International Applicant Information

How Do I Apply?

The entire application process is completed online. On our program requirements page, you will be able to find admission requirements for each program, start or continue an 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 processes, international applicants must follow the earlier application deadlines below.

Please note that in order to receive the I-20, you must be admitted to a Master’s degree program. As an example, if you apply to a Master’s program as the Primary degree and a graduate certificate as the Secondary degree, and you were admitted to the graduate certificate program but not the Master’s program, then an I-20 would not be issued to you.  

Spring Entry - Complete application by October 15

Summer Entry - Complete application by April 1 (Please note: Applicants to the Human Resource Development program are not eligible to apply for the Summer term.)

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 for program deadlines.

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; these tuition rates can be found on the Bursar's website. There is a $50 fee applied each semester for general university services. Two types of competitive, merit-based funding are available for full-time, matriculated degree-seeking students: 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. Fall classes typically begin in mid-late August and end in mid-late December. Spring classes typically begin in mid-January and end in mid-May. Please check the academic calendar for specific dates based on the semester and year. Most courses are three credits each, and a full-time student generally takes 6 to 9 credits per term.

1. Proof of English Proficiency

TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test (DET)

English language proficiency can be demonstrated by submitting official test results directly either from an in-person administration of TOEFL iBT or IELTS, or the online DET. It is strongly recommended that applicants satisfy English language proficiency through one of these methods.

A score of 80 or higher on the TOEFL iBT test, 6.5 or higher on the IELTS test or 120 or higher on the DET is required for students who speak a native language other than English.* Scores are considered valid from exams taken a maximum of two years prior to application program deadlines. Please submit official TOEFL scores to Villanova using the school code 2959. Official IELTS scores can be sent electronically or by hard copy to the Graduate Studies Office. Official DET scores should be sent electronically through the DET platform.

International applicants do not need to submit the TOEFL, IELTS or DET if the applicant meets any of the following criteria: 

• You are a citizen of Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland or New Zealand. 
• You earned your prior college or university degree in the United States or one of the countries listed above.** 

For Theology PhD applicants, if the above criteria is met, you must then contact the Program Director to make the request to be considered for a proof or English proficiency waiver.

*Some programs require higher scores. In addition, please contact your program director if your test score does not meet the relevant requirement. Our programs' evaluation of an applicant’s linguistic competence does not rely exclusively on these tests and, in some cases, exceptional applicants with scores below these thresholds are considered.

**Some programs may request a copy of the TOEFL, IELTS or DET score you submitted for entrance to the institution in the United States at which you earned a degree. 

• The Theology PhD program, Philosophy PhD program, and MA in Communication program require a minimum overall TOEFL score of 100, with a minimum score of 23 in each section. Additional online interviews may also be required.
• The Theology PhD program recommends a score of 125 or higher on the DET.
  
• The MA programs in History, Political Science and Theology require an overall TOEFL score of 90.
• The MS programs in Computer Science and Software Engineering will not accept DET scores for the Spring 2023 semester, but will accept DET scores for the Fall 2023 semester.

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 making arrangements with the credential evaluation company to send and receive their documents. Fees vary depending on the evaluator and whether a translation is needed. If you are using the service of a credential evaluator that has the capability to send the credentials evaluation electronically, please instruct them to send it to gradinformation@villanova.edu; otherwise, please use the mailing address below.

Villanova will accept a course-by-course credential evaluation from any NACES member.

The following credential evaluators offer electronic delivery:

• International Education Evaluation
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• SpanTran
• World Education Services (WES)

Transfer Credit: International students who request to transfer credits from a college or university outside of the U.S. or Canada must submit a credential evaluation for those courses.

3. Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended are required at time of application. Official transcripts are required after an admission decision has been rendered and before a student can enroll in classes. Please note that official transcripts will likely also be required by credential evaluating organizations.

Please submit all materials to:

Villanova University
Office of Graduate Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Vasey Hall - Suite 202
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

4. Financial Certification (if admitted)

Financial certification must be provided upon offer of admission. Official financial certification in the amount of $27,500 (amount subject to change) which covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance for 1 academic year is a requirement for all international students in need of an F1 Visa.

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 on campus. To help you prepare for your arrival and your time at the university, we have prepared the materials listed below.

Upon arriving at Villanova you might consider taking a course in the English for Everyday Life series through the College of Professional Studies (CPS). Students explore topics of interest from everyday life while practicing and building English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Please note: Courses through CPS will not count towards your degree in Graduate Studies. 

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

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Pre-Arrival Booklet