For general FAQs about The Graduate School of Political Management, please click here.
General Information for International Applicants
We recommend that international applicants submit their complete application and accompanying paperwork six months in advance of their intended start date. This provides the university with sufficient time to process financial and visa paperwork. The visa process can be very time-consuming. International students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and consider deferring to a later semester if necessary.Full-Time Status
Individuals who are in the United States on a student visa are required to enroll as full-time students. During the fall and spring semesters, international students must register for 9 credit hours or three courses. The University does not require international students to take classes in the summer, so there is no mandatory credit minimum during this term.Standardized Testing
International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We also recommend that international applicants take the Test of Written English (TWE). Those with at least three years of substantive, full-time, professional work experience may apply to waive the GRE requirement.Transcripts
Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the United States must provide:- An official transcript from the foreign institution; and
- A detailed official transcript evaluation from a U.S. accredited evaluating agency including all coursework and grades. The evaluation must be detailed so The George Washington University can determine whether the degree equates to an American bachelor's degree, the number of credit hours earned, and an equivalent GPA in the American system.
Financial Aid
International applicants must comply with Federal financial aid regulations. Contact the International Services Office for additional information at 202.994.4477 or http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso.In addition, international applicants must complete the Financial Certificate stating how they intend to pay for their education and other expenses while studying in the United States. The form should be filled out to the best of the applicant's ability and include supporting documents, such as bank statements and sponsor letters. The George Washington University (GWU) must receive original documentation, copies will not be accepted.
Standardized Testing
Who must take the TOEFL?
TOEFL scores are required of all applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language.Can the TOEFL be waived?
An exception is made for applicants who hold a degree from a college or university in a country where English is the official language and the medium of instruction. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States. No other exceptions are made.If admitted, however, those students will be required to take the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) placement test prior to registering for courses. This test is necessary to determine if additional English studies are advisable.
What are the TOEFL score requirements?
Below are the minimum TOEFL score requirements for admission to all programs at The Graduate School of Political Management.- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) = 550
- Computer-based TOEFL (CBT) = 213
- Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) = 80
International students who score lower than 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or 250 on the computer-based TOEFL are also required to take the EFL placement test.
