Global students enrich the fabric of our urban university
VCU and the School of Education are committed to welcoming students from across the globe. We look forward to welcoming you to our diverse, urban and inclusive community.
Each academic program has unique admissions requirements. Be sure to review your intended program to learn more, and we offer undergraduate and graduate student support in preparing your application.
The central VCU graduate admissions application page provides admissions resources for international applicants, including information about required English Proficiency Tests and translation of foreign transcripts. Our school’s financial aid and scholarships resource page outlines options for helping to pay for your degree.
All new international students must attend an orientation session. Get started by visiting International Student Services. You’ll also have additional orientations to consider in the university and our School of Education.
We have direct admission agreements with our prestigious international partners.
We welcome student exchange scholars from across the globe to study for a semester or year. You’ll work with your home institution to approve courses from VCU to transfer back to your home program. Visit Richmond and our urban VCU campus, and the mid-Atlantic eastern region of the United States for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For details on deadlines, costs and the full exchange student experience, go to the Global Education Office website.
If you’re interested in initial licensure programs, Virginia requires a U.S. Social Security Number to complete the licensure requirements, as noted by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) International Coursework/Degrees. If you’re already working at a Virginia K-12 public school, ask them about international teaching credential pathways.
Once admitted to our programs, you’ll need to meet the financial certification requirements of financial support for your I-20 visa. That is not required during application review.
The VCU English Language Program, within the GEO, offers beginner, intermediate and advanced instruction in written and spoken English, through both on-campus and online courses. Students who complete the program meet the language proficiency requirements of most of VCU's academic degree programs. Contact geo-elp@vcu.edu for registration and enrollment costs, evaluation procedures and placement test dates.
International undergraduate students (students on J1 and F1 visas) should be fully enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits. At least 9 of those credits must be in classes that are taught in person or in a hybrid modality.
International graduate and first professional students (students on J1 and F1 visas) should be fully enrolled for a minimum of 9 credits. At least 6 of those credits must be in classes that are taught in person or in a hybrid modality.
For more information, please see the Full Course of Study requirements and our immigration website. If you have questions about advising, course enrollment or anything else, email geo@vcu.edu.
Learn about our global collaborations that support faculty and students with research, service and educational opportunities. For more information, contact Nichole Dorton by phone at (804) 827-4309 or by emailing nldorton@vcu.edu.