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Before you get started, here’s what you need to know as an international applicant.

• Applicants for admission to VCU graduate programs must hold the academic equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.

• You must complete any special departmental requirements in advance, including standardized tests, and the appropriate testing agency must send your official test results to the Office of Admissions.

• The Graduate Bulletin provides information about VCU’s schools and their available graduate programs, including those offered through VCU health sciences schools. The Graduate Bulletin lists the type of degree awarded, terms of entry, application deadline dates, test and other admission requirements for each of these programs.

• Program requirements and deadlines vary by department, so pay close attention to those that apply to your chosen field of study.

• Depending on your academic history, you may be required to take additional coursework to strengthen your academic preparation for graduate study.

The admission process for international graduate students can take six to eight weeks, depending on how soon the applicant can provide the necessary materials.

Be ready to pay the application fee

A $70 state-required application fee must accompany all applications. The application fee is nonrefundable and must be submitted online using a credit card. Applications may not be processed if submitted without a fee.

Deadlines and admission decisions

Applications must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the individual department or school’s deadlines as stated in the Graduate Bulletin. Admissions decision notification dates vary by graduate program. To check on the status of your application, please contact VCU’s international admissions staff at [email protected] or (804) 828-6016.