Prospective Grad Students - International | Villanova University

How Do I Apply?

The entire application process is done online, and it is easy to do. Start by going here. On this page. you will be able to find admission requirements for each program, create an account, start an application or resume working on your application, and check the status of your submitted application.

Deadlines for International Applicants

Typically, international students must obtain an I-20 and then a visa to become enrolled students in the U.S. Due to the processing time associated with these necessary tasks, Villanova strongly recommends that International Students follow these earlier application deadlines:

Fall Entry - Complete application by May 1.  Scholarship and assistantship deadlines may be earlier than this, such as February 1 or March 1. Be sure to review your respective program's website.

Spring Entry - Complete application by October 15

Summer Entry - Complete application by April 1

If you are already in the U.S. and are transferring from another U.S. Master's Program, later applications may be permitted. Speak to the Program Director and Graduate Studies for more information on transferring. In order to transfer to Villanova, you will need to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the university you are currently attending.

What Does Villanova Cost?

Graduate tuition in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is charged on a per-credit basis; for 2017-2018, the cost will be $770 per credit (for 2017-2018 the rate is $643 per credit for Religious Studies/Theology courses). There is a $50 fee applied each semester for general university services. Two types of competitive, merit-based funding are available for matriculated degree-seeking students who are studying full-time: Tuition Scholarships, which provide tuition remission for the total number of courses required for the degree; and Graduate Assistantships, which include a stipend along with tuition remission.  International students are eligible to apply for this funding. Click here for more information.

Academic Calendar

Villanova operates on the standard semester system, with courses offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The fall term begins around August 24, with orientation for incoming students a few days before classes start, and ends around December 20. Classes resume for the spring term in mid-January, ending in May. Many programs also offer summer classes during June and July. Most courses are three credits each, and a full-time student generally takes 6 to 9 credits per term. For the complete academic calendar click here.

Requirements for International Applicants

Students must fill out the online application and submit a $50 application fee.  International students must provide the following additional materials in order to be considered for admission:

1. Proof of English Proficiency.

Tests of English Language            Minimum score required

Another way to demonstrate proficiency in English is to study at an ELS Center.  If you meet all of our admissions requirements, you may receive a Conditional Letter of Acceptance until you have successfully completed the ELS Level 112 English for Academic Purposes. For more information about the English language programs offered by ELS, visit their website. There is an ELS Center very near Villanova University in Philadelphia, at St. Joseph’s University; its web address is www.els.edu/philadelphia.

2. Credential evaluation. Villanova requires that transcripts from colleges and universities outside the U.S. and Canada undergo a course-by-course analysis by an expert academic credential evaluator in the United States. Students are responsible for paying all fees for such evaluations and must make arrangements with the credential evaluation company to send and receive their documents. The fee is approximately $160. Villanova recommends the members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as acceptable evaluators. Information about NACES can be found here.

3. Official transcripts. Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended are required.

**Financial certification must be provided upon offer of admission. Official financial certification in the amount of $22,860 (amount subject to change) which covers tuition and living expenses for 1 academic year is a requirement for all international students in need of an F1 Visa.
 

Please submit all materials to:

Office of Graduate Studies
Kennedy Hall, 2^nd Floor
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

The Office of International Student Services is provided by the University to aid foreign students in becoming oriented to the University and the community. International Students may also use the office for aid with U.S. immigration requirements, and for assistance in using the facilities of the University. Contact Hubert Whan Tong by email or telephone the Office of International Students 610-519-8017.

All foreign students must register with the Office of International Student Services each semester. Any change of address must be reported immediately.

Graduate Student Council (GSC)

Multicultural organizations on campus, such as:

• International Student Outreach Society (ISOS)
• Villanova Indian Students Association (VISA)
• The Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA)
• The Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
• Vietnamese Students Association (VSA)

“Classes are usually very small, so there is always an opportunity for individual work with professors.” – Tatjana Prsa, Slovenia, Master of Science, Biology.

 “[Villanova] is allowing me to follow my dream of earning my Ph.D. and becoming a well-known scholar in the communication field. …. I am so excited to be part of the Villanova family now! - Marianela Nunez, Dominican Republic, Master of Arts, Communication.

“I believe my time in Villanova to be the continuation of my pursuit of education with an aim to free myself from induced and self-imposed ignorance.” - Shishav Parajuli, Nepal, Master of Arts, Political Science.

"Villanova has given me invaluable opportunities to conduct independent research and has prepared me for earning a PhD degree. As a first year, I've already presented posters at several conferences and I am involved in three different projects. I made the right decision coming to Villanova." - Joy (Yaeeun) Lee, Master of Arts, Psychology, Republic of Korea.

“Villanova University has offered me a new and dynamic approach to studies, with the availability of professors and the scholarly quest for truth and the need to help others in a changing world. Villanova is the right place for me, as I have found a home outside my home in Villanova University.”  - Andrew Chioma Ibegbulem, Master of Science, Counseling, Nigeria.

Thank you for selecting Villanova University for your graduate education, and congratulations on your admission. The graduate faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the staff of the Office of Graduate Studies look forward to welcoming you in person upon your arrival. To help you prepare for your departure and your time at the university, we have prepared the materials listed below.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Graduate Studies at gradinformation@villanova.edu with any questions.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Pre-Arrival Booklet