Admissions
International Students
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.
Top 8 questions for international students
- What academic records are required by the University?
- What are the visa procedures?
- Is financial aid available?
- What kind of financial verification is required?
- Can I come on a Visitor visa and change status later?
- Do I need health insurance?
- What are the requirements for English proficiency?
- Students applying to Undergraduate Programs with scores below 6.0 on IELTS, 550 TOEFL paper-based, 213 TOEFL computer-based and 79 TOEFL internet-based will take Intensive English classes before enrolling in degree program classes.
- Students applying to Graduate Programs with scores below 6.5 on IELTS, 575 TOEFL paper-based, 232 TOEFL computer-based and 90 TOEFL internet-based will take Intensive English classes before enrolling in degree program classes. (For the teaching tracks of our M.A. in Educational Innovation it is 7.0 on IELTS or equivalent on TOEFL)
- Does MUM offer English language courses for international students?
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
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.
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 international students.
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.
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.
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.
All applicants who are not native speakers of English must submit official test scores (either TOEFL or IELTS) from the previous two years. Scores on the Compass ESL placement test are acceptable as well. The TOEFL institution code for Maharishi University of Management is 4497.
Yes, our English as a Second Language (ESL) Bridge Program is available for students whose English needs improving before they start their undergraduate or graduate studies.