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International Applicants

American University's College of Arts & Sciences receives many applications each year from all over the world, and we understand the difficulties students may have in communicating with universities in a different country. Our goal is to make the admissions process as smooth as possible.

For international applicants requiring a VISA, applications and supporting documents should be submitted by the following deadlines:

Fall Semester: May 15*
Spring Semester: October 15*

*Individual programs may have earlier deadlines for consideration. Please consult our Requirements & Deadlines page for more information.

English Language Proficiency

Official results of one of the following English Proficiency Exams are required of international students. We accept the following:

  • IELTS, minimum score of 7.0
  • TOEFL, minimum score of 100
  • TOEFL Essentials, minimum score of 10
  • PTE, minimum score of 68
  • DUOLINGO, minimum score of 120

Please note that waivers are granted on a rare basis and must be approved by the CAS Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Requests will be assessed only upon completion of submitting all other required supplemental items.

We can consider waivers for applicants who meet the following criteria:
1.) Earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited US-based university
or
2.) Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university where English is the only language of instruction and the only official language of the country where the university is based.

Official Transcript Evaluation

The transcript evaluation is not required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.

All other international applicants are required to complete an official transcript evaluation. Transcript evaluations must be submitted to American University in lieu of the original international transcript.

In order to complete a transcript evaluation, candidates must submit their official transcript(s) to a transcript evaluation agency approved by NACES. The following transcript evaluators are recommended:

All transcript evaluations must indicate the following:

  • Course-by-course analysis: List of all classes and credits earned
  • Grade point average (4.0 scale)
  • Degree earned: Determine if the degree earned is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree

Transcript evaluations must be sent directly by the transcript evaluation agency to American University by the application deadline using one of the following addresses:

  • Postal mail address
    CAS Graduate Admissions
    Office of Enrollment
    4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20016-8081

  • Express, Courier, Overnight (Express Mail, Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, etc.)
    CAS Graduate Admissions
    Office of Enrollment, Suite B1
    3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20016-8081
    USA

Financial Requirements

All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document. Visit International Student and Scholar Services for program costs.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance for international students is available at American University in the form of merit-based financial awards only. International students seeking merit awards are encouraged to submit a complete application for admission by the appropriate deadline in order to receive consideration for a merit award.

Because the competition for merit awards is very rigorous, an award cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, most of these merit awards do not cover the full cost of attendance at American University. The College of Arts and Sciences encourages all of its prospective students to seek out other sources of financial assistance from organizations or sponsors. Some organizations are listed below.

Essential Documentation

Please submit the following documentation to the CAS office of Graduate Admissions to casgrad@american.edu:

  1. A completed Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form. Clearly indicate on the form which type of visa you plan to obtain for your studies with American University (F-1 or J-1) and your current visa type, if applicable. If you are pending US permanent resident or asylum status, please indicate on the form accordingly.
  2. Supporting financial documents demonstrating financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses according to the current International Student Cost Guide. These financial documents will also be required at the US Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa. All financial documents must show available funds and must be dated within the past three months in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability are listed here.
  3. Scanned passport copy (biographic page only).
  4. A completed F-1 Immigration Transfer In Form to release your immigration record to American University (only required of international students who currently hold an I-20 from a different U.S. institution). This form must be completed by both the student and the student's current international student advisor.
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Funding for International Students

All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their academic and living expenses prior to enrollment.

International students do not need to submit additional materials in order to be considered for merit-based aid.

The costs below are estimates based on current economic conditions. An increase of approximately 5-7% for each succeeding academic year should be anticipated.

This cost guide is created for the purposes of acquiring a visa. 

Academic Year 2022-2023 (Based on 12 months)
Fall & Spring Semester: August 2022-May 2023
Summer Semester: May 2023-August 2023

In order to satisfy F-1 or J-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Other visa statuses may have other requirements.

Costs: 2 Semesters

  • Tuition* (9 credits/semester): $33,588
  • Mandatory Fees: $430
  • Room: $15,544
    (Costs: 1 Summer: $5,181)
  • Board: $4,914
    (Costs: 1 Summer: $1,638)
  • Books: $1,650
  • Health Insurance**: $2,178
  • Transportation: $1,812
    (Costs: 1 Summer: $604)
  • Personal: $1,440
    (Costs: 1 Summer: $480)
  • Total: $69,459

Additional Cost of Attendance resources.

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International Student & Scholar Services

AU's International Student & Scholar Services office provides support services, including immigration forms, cultural adjustment assistance, pre-arrival and arrival orientation, and advising for personal, social, cultural, career, and employment matters. ISSS is authorized by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service and the US Information Agency to issue and sign the I-20 or DS-2019 forms.