Ibrahim Gardner
George Mason University is ranked as the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia, and 7th in the United States. The university welcomes students from 130 countries and is home to approximately 973 Chinese students, 598 Indian students, 141 South Korean students, and many more. The International Year One and Undergraduate Transfer programs allow international students to earn credits while developing their academic and English language skills. The university also offers a Graduate Pathway Program for students looking to complete a master's-level course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 4,000 |
| Number of countries represented | 130 |
| Top 4 countries by number of students | China (973), India (598), South Korea (141), Saudi Arabia (unknown) |
| International student visa revocations | 15 |
| International student application types | Freshman, transfer, graduate |
| English language requirements | Minimum IELTS score of 6.5, minimum TOEFL score of 80 |
| Diversity ranking | 7th in the US |
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What You'll Learn
International student admissions criteria
George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the United States, welcoming students from 130 countries. The university offers a range of pathway programs to help international students meet the entry requirements for degree-level study.
International students attending a university for the first time should apply to Mason as a freshman. Students transitioning from their current university should apply as a transfer. International freshman applicants are evaluated in the same holistic manner as domestic students. In addition to the regular application requirements, there are additional elements for international students. These include meeting the university's English Proficiency requirement and submitting official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English.
International students have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores with their application or apply Score Optional. Applicants to Computer Science or Engineering majors may be considered without SAT or ACT scores if they have completed four years of high school mathematics course with equivalent grades of a B or higher. Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (6.0 in all sub-scores), a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (18 in all sub-scores) or equivalent.
International applicants are also required to submit a 250-word statement to the Office of Admissions explaining why they want to attend university study. They should include details about themselves and their experiences that have led to this decision. Two letters of recommendation are suggested, one from a high school counsellor and one from a teacher. Some international students are also required to obtain a visa and health insurance to attend Mason.
George Mason University offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to highly qualified international freshmen and transfer students. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships, which are renewable for up to four years for freshmen and two years for transfers based on good academic standing.
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International student population diversity
George Mason University (GMU) is ranked as the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia and 7th in the United States. The university welcomes students from 130 countries and enrols and graduates the mid-Atlantic region's largest population of Hispanic and Asian students. GMU is also ranked 20th for the most diverse universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report 2023.
In 2020, GMU was home to approximately 973 Chinese students out of 398,041 Chinese students who came to the US to study at American colleges and universities. College Factual ranks GMU as 69th out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with students from China. In the same year, there were approximately 598 Indian students at GMU out of 213,062 Indian students who came to the US. GMU is ranked 61st out of 999 colleges and universities for popularity with Indian students. The university was also home to approximately 141 South Korean students in 2020, out of 60,331 who came to the US. GMU ranks 70th out of 967 colleges and universities for popularity with South Korean students.
GMU offers a range of Pathway programs to help international students meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. The International Year One and Undergraduate Transfer programs allow students to earn credits while developing their academic and English language skills. The Graduate Pathway Program helps those wishing to study for a master's degree. International students looking to complete a master's level course at Mason University will do so through the completion of a Graduate Pathway Program, which typically lasts one to two semesters. This program is designed for students looking to improve their English language skills in an academic environment.
As of 2025, GMU has around 4,000 international students at its campuses in Fairfax, Manassas, and Arlington.
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International student visa revocations
George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, is a diverse and inclusive university, welcoming students from 130 countries. The university offers a range of pathway programs to help international students transition to degree-level study. These programs also help students develop their academic and English language skills.
In April 2022, the university learned that the U.S. Government had terminated and/or revoked the student visas of 15 international students. These terminations occurred without the university's involvement or prior notice. The Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) at George Mason University is in direct contact with the affected students to provide support and additional external resources. The university has also reached out to federal authorities to learn about the process used to identify students for revocations.
To date, no answers have been provided, and the university is seeking legal clarity. The university affirms its advocacy for the appropriate treatment of all international students enrolled and maintains that it has played no role in facilitating these visa terminations. George Mason University continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
As of April 28, 2022, an update was provided that 14 of the students had their SEVIS status restored and remained enrolled at the university. One additional student's visa was revoked, but their SEVIS record was never terminated. The university remains committed to supporting its international students and maintaining a stable and positive scholarly environment.
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International student support services
George Mason University (GMU) is the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia and ranks as the 7th most diverse university in the United States. The university welcomes students from 130 countries and enrols the mid-Atlantic region's largest population of Hispanic and Asian students.
International students at GMU can access a range of support services to help them transition into university life and adjust to living in the United States. The university offers Pathway programs to help international students meet the entry requirements for degree-level study and develop their academic and English language skills. The International Year One and Undergraduate Transfer programs allow students to earn credits, while the Graduate Pathway Program prepares students for a master's degree.
In addition to these academic support services, GMU provides resources to help international students navigate the complex administrative processes and understand important immigration regulations. The OIPS self-service center provides checklists, forms, workshop login instructions, and processing times. Workshops are also offered throughout the year to help international students learn about the American job market, resume writing, interview skills, and networking.
GMU offers student housing and dining options that cater to different dietary requirements and preferences. Residence halls are located close to campus facilities and feature social areas, en-suite bathrooms, classrooms, and meditation spaces. The university also prioritises the health, safety, and well-being of its community, with COVID-19 vaccination, face masks, and social distancing rules in place.
Popularity Among International Students
GMU is a popular choice for international students from various countries. In 2020, the university was home to approximately 973 Chinese students out of the 398,041 Chinese students who came to the United States. The university ranks 69th out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with students from China.
GMU is also a popular destination for Indian students, with approximately 598 Indian students enrolled in 2020 out of the total 213,062 Indian students in the United States. The university ranks 61st out of 999 colleges and universities for popularity with Indian students.
Additionally, GMU attracts a significant number of South Korean students, with approximately 141 South Korean students in 2020 out of the 60,331 South Korean students who came to the United States. The university ranks 70th out of 967 colleges and universities for popularity with South Korean students.
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International student accommodation
George Mason University (GMU) is ranked as the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia and 7th in the United States. The university welcomes students from 130 countries and enrols the mid-Atlantic region's largest population of Hispanic and Asian students. GMU is also ranked 69th out of 1,079 colleges in the US for its popularity with students from China, with approximately 973 Chinese students enrolled in 2020. The university also attracts a significant number of students from India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
For international students considering GMU, the university offers various Pathway programs to help meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. The International Year One and Undergraduate Transfer programs allow students to earn credits while developing their academic and English language skills. The Graduate Pathway Program is designed for students seeking a master's degree, particularly those looking to improve their English language proficiency. These programs offer comprehensive support and access to resources such as student housing and dining options at the Mason Global Center.
On-campus residence halls at GMU provide international students with convenient access to university facilities. These halls feature built-in social areas, en-suite bathrooms, classrooms, and meditation spaces. The university also prioritises the health and well-being of its residents, as evidenced by high vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can choose from a variety of dining options, including three dining halls that serve different international cuisines to accommodate diverse dietary needs and preferences.
International students at GMU have the option to apply as freshmen if they are attending a university for the first time or as transfer students if they are transitioning from another institution. The application process may include additional requirements, such as obtaining a student visa and health insurance. To support their visa application, international students may need to submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, which outlines the financial sources supporting their studies. This document must be accompanied by recent bank statements from individual accounts, demonstrating accessible and transferable funds.
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Frequently asked questions
George Mason University has around 4,000 international students.
George Mason University welcomes students from 130 countries. In 2020, the university was home to approximately 973 Chinese students, 598 Indian students, 141 South Korean students, and many more.
The most popular degrees at George Mason University with international students are Computer Information Systems, Basic Developmental & Remedial Education, and Liberal Arts General Studies.
George Mason University is ranked as the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia and 7th in the United States. It was also named among the top 20 most diverse universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report 2023.
George Mason University offers a range of support services to international students, including Pathway programs to help meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. The university also provides student housing, dining options, and additional resources for international students transitioning to university life.
