International Students
Each international MBA applicant must fulfill a number of requirements in order to receive consideration by the Admissions Committee. Users can scroll through the following listing or link directly to these topics:
- Application Procedures
- Academic Records
- TOEFL
- Standardized Tests
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Deadlines
- Country Specific Academic Credentials
- Immunization Requirements
- International Services and Programs
- Grades
- Payment of Fees
- Housing
- Health Services
- Calendar of Events
- UGA Graduate School Supplemental Information and Tips
Special note of interest:
The current MBA class represents many different countries, ranging from China, India, Israel, Jamaica, Korea and Nigeria. Each year, international MBA students host a dinner, where international students prepare unique foods representing their home country. The International Student Life office also hosts many events throughout the year for international students.
1. APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
When applying to the Terry MBA Program, an online application must be submitted. Transcripts and test scores should be mailed directly to the Terry MBA Admissions Office.
Please specify the program you are applying for on all documents being sent to the admissions office.
The Terry MBA Program is under the umbrella of the University of Georgia Graduate School, a central admissions office for all graduate programs at the University. In addition to your Terry MBA application file, several components of your application are held in an application file maintained by the Graduate School. Specific to their requirements, the Graduate School Admissions Office will notify you in writing of any additional information they may need beyond that required by the Terry MBA Admissions Office. The Graduate School will also notify you if there is a problem regarding your eligibility for graduate study at UGA.
The Graduate School must concur with the Terry MBA admission decision before it becomes official. An "official acceptance letter" will be mailed directly by the Graduate School. Prior to the receipt of the Graduate School's official notification, any notification of acceptance communicated by the Terry MBA Admissions Office, either verbally or written, is considered "pending Graduate School approval" and is unofficial.
It is the full responsibility of applicants to submit all application materials required for admission at the appropriate deadlines provided. Upon the MBA Admissions Office recommendation, The Office of Graduate Admissions of The University of Georgia makes the final decision by which candidates are permitted to enroll in the Terry College of Business. Official acceptance is verified through a formal letter issued by the Office of Graduate Admissions for a specific semester. The application and supporting documents which are submitted by a student become the property of the University and cannot be returned or forwarded elsewhere.
Applicant's name:
All submitted materials are filed alphabetically under the family name as indicated on the application form. It is important that all correspondence, forms, and supporting documents are consistent in names and spellings.
Supporting documents:
The international application must contain the following to be considered complete
- Terry MBA online application and $75.00 (USD) application-processing fee, paid by credit card only
- Two letters of recommendation — completed via the online application only
- Complete academic records (see next section for further explanation)
- GMAT scores (Official scores sent directly from the GMAC)
GMAT Codes:
Two-Year: Z95-H2-78 - TOEFL or IELTS scores (Official scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service or the IELTS Testing Agency)
TOEFL Code: 5813
English language proficiency test results cannot be waived. Please review the University of Georgia Graduate School's policy regarding the English language proficiency requirement.
Applications will be considered incomplete and not reviewed until ALL materials listed above are received.
2. ACADEMIC RECORDS:
Applicants must submit two (2) copies of official academic records from each institution of higher learning attended. The academic records must be CERTIFIED with the seal or stamp of approval. Official documents must bear an original certification of the appropriate school official or office. Photocopies of certified documents are not acceptable. Course work completed at one institution but listed on the record of a second institution is not acceptable. A separate copy of the record from each institution is required.
The records must contain the following information: subjects studied, marks (grades) awarded, and class rank (if available). If the records do not clearly indicate the subjects studied, syllabi of the courses of study must be included as a part of the records. Syllabi written in English by the applicant are acceptable.
In most cases, separate proof of degree is required. This proof is usually a certificate; and it must list the title of the degree as well as the month and year of graduation. Please see the country specific requirements available to applicants about academic records from their individual countries on the Graduate Admissions web site.
If the original language of the record is not English, a certified translation in English must be attached to the original.
Any translated record should be a literal and not an interpretive translation. The University reserves the right to require the receipt of official transcripts directly from the foreign institution.
The Graduate School requires official proof of degree before they will issue an "official acceptance letter" and the necessary paperwork needed to apply for a visa.
3. English Language Proficiency Requirement
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit official TOEFL scores. Official scores are those sent to the Admissions Office by the Educational Testing Service. The scores may not be more than two years old.
Applicants who have received degrees from accredited institutions in the U.S. or from institutions in countries where English is the primary language (e.g., the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand) usually are not required to submit TOEFL (or IELTS) scores. If such an applicant received his/her degree more than two years prior to application to the Graduate School and has been residing and/or working in a country where the primary language is not English, he/she will be required to submit current TOEFL (or IELTS) scores. Students who are currently enrolled and have been enrolled at least one year at a regionally accredited U.S. institution may have the TOEFL (or IELTS) requirements waived if their work shows a strong quality of performance. The UGA Graduate School reserves the right to require the TOEFL (or IELTS) regardless of previous educational experience. In such cases, the department will notify the applicant directly.
As the Terry MBA program at the University of Georgia involves significant written and oral communication skills, applicants whose primary language is not English should achieve a minimum total score of 95 on the TOEFL. In addition, recommended section scores are as follows: listening: 25; writing: 24; speaking: 25; and reading: 25%. This, however, is not the sole criterion for admission, and receipt of these scores will not guarantee admission.
For information on taking the TOEFL please go to: www.toefl.org
Applicants who choose to take the IELTS test should achieve a minimum score of 7.0. Recommended section scores are 6.5 or higher.
For information on taking the IELTS, please go to: http://www.ielts.org
4. OTHER STANDARDIZED TESTS:
The GMAT is required for applicants seeking admission as prospective candidates for the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Entrance test scores must be sent directly to the institution by GMAC. Unofficial scores are not acceptable. All test scores are subject to a five-year time limitation from the date of examination.
For information on the GMAT, visit the Graduate Management Admission Test web site.
5. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
After a student has been accepted into the Terry MBA Program, he/she must provide evidence of financial support by completing Certification of Finances forms (PDF | 117 KB)
The Certification of Finances forms must be completed and returned, along with all supporting financial documentation, before an official letter of acceptance, an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued to the applicant. If financial certification is not submitted, but the applicant is academically acceptable, he/she will be notified of academic eligibility only.
For Applicants Who Are Currently in the United States:
Please submit the following documentation of your current visa status with the application for admission.
- copy of I-20 and I-94 if on an F-1 visa
- copy of DS-2019
- I-94 if on a J-1 visa
- copy of visa stamp
- I-94 if on another type of visa
- copy of Resident Alien card (front and back) if classified as a Resident Alien
6. DEADLINES:
International applicants are urged to apply as early as possible, up to one year in advance of the desired matriculation date. Admissions decisions will be communicated via email on the date mandated by the round to which you have applied.
| Round | Deadline | Complete Application* Due | Decisions Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 15 | October 15 | December 1 |
| Round 2 | December 1 | December 1 | January 15 |
| Round 3 Final Deadline for International Applications |
January 15 | January 15 | March 15 |
Please note the graduate school has a separate deadline from the MBA admissions deadlines. The deadlines set by MBA admissions are strictly adhered to.
The official application deadlines set by the University of Georgia Graduate School are viewed by MBA Admissions as too late for international candidates to complete the necessary admissions and visa requirements.
7. COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
Country-Specific Academic Credentials and Requirements for Admission to the University of Georgia
8. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
All new students attending The University of Georgia must show proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, and hepatitis B. Immunity may be verified by proof of (a) having had the disease, (b) having had the required immunizations, or (c) having had laboratory evidence of immune titer. All new students must submit proof of TB screening tests. Before registering for classes, new students must complete the mandatory Immunization Form and Health Advisory Form. The forms can be found on the UGA University Health Services web site. Questions related to the certificate of immunization and/or the immunization policy should be directed to University Health Services, email: lrachun@uhs.uga.edu or telephone: 706-542-1162
9. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS:
The International Student Life (ISL) office assists international students at the University of Georgia with cross-cultural adjustment, orientation, and integration into the higher education community. The ISL office also assists international students with their adjustment to the university and the Athens community. Additional inquiries regarding services and programs offered by ISL should be made by contacting them at: International Student Life, email: ugaisl@uga.edu, telephone: 706-542-5867, fax: 706-542-461.
The Office of International Education (OIE) assists international students in areas of immigration matters, financial concerns, health insurance, and related administrative details of international exchange. Students should contact this office promptly upon arrival in Athens. Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Office of International Education, email: oie@uga.edu, telephone: 706-542-7903, fax: 706-542-6622.
10. GRADES:
The quality of work done by students is recorded at the end of the semester in the form of a letter grade. A grade indicates the degree of proficiency the student has achieved in the course. The University of Georgia follows the plus/minus grading system. Graduate students are expected to maintain a "B" (3.0) average. Those unable to do so are subject to probation or dismissal.
11. PAYMENT OF FEES:
Payment of tuition, fees, housing, and food is required at the beginning of each semester. All checks must be made to The University of Georgia payable in U.S. dollars and must be issued by either a U.S. bank or a foreign bank with a U.S. correspondent.
The international student should be familiar with the regulations of his/her government on sending money to him/her in the United States and should make arrangements to have the necessary funds available at the designated times.
12. HOUSING:
On-campus housing is available for students, either married or single, with or without families. Assignment of housing cannot be made until an applicant is officially accepted to the University. Typically, campus housing is popular and is quickly filled. It is to each applicant's advantage to complete the admission process and apply for housing as soon as possible.
Off campus housing is also available throughout the Athens area and surrounding communities. To find out what apartments are on the bus line, use www.apartmentfinder.com.
13. HEALTH SERVICES:
All international students must be covered by adequate health insurance. Students are required by the University to subscribe to the campus health insurance policy unless they provide proof of equal coverage. Please view the University mandatory and volunteer plans at www.pearceandpearce.com. If you prefer to continue the insurance coverage you have then you will complete the "waive online" form found on the Pearce and Pearce website above.
The Terry MBA gave me the best return on my investment of any MBA program I researched."
