INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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 MBT, 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:
MBT Tuition: $46,500
Living Expenses: $9,000
Total: $55,500
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 must be dated within the 3 months of issuing the I-20 document. Documents older than 3 months will need to be reissued. If you requested and were granted a deferral of admission, you must resubmit your documents dated no earlier than 3 months prior to the enrollment confirmation date indicated in your deferral letter.
Yes, the Villanova MBT is STEM certified.
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 Kimberly Kane 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.
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 Master of Business Taxation with Data Analytics Fellows Program is an assistantship that allows students to pursue their degree on a full-time basis while obtaining paid research experience with faculty members. Fellows receive a 50% tuition discount. In addition to receiving 50% remission of tuition and fees, fellows also receive a living stipend.
Please submit the MBT fellowship application to be considered.
After you are admitted to the Villanova MBT, 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 MBT 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 MBT 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 MBT students will be matched with a professional mentor.