International Student Admissions
| Overview & FAQ | Tuition & Financial Aid — Undergraduates |
| Visa Interview Guidance | Tuition & Financial Aid — Graduates |
We welcome international student applicants for all programs. You are encouraged to apply using our online application at least two months in advance of the start of the program starting date.
What academic records are required by the University?
An official copy of all records of any previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be submitted as official certified documents directly from each institution. Any photocopies must have the signature of a school official and the school seal. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. When a translation is supplied, the original record must also be included. Translations must be officially certified by a translator or interpreter. All records should be mailed to:
Admissions Office
Maharishi University of Management
1000 North Fourth St.
Fairfield, Iowa, 52557, USA
What are the visa procedures?
Once the application for admission is approved, a University acceptance letter and a U.S. Immigration Service SEVIS I-20 form will be mailed to the applicant. A prospective international student should not make plans to enter the United States before receiving both a letter of acceptance and a SEVIS I-20 form. It will be necessary to present these documents at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate when applying for an F-1 student visa, and again upon arrival into the United States, and finally, during registration at the University. If further documentation is needed in obtaining a student visa, please contact the Office of International Admissions.
Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance is often available to applicants with financial need who are academically well-qualified and who have a commitment to develop their full potential. Learn more about financial aid for undergraduate students and financial aid for graduate students.
What kind of financial verification is required?
International students must provide evidence of financial ability to pursue a course of study at the University before the letter of acceptance and the SEVIS I-20 form can be generated and mailed. Applicants must provide a letter from their bank to the Office of International Admissions verifying the availability of funds to meet their educational expenses for at least one academic year. Using this verification, the University can then issue a SEVIS I-20 form, which is needed to obtain a student visa.
Can I come on a Visitor visa and change status later?
The U.S. Immigration Service strongly discourages and usually disallows international students from entering the U.S. on a Visitor visa and then attempting to change status after arrival. The only exception to this rule would be to make clear at the Port of Entry that one is coming as a “Prospective Student” and ask that this particular designation be made on the I-94 card. Otherwise, an application for Change of Status from Visitor to Student will probably be denied. Furthermore, a Prospective Student is not allowed to register and enroll unless and until any Change of Status application is approved (a process that can take several months). Because of these strictures, the University has a policy of only registering students who have obtained the proper student visa.
Do I need health insurance?
Due to the high cost of medical care in the USA, all international students must purchase health insurance through the University at the time of registration. Students are exempt from this requirement if they can show at registration that they have adequate coverage under their own insurance.
This health insurance requirement is based on our concern that our international students are (1) adequately covered in the event of accident or illness, (2) able to receive the most complete and up-to-date medical care available, and (3) not incurring large financial losses as a result of a medical emergency while in the USA.
What are the requirements for English proficiency?
International applicants are evaluated as follows:
- Fluency in reading and writing (correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation).
- Fluency in spoken English — ability to speak and understand at normal conversational speed.
- A few minor mistakes are permissible for both writing and speaking English.
- If your assessment indicates that your English needs improving, you will be encouraged to receive further training in English, and you may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test examination. Programs for graduate students may have different requirements.