In addition to all of the other application requirements listed, international students must submit the following credentials:
- Official English translations of all transcripts, diplomas, and certificates (if applicable)
For further guidelines on submitting international credentials, please view the International Transcript Submission Guidelines
.
- Students Seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit:
a. Certificate of Financial Responsibility
b. An original bank statement in your name or your sponsor's
name demonstrating the minimum required funds for your
studies at the School of Public Policy
c. Copy of the identification page of your passport
- Proof of English proficiency by submitting either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English exam scores.
Please Note: George Mason University's test code is 5827.
Minimum score requirements are as follows:
|
|
PhD Applicant
|
Master's Degree Applicant
|
|
IELTS (Academic Test)
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
|
TOEFL (Paper-Based)
|
600
|
575
|
|
TOEFL (Internet Based)
|
100*
|
88**
|
|
Pearson Test of English
|
59
|
59
|
*must earn minimum score of 23 in each individual subsection
**must earn minimum score of 20 in each individual subsection
English Assessment Policy
It is necessary to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores if an applicant's degree(s) was conferred in any country other than the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (excluding Quebec). As part of the application review process for admission consideration, we will assess an applicant's English language proficiency.
Bridge-EET
Applicants may be asked to participate in Mason's BRIDGE English Enrichment Track (EET) program. The BRIDGE-EET program is a yearlong academic curriculum which provides English language development courses to enhance student success in graduate level English language coursework. Admission to the School of Public Policy may be contingent upon completing the BRIDGE-EET program. The intent of these courses is to develop students' English language skills for the demands of the Mason graduate curriculum. BRIDGE-EET adds approximately one academic year of time to the graduate program of study. Students can expect to finish the master's degree (inclusive of the BRIDGE-EET program) in approximately three years.
English Language Institute
All other admitted international students may be asked to take a comprehensive English language exam through Mason's English Language Institute (ELI) prior to beginning their SPP degree program. Based on the results of this assessment, students may be required to complete additional English language coursework. This may result in either a reduced credit load with the School of Public Policy during the first semester while taking mandatory English language courses at ELI or necessitate participation in the BRIDGE-EET program, possibly extending the time needed to complete the master's degree.
Additional Information
Please note that for both ELI coursework and the BRIDGE-EET program, students will be responsible for additional tuition charges associated with these mandated English courses.
For more information about international student resources, please visit the Office of International Programs and Services.