International Applicants

The following English Language Minimum Scores are specific to the Elliott School of International Affairs graduate programs.​

Academic IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores are required from all applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution, unless they meet an exemption indicated in the list below (English Language Test Exemptions). Official English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) may not be more than 2 years old.

We do not accept any document(s) other than official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE English Language Test scores as proof of English Language proficiency. The George Washington University reserves the right to request proof of English proficiency from any applicant.

Please send official TOEFL scores to institutional code 5246. An institutional code is not required to send PTE scores to GW.

Please send official IELTS scores via post to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Elliott School of International Affairs 1957 E St. NW, Suite 301
Washington DC 20052

Prior to their first semester at GW, students are required to register for an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course.  The EAP course that is required will be indicated in the student’s letter of admission.  In the first EAP class meeting, students will be given the EAP Diagnostic Test in order to confirm their correct EAP placement.  Students assigned an EAP course should anticipate additional tuition expenses required to complete their degree program.

Please refer to the table below for the minimum test scores required for admission consideration and/or EAP exemption:
 

**Spring Applicants must receive at least these scores to be considered for admission.

Academic IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores are required from all applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution unless you hold a Bachelor's, Master's or doctoral degree from a country or institution in the lists below. This means you would not be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.

No exceptions will be made if you do not meet any of the following exemptions. 

Test Exemption by Degree Country and Institution

Further Information on English Language Tests

Please follow the below links for more official information regarding each test.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearsons Test of English (PTE)

Requesting a Visa

Before requesting a visa, please read the Elliott School's Fall 2019 Visa Request Overview.

Applicants are not required to submit any visa request documents with the applications.

Supporting Documents for Your Visa Request

When requesting an I-20 (for F-1 Visas) or DS-2019 (for J-1 Visas), applicants must submit: 

• A Visa Request Form (VRF) (pdf) with a handwritten signature of the applicant and sponsor(s) if applicable.
• A legible copy of all current and previous visas, I-20s and DS-2019s if applicable.
• A legible copy of the front and back of your I-94 if applicable.
• Front and back of your Employment Authorization Card and OPT Forfeit letter if applicable.
• A SEVIS Transfer form if applicable.
• Financial documents showing liquid funding for your program.
• Biographical page of your passport (the passport page with your life details) with an expiration date at least six months beyond the start of your program.

Note: The Elliott School does not send copies of official I-20s via email. Only hard copies are available to an admitted student and sent upon completion.

Required Funding Documents

When requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, applicants must submit Financial Support Documents showing proof of sufficient funding to cover all educational costs and living expenses for the full length of your program.

Review Acceptable Bank Documents here.

• Students who plan to have at least one sponsor or more must show proof of funding for the first year of their program.
• Students who plan to self-fund must show proof of funding for both years of their program.

Funding documents must:

• Be a bank statement in English or accompanied by an official English translation
• Indicate the specific amount and currency of the funds (USD is preferred but not required)
• Show funds in approved loans or cash only (i.e. checking or savings) and not subject to withdrawal restrictions*
• Show the bank's address and phone number, indicating the date the account was opened and the current account balance
• Show the full legal name of the applicant, as listed on their passport and application
• Have an issue date that is no more than 12 months from the time you plan to begin study.

*Funding in stocks and other long-term investments will not be accepted.

Refer to the table below for funding requirements for students starting in the fall 2019-20 academic year (in USD). Please keep in mind that funding requirements for students in the International Development Studies and Middle East Studies programs starting in a spring semester must show additional funding to account for the required fifth semester.

Fees Explained

M.A. Program

Cost reflects 18 credit hours, 9 per semester to maintain full-time status for an F-1/J-1 visa. Please note that 40 credits are required to complete the program.

M.I.S. Program

Cost reflects all 19 credit hours.

M.I.P.P. Program

Cost reflects all 27 credit hours.

Costs Listed

All tuition/fees/expenses/totals are subject to change by academic year. Fees include Student Association Fee, Matriculation Fee, Elliott School Fee and International Student Fee. 

If you have a disability and will require attendant care, you must certify the availability of additional funds to pay for this service. For more information, please contact Disability Support Services at [email protected] or +1-202-994-8250.

Spring Applicants

Early to mid-November 

Spring admissions decisions released.

Mid-December 

Students in or outside of the US must submit visa request documents.

Fall Applicants

January 7 - February 1

Applicants who submit an application by the deadline can expect to receive an admissions decision by mid-March. Turning in an application before the deadline will not result in receiving an admissions decision sooner than mid-March.

Mid-March

Fall admissions decisions released.

Late March

Students outside of the US who are required to take 2 EAP courses must submit visa request documents.

Early April

Students outside of the US who are exempt from EAP course(s), have met program prerequisite and want to begin courses in the summer must submit visa request documents.

Early May

Students outside of the US who are required to take 1 EAP course must submit visa request documents.

Early June

Students outside of the US who are exempt from EAP course(s) and have met program prerequisites must submit visa request documents.

Mid-Late July

Students in the US who are transferring their visa/SEVIS number from a US institution to the Elliott School must submit visa request and transfer documents.

All documents must be sent to [email protected].