International Year (1 Semester)

The International Year at James Madison University International Study Center is your route to undergraduate study at a top U.S. university. Choose to study with us for one to four semesters, depending on your English language level, and gain the academic, language, and study skills you need to succeed on your chosen university degree.

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with a dedicated faculty. Some benefits of studying the program include:

Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
Graduate in four years, like direct entry students. Studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time.
Be a part of the university community from day one. JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family.
Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC), the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialize with other international students.

International Year applicants must have:

• Successful completion of the equivalent of a US secondary education
• Minimal 2.25 GPA (Grade Point Average) - equivalent to 77-79% or a 'C+' average
• Diploma or certification of graduation from High School in your home country
• Undergraduate applicants who intend to major in theater, dance, music and studio art must also submit a portfolio and/or arrange an audition.

English language level

• 1 Semester: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / Pearson 58 / Versant 64+/ Duolingo 105
• 2 Semester: IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 60 / Pearson 45 / Versant 48-54/ Duolingo 85
• 3 Semester: IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 50 / Pearson 42 / Versant 43-47/ Duolingo 75
• 4 Semester: IELTS 4.5 / TOEFL 45 / Pearson Not Accepted / Versant 41-42/ Duolingo 65

Direct admission entry requirements

If you are applying to join the University directly, you must have at least a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 to join James Madison University.

Undergraduate applicants who intend to major in theater, dance, music or studio art must also submit a portfolio and/or arrange an audition.

English language level

You can join your university degree program of choice directly if you already meet the university’s entry requirements of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 80.