George Mason University - INTO USA

To study at George Mason University is to prepare for a meaningful future in a demanding workplace. The university is committed to motivating students so that they reach their goals and achieve success.

Located in Fairfax, Virginia, close to Washington, DC, the university is an ideal place for students to experience business, government, research and culture. George Mason University was ranked in the top 10 most diverse universities and 25th most innovative school in the US by U.S. News & World Report 2025.

Washington, DC, gives students access to the rich culture of the nation's capital. As a hub for technology, politics, science and media, students have access to invaluable industry experiences and opportunities. Visit famous attractions like the White House and free Smithsonian museums, get a taste of home from 2,200+ restaurants, or attend one of DC's multicultural festivals. Students can reach Washington DC, in 24 minutes while enjoying all that Fairfax offers, from cafes to boutique shopping.

George Mason provides Pathway programs to help international students meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. The International Year One and Undergraduate Transfer programs mean that students can earn credits while developing their academic and English language skills. The Graduate Pathway program helps those who wish to study for a master's degree.

Students can be sure that they will receive support every step of the way, from pre-arrival to graduation. Students study at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center (ACGC), which is home to numerous services and resources, such as student housing and dining options. Students can also access facilities found across campus, including libraries and fitness spaces.

A range of scholarships specifically for Pathway program students are available. Awards are worth up to 20,000 USD and help high achievers with their tuition expenses.

George Mason University offers its students a great selection of Pathway programs. These programs allow students to earn credits towards their degree while receiving additional support. Undergraduate and Graduate Direct Entry programs are also available to international students who meet the academic and language requirements for their chosen program.

International Year One

Students who are currently not able to satisfy the academic and English entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate degree may choose to instead apply via the International Year One program. These learners will be able to enhance their academic and English language skills while earning credits towards their degree

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Students who have already completed some college or university courses and wish to transfer to a university in the US will be able to undertake this program and attain credits which can be transferred to a degree program upon completion.

Direct Entry – Graduate

Students who hold a graduate degree certificate and satisfy the academic requirements of their chosen program, alongside the required English language proficiency level, will be able to directly submit an application to a George Mason graduate program.

Graduate Pathway program

International students looking to complete a master's level program at George Mason University can do so through the completion of a Graduate Pathway program. These learners will be able to develop academic and English language skills in preparation for GMAT and GRE testing if required.

Academic English program

This program is specifically designed for students looking to improve their English language skills in an academic environment. Completion of this program will qualify students for application opportunities to US university programs.

To be eligible for study at George Mason University, students need to meet a small number of entry requirements.

Direct Entry – Undergraduate

Academic requirements: high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0, depending on the program, additional materials and tests may be required.

English language requirements: 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 Year One

Academic requirements: high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.3 or equivalent.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.0; a minimum TOEFL score of 50 or equivalent.

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Academic requirements: minimum of one college/university transfer credit; a minimum GPA of 2.0.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.5; a minimum TOEFL score of 60 or equivalent.

Direct Entry – Graduate

Academic requirements: Four-year undergraduate degree or higher; necessary GRE or GMAT scores (program specific); additional materials (depending on program).

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (6.5 in all sub scores); a minimum TOEFL score of 88 (20 in all sub scores) or equivalent.

Graduate Pathway program

Academic requirements: depending on the program, students need to have completed their first degree, diploma or equivalent; have an equivalent GPA of 2.75 depending on the program; and meet any other specific program requirements.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 6.0–6.5; a minimum TOEFL score of 70–80 or equivalent.

Academic English

Students need a high school diploma or equivalent.

George Mason invests in its students by providing a wide range of scholarships each year. These reward high-achievers and help them with their tuition fees and living costs. Awards include:

Undergraduate progression scholarship

Eligible International Year One or Undergraduate Transfer Program students looking to progress to a George Mason degree program may receive an award of up to 6,000 USD per year or 18,000 USD in total. To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to 4.0.

George Mason Undergraduate International Scholarship

Eligible students entering the university through undergraduate direct entry may receive an award of up to 20,000 USD, renewable annually. To qualify, students must have high academic standing and meet other eligibility requirements.

Students are encouraged to check the availability and eligibility requirements for each award on the university website.

Ángel Cabrera Global Center

The Ángel Cabrera Global Center houses 270 Mason students, lounge spaces, classrooms, a dining hall and other facilities. It's where the INTO Center is based — making it a central hub for first-year international students at George Mason.

The center is located close to classrooms, dining options, fitness spaces and libraries. There is a Student Experience team that ensures students can enjoy the fun social activities on campus.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs 17,290 USD per academic year, while the meal plan costs 8,020 USD per academic year. Most international students live on campus in either the George Mason Global Center, Eastern Shore, Sandbridge Hall or Piedmont Hall.

Residence halls are close to campus facilities, and all feature many resources and support services. Hall staff are available 24/7. Student accommodation has built-in social areas, en-suite bathrooms, classrooms and meditation spaces.

Dining

There are three dining halls on campus, including the Globe. Serving different international cuisines, students will find plenty to enjoy — including halal, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergen-free options. They can even request their favorite dishes to be made.

George Mason University provides international students with the chance to transition into university life and study at the degree level.

Career support

Mason University Career Services helps students prepare for the competitive graduate job market by providing the following services:

• Resume workshops
• Interview practice
• Career fairs with local employers
• Access to strong industry networks
• Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training workshops

Graduate success

An overwhelming 87 percent of undergraduate and graduate students from George Mason reported positive career outcomes within six months of graduation. Meanwhile, 88 percent of employed students are in positions related to their career goals. The median salary reported by graduates is 74,000 USD. Top employers of George Mason alumni include Apple, General Dynamics IT, Marriott Hotels, KPMG and Google.

Ideal location

As George Mason is located near Washington, DC, students benefit from living in the fourth best US city for young professionals, according to Niche 2024. The city is also the sixth best talent market in the US, according to CBRE 2024, while Northern Virginia is the location of Amazon's second headquarters.

"George Mason has helped me broaden my perspective on culture and languages, because before I came here, I only knew English and Kiswahili and the food that I'm used to eating back home. But coming here, I got to meet so many people from so many different countries."

Virginia, Kenya

BA in Global Affairs

Class of 2024

At George Mason University, international students benefit from the prestigious institution's history and expertise. Recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report 2025 have placed it as:

• #52 Public University
• #25 Most Innovative Schools
• #156 Best Value Schools
• #6 Most Diverse Colleges
• #109 National Universities

The university's strong reputation is strengthened by its reputable staff and extensive alumni network. Students will benefit from instruction and personal support from leading scholars who are leaders in their field, including but not limited to an award-winning news anchor, a CIA director and the first Muslim woman in space.

George Mason's strong program rankings are not limited to one discipline. They are spread across different departments — with programs across areas like conflict analysis and resolution, cybersecurity and business

As a result of this great progress, students who choose to study at I George Mason and go on to complete a degree program can be confident in receiving the best knowledge, training and facilities during their studies.