A-to-Z Index

International Graduate Student Admissions


  

Applying as an International Student to JMU Graduate programs

Requirements
Deadlines
English Language Requirement
Financial Aid/Grants
Forms to download
Credential Evaluation Services
Office of International Student and Scholar Services

  

Requirements

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  • We require all applicants whose first language is not English to adequately demonstrate English competency as a part of the application process. Students may demonstrate competency by submitting scores from IELTS (International English Language Testing System) OR have official TOEFL scores sent directly to JMU from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Our institutional code is 5392.   
  • Have the funds necessary for expenses during entire period of study at JMU without resorting to employment while in the United States. Completed Financial Declaration Form is required.
  • Have official transcripts sent directly to JMU from all previously attended institutions, including an official final transcript showing the baccalaureate degree (mailed in individually sealed envelopes from all previously attended institutions).
  • Have official GRE or GMAT scores sent directly to JMU from the testing site. (Some programs require other tests. See the catalog for specific standardized test accepted by the program to which you are applying.)
  • Have a course-by-course credential evaluation sent directly to JMU from one of the firms listed below. The non-US baccalaureate academic record must be evaluated and submitted to ensure that it is comparable to an American baccalaureate degree.
  • Enter the US on a valid nonimmigrant visa.

Deadlines

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If you currently reside outside the US: Allow 12 months from the time of application for admission to the semester that you request to enroll at JMU.

If you currently reside within the US: Allow 6 months from the time of application for admission to the semester that you request to enroll at JMU.

*Some programs have specific deadlines; click here to see the application deadlines for graduate programs.  

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English Language Proficiency Requirements 

English is the language of instruction for all classes and all papers must be written in English.

Applicants whose first or native language is not English must demonstrate their proficiency in English through one of the following:

  • TOEFL:  Submission of minimum test scores: 570 paper-based or 88-89 internet-based.  For more information on the TOEFL test, visit http://www.toefl.org/.
  • IELTS:  JMU requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS. JMU only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center.  No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted.  An institutional code is NOT required. Please contact the test center where you took the test directly and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system.  All IELTS test centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution. For more information on IELTS visit http://www.ielts.org.
  • Possession of an American bachelor's degree equivalent from an accredited institution located in a country where English is the native language.
  • Submission of a certificate of completion of the highest level of an English Language program.

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Financial Aid Information

Foreign citizens, even those currently living in the U.S., are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid.  However, international graduate students are eligible for assistantships. Students who are accepted to JMU as graduate students are eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantships. Assistantships pay 9 credit hours of tuition per semester, as well as a stipend.
Information about Graduate Assistantships   

  

Forms to download

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  • Financial Declaration Form. This form is used to show that international applicants have the funds necessary for the entire period of study without resorting to employment in the U.S. All applicants planning on coming to JMU on a student visa must submit the completed financial declaration form. At least $27,000 must be certified on the form.

  • International Student Advisor Report. This form must be filled out and submitted by all applicants currently in the U.S. on a student visa who wish to transfer their visa to JMU.  The form confirms to JMU that you have a valid student visa and are eligible to transfer your visa.   

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Credential Evaluation Services

All applicants who received a Baccalaureate degree or higher from a non-U.S. university must have a course-by-course credential evaluation. The evaluation must be completed and sent directly to JMU from one of the following credential evaluation services:

A2Z Evaluations

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.(ECE)

Educational Perspectives

Global Credential Evaluators (GCE)

International Education Research Foundation

Josef Silny

World Education Services (WES)

For WES users: Please order the WES ICAP service to have your transcripts sent to the Graduate School along with your credential evaluation. 

James Madison University does not necessarily endorse the services listed above, and using one of these services does not ensure acceptance or awarding of credit by JMU. However, JMU generally honors the assessment of credit to be awarded by these services. Application forms for the evaluation of foreign educational credentials may be obtained by contacting these services directly.

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Office of International Student and Scholar Services

The University has a Director of International Student and Scholar Services to assist all international students. Requests for information concerning federal regulations, visa, and health insurance should be directed to:

    Director
    Office of International Student and Scholar Services
    James Madison University, JMAC 6, MSC 5731
    Harrisonburg, VA 22807
    (540)568-6119

For more information on international student services, visit the
Office of International Student and Scholar Services Web site.

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What are the steps to apply for admission to a JMU graduate program?

  1. Submit the online application and $55.00 (USD) application fee.
  2. Send official TOEFL scores OR IELTS scores to JMU.
  3. Send official GRE/GMAT scores to JMU.
  4. Send official transcripts to The Graduate School.
  5. Send official credential evaluation to The Graduate School.
  6. Submit a completed Financial Declaration Form.
  7. Students currently in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa: send a copy of your current visa and completed ISAR form.

I've submitted the required documents: What's next?

Once the documents listed above have been received, The Graduate School will forward your application file to the program for review.  You will receive an email letting you know that your file is complete.  Graduate programs have 60 days to make their admission decision.  You will be notified of the decision by letter. 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If your application file is not yet complete or if you have not yet applied, contact The Graduate School:

International Applicant Liaison
tgs@jmu.edu

If your application file is complete, contact the program to which you applied.