INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
STEM-Designated
The Villanova MSF program is STEM-designated, meeting governmental criteria as an approved field of study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. International students who complete the MSF and are working in their direct field of study are eligible to apply for a potential STEM OPT visa extension to gain up to an additional 24 months of work experience. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for additional details.
In addition to our standard application requirements, international applicants are required to submit additional documentation.
Please note the following differences and additions:
Official Transcripts of Academic Credentials
For international students who studied in the United States: One official transcript from each postsecondary educational institution for which nine credit hours or more of course work were taken, including undergraduate and graduate courses (if applicable). All transcripts (academic records) must be official documents sent directly from the college or university.
For international students who studied outside the United States: Students must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from a translation service such as WES or ECE, which includes a degree equivalency and a GPA. You will need to contact the credential service for information on how to obtain your evaluation. You do not need to submit additional copies of your transcript to Villanova; they will be included in your credential evaluation.
We do not waive this requirement, nor do we accept evaluations from other services. The credential evaluation must be received before a student’s application can be reviewed. If you have a question about whether you need to submit a credential evaluation, please contact gradbusinessinfo@villanova.edu.
Equivalency of U.S. Bachelor's Degree
Applicants who studied at colleges and universities outside the U.S. should have a degree or diploma that is the equivalent of the U.S. bachelor's degree or higher. International credentials are assessed in terms of the educational pattern of the country, the type of institution attended and the level of study completed before the expected date of enrollment in VSB. In general, the degree should represent a minimum of four years of college-level study following at least 12 years of schooling at the elementary and secondary level.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all applicants for whom English is not the primary language. An iBT minimum score of 90 is required. Scores are valid for two years. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service. Information regarding test dates, test ,centers and fees may be obtained by visiting www.toefl.org.
Financial Support Documents
After you are admitted to the Villanova MSF, we will contact you regarding proof of funding. Typically, we expect students to provide proof of funding within one month of their acceptance. Students who are accepted in the third round of admission may need to provide proof of funding immediately after admission.
The U.S. Department of State requires that international students admitted to an academic program in the United States have a student visa to enter the country and remain here for the duration of the program. Most students attend the program on an F-1 visa. To be issued an F-1 visa you must first obtain an I-20 document from Villanova University. To receive an I-20, you are required to submit proof of sufficient funding.
You may show funding from different sources as long as the total funding available meets the University’s guidelines for minimum funding for one full academic year of study, plus $9,000 toward living costs:
MSF Tuition: $52,500
Living Expenses: $15,000
Total: $67,500
The university also assesses a $50 general fee each semester.
Acceptable proof of funding for privately sponsored applicants is a certified current bank statement on official bank letterhead, signed by an authorized bank official, indicating that sufficient funds exist in U.S. dollars. An explanation of the relationship of the account holder to the applicant (i.e. self, spouse, parents, other relatives) should accompany the funding documents.
All sponsorship letters and bank statements must be written in English and cannot be dated any earlier than one year prior to the start of your program. Documents older than one year will need to be reissued. If you requested and were granted a deferral of admission, you must resubmit your documents dated no earlier than one year prior to the enrollment confirmation date indicated in your deferral letter.
Financial Support Documents
Yes, the Villanova MSF program is STEM-designated, meeting governmental criteria as an approved field of study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. International students who complete the MSF and are working in their direct field of study are eligible to apply for a potential STEM OPT visa extension to gain up to an additional 24 months of work experience. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for additional details.
The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 90.
No, we do not accept IELTS or any other language exams.
Yes. Students who earn their undergraduate degree in the United States, or have lived in the United States for the past two years, do not need to submit a TOEFL score. If you feel you meet these requirements and do not need to submit a TOEFL score, please contact Shea McCormick to request a TOEFL waiver.
No, we do not have different deadlines for international students. However, it is highly recommended that international students apply in the first two rounds of admission.
The Villanova MSF cohort typically includes 25-30% international students.
Yes, all international students who attended university outside of the US must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from WES or ECE. We do not waive this requirement, and it must be submitted at the time of application. We do not review incomplete applications, and therefore cannot review an application without the credential evaluation.
International students are not eligible for federal financial assistance. International citizens may seek private educational loans, provided a US citizen or permanent resident is willing co-sign the loan.
International students can apply for merit scholarships after they have been admitted. Merit scholarship requests are reviewed throughout the admissions cycle. Typically merit scholarships are one-time awards.
The MSF Fellowship is available to international students. This competitive graduate assistantship program allows students to pursue their MSF degree with reduced tuition charges while gaining experience in academic research. More information on the Fellowship is available here.
After you are admitted to the Villanova MSF, we will contact you regarding proof of funding. Typically, we expect students to provide proof of funding within one month of their acceptance. Students who are accepted in the third round of admission may need to provide proof of funding immediately after admission.
We do not require proof of funding at the time of application. Please do not send financial documents with your application documents.
Once we have received your proof of funding, we will immediately begin working with the International Student Office to begin the process of securing your visa. The International Student Office will generate an I-20, which typically takes two-three weeks after proof of funding has been provided. In order to obtain a student visa, present the I-20 Form to a United States embassy or consulate. If you are currently attending an American college or university on an F-1 visa, we will provide you with the appropriate form to complete a visa transfer to Villanova University.
Villanova University does not provide any on-campus housing for graduate students. The MSF student services staff provides students with a list of local apartment complexes. Some international students choose to live close to campus in surrounding neighborhoods, such as Rosemont and Ardmore, while others prefer to live in Philadelphia and commute to campus.
Our students recommend having a car, but it is not necessary to enjoy life in and around the Main Line. Public transportation, including SEPTA Regional Rail, is easily accessible from campus, and there are several apartment complexes within walking distance of the University. While having a car is convenient, students can easily take advantage of Villanova and the surrounding area without one.
Yes, international students participate in the same professional development program as domestic students. We strive to help all of our MSF students secure full-time employment in the finance industry. Our staff works closely with international students to help them address the unique challenges of their job search, and all MSF students will be matched with a professional mentor.
The following questions were answered by Win Su, an MSF international student.
It has been a unique experience to be an international student at Villanova. People are incredibly kind and friendly here. I would say that you get back what you put forth, especially as an international student. A friendly smile or hello is often reciprocated and will go a long way in making friends and feeling comfortable at Villanova and in the US, in general.
There is a cultural difference, wherever you may be from, so adjustment does take time and some patience. Be willing to ask and put yourself out there. I think those are the best ways to find your second home at Villanova, like I have.
Philadelphia is a relatively small city, and may be smaller than what you’re used to if you grew up in a capital city. In both size and population it’s smaller than New York City, so it's a little calmer and definitely less crowded. Philly is a cultural city, so there are social, athletic and artistic events and performances that go on year-round in the many parks and squares around the city. Farmers markets are commonplace, as are restaurants, bars and venues for live entertainment. There's a lot to see and to discover that isn't in your generic guidebooks.
As for the Main Line area, where Villanova is, it's suburban, green, and very residential. There are a lot of restaurants and commercial venues, but be prepared to go further distances than just down the block for a grocery store or a Starbucks.
The International Student Outreach Society and the International Student Office are helpful in all aspects of international student life at Villanova. They have workshops and activities and provide assistance with immigration, counseling and cultural issues. It is a great way to meet other international students. Additionally, international students can take advantage of the Falvey Library for additional academic support.
The size of Villanova is one of the unique traits of our campus. The student-faculty ratio encourages you to get to know your professors and vice versa. Your professors can be your best resource in all aspects of campus life, from classwork to professional development and mentoring. They are really there for you and helpful in ways I couldn't imagine when I first arrived.