Graduate students should visit our Graduate School for application information. U.S. citizens living abroad or in U.S. territories should follow the domestic First-Year or Transfer application process.

International Admissions Process

Competitive applicants will have an academic background that shows achievement and a strong program of study.

For applicants from non-English speaking countries:

• Proof of English language proficiency in ONE of the following ways:
  • Minimum standardized test score:
    • Note: Please specify the JMU CEEB code (005392) on the testing form. Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to JMU. Student copies will not be accepted.
    • IELTS - Minimum Overall score of 6.5
      • Of the 4 sub-scores listed:
        • 3 sub-scores at 6.5 or above
        • 1 sub-score 6.0 and above
    • GTEC CBT minimum score of 1210
    • Duolingo English Test - Minimum Overall score of 120
      • Of the 4 sub-scores listed:
        • 3 sub-scores at 100 or above
        • Production sub-score above 95
    • Pearson PTE Academic - Minimum Overall score of 58
      • All sub-scores above 56
    • TOEFL - Minimum Overall score of 81

      • JMU is aware that effective January 21, 2026, the reporting of TOEFL scores will be changing. To ease the impact for applicants, JMU will transition to the new score reports during the two year transition period.

        • TOEFL exams taken before January 21, 2026, a minimum TOEFL score of 81 on the internet-based TOEFL exam will continue to remain in effect.
        • TOEFL exams taken after January 21, 2026 will require a minimum TOEFL exam score of 81 OR a score of 4.5 on the New TOEFL internet-based scale.
    • SAT minimum score of 500 on the Evidenced Based Reading and Writing Portion of SAT exam
    • Cambridge English Exam - Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) minimum score of 176, CEFR level
  • Submission of a General Certificate of Secondary Education or General Certificate of Education "O" level in English language.
  • Possession of an American associate's degree or a minimum of two years of continuous full-time college level coursework leading to a bachelor's degree 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 do not meet the required English proficiency but meet all other academic requirements, the student may apply for the International Year Program at the James Madison University International Study Center.

Optional: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Assessment (ACT).

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 June 1st.