Application Hints for International Applicants

We are excited that you are applying to George Mason University! To make the admission process as efficient as possible, we would like to provide you with a few helpful hints on how to successfully complete the application process. Submitting an accurate and complete application will accelerate the admissions and immigration processes.

Provide the correct name and birth date

The name and birth date on the application must match those that are listed on the identification page of your passport. Please do not use nicknames or Western names that are not your formal given name. If the names on your admission letters, I-20 form, and passport do not match you may have difficulty during your student visa interview or when you try to enter the U.S.

Submit the Certificate of Financial Responsibility Form

The Certificate of Financial Responsibility (PDF) provides important information needed to prepare the I-20 document for your student visa. The form must be filled out completely and signed by both you and your sponsor(s). The projected cost to attend George Mason University is approximately $42,788. Applicants need to indicate on the Certificate of Financial Responsibility (PDF) the source(s) of the funds and the location where they would like their I-20 document mailed.

Submit the appropriate bank or financial support documents

Individuals (parents, brothers, uncles, etc.) listed on the Certificate of Financial Responsibility, as the source of funding for the student, should provide original bank statements. Bank statements should be dated within the past six months, be from an individual account and show funds that are immediately accessible and transferable. Credit card statements, business accounts, property value documents, solvency statements, statements of income, and insurance policies may not be submitted as sources of financial verification. Photocopies, faxes and scanned documents are also not accepted.

Provide a copy of your passport

Students are required to provide a photocopy of their identification page in their passport. This ensures the accuracy of the name and date of birth listed on your I-20.

List all educational documents or examinations on the application form and submit the appropriate supporting documentation

All educational documents and examinations should be listed on the application and official, original copies of the credentials should be sent directly from your school to the Office of Admissions. When official, original copies are not readily available, attested copies should be submitted with an explanation as to when official copies can be provided. Please review the transcript submission guidelines (PDF) for further information on acceptable credentials.

Determine if you are required to submit a transcript evaluation from an external service

Students requesting transfer credit from a university outside of the U.S. must submit a course–by-course evaluation of their university coursework from an external credential evaluation service. We recommend WES and AACRAO but you may use any NACES recognized service.

Provide your permanent home address when you apply

Applicants requesting an I-20 must provide their permanent address in their home country even if they are currently living in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security requires that we maintain that information in our files for all students receiving an I-20 from George Mason University.

Submit verification of English language proficiency

Students for whom English is not their native language must submit qualifying TOEFL or IELTS exam results. Both examinations require advance registration and it could take several weeks to receive your results. It is important to register for these examinations early. TOEFL’s on-line registration site is www.toefl.org. IELTS website is www.ielts.org.