree equivalent from an accredited institution located in a country where English is the native language.
  • Graduation from an accredited high school in a native English-speaking country where the applicant has resided for at least four years.
  • For applicants who meet all other admission requirements but lack the necessary TOEFL or IELTS score, the student may enroll in the English Language Transition Program.
• Financial certification form (download ). This form must be completed by the student's sponsor or financial guarantor and submitted with the requested documents.
• Standardized test scores (optional): Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Assessment (ACT).
• Copies of your temporary visa documents.
• F-1 or J-1 Transfer Clearance Form. This form must be completed by all freshmen applicants attending high school in the United States and transfer students attending college in the U.S. 
• Applicants from China: We recommend that applicants participate in a third-party interview which gives you the opportunity to discuss your academic and personal background. Companies such as InitalView can conduct interviews. Interviews must be completed and submitted prior to the International Application deadline of April 1st.
• $50 application fee.

Finances

Tuition

Tuition: $21,738 per year
Room and Board: $8,128 per year
Yearly total: $31,539
Financial certification amount required for I-20: $34,000

Financial Aid & Scholarships

James Madison University awards tuition grants to international applicants who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The awards are granted each year ranging from $500 - $13,000. We use your application for admission, transcripts and test scores to make scholarship decisions; there is no separate scholarship application required to be considered for these tuition grants. Those who apply by February 15 will be given priority consideration for financial awards.

Need to Improve Your English First?

For students whose academic qualifications meet the entry requirements, but whose English is not yet proficient, it is possible to be admitted to JMU with enrollment and successful completion of our intensive English Language Transition Program.

If our English Language Transition Program is not a good fit, JMU also has a partnership with Eastern Mennonite University, a smaller university located in the same city as JMU. EMU's Intensive English Program is another option for transitioning to coursework at JMU.

Education USA

Get special assistance applying from outside the USA. Learn more »

Cambridge International Program

Students who participated in the Cambridge International Examination program can earn college credit at JMU. View the 2012-13 Undergraduate Catalog for CI exam listings, required scores, and more information.

Obtaining Transfer Credit

If you have taken courses at a non-U.S. college or university and would like to apply for transfer credit, you must first have your transcripts translated by a global evaluation service and sent to JMU. JMU accepts evaluations from any organization that is a member of NACES, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. View list of NACES members.

You should direct your global evaluation service to send a copy of your evaluation directly to JMU at the following address:

James Madison University
Office of International Admissions
MSC 0108
481 Bluestone Dr.
Harrisonburg, VA 22807 USA

Please Note: The global evaluation is simply a translation of your work. It is not a guarantee of credit. JMU will complete an evaluation of credit after the translated transcript is received and an offer of admission has been made.

More Topics

• Frequently asked questions about visas, travel requirements, working in the U.S., what to bring to JMU, health insurance, questions about your spouse and more
• Support services for international students
• Information for admitted international students
• Ask a JMU student! Find out what it's really like to be an international student at JMU from one of our current students
• Schedule a Skype session! If you are currently residing outside of the US, you can email us at international@jmu.edu to schedule a 30-minute appointment with an admissions counselor.