You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Center and entry to James Madison University on this page. See frequently asked questions about:

• The International Study Center 
• Foundation Diploma
• Pre-Master's programs
• Your university degree
• Entry requirements
• English language level
• Fees
• Dates
• Applying
• Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel, etc)
• Contacting us

---

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTER (ISC)

What is the International Study Center?
The International Study Center (ISC) is part of James Madison University in the USA. It is a place for international students to receive English and academic preparation for their American degree. The ISC offers several degree preparation programs for varying English language levels, and dedicated Support and Advising for international students.

Who manages the ISC programs?
The Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs are run and operated by Study Group, global experts in university preparation and international education, in partnership with James Madison University.

Where are the international student programs taught?
Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's classes are taught on the James Madison University campus. In 2011-12, dedicated ISC classrooms are in Memorial Hall, located in the Memorial area of the University campus. However, you will also have classes in other buildings on campus and will study alongside American and other international students at the University. Campus map.

Who teaches the ISC programs?
Academic credit courses are taught by University faculty. English preparation courses are taught by qualified TESOL teachers. Meet your teachers.

Can I use all the facilities on campus while at the ISC?
Yes! You will be a fully enrolled James Madison University student, and have full access to all campus facilities including borrowing rights at the library, entry to student clubs and organizations and the ability to apply for a job on campus.

What are the student progression rates at the International Study Center?
The quality of university preparation at the ISC is evidenced by high progression rates. In August 2011, 95% of 2010-11 Foundation Diploma students progressed to the sophomore year of their James Madison University degree. Read more. 

^ top

---

FOUNDATION DIPLOMA

Who is the course designed for?
The Foundation Diploma is a fast-track program for undergraduate international students who want to study abroad at University in the USA. You must meet all the University's requirements for degree admission, except the undergraduate TOEFL requirement. The Foundation Diploma will improve your language proficiency to the level necessary for a JMU degree, and allow you to earn academic credit that is the equivalent of first-year (freshman year) study.

How long is the Foundation Diploma?
This depends on your level of English on entry. It can be 2, 3 or 4 semesters. See the study timeline for details.

What will I study on the Foundation Diploma?
As well as the academic courses (30 credits maximum) necessary to complete the equivalent of first-year university coursework, you study English language preparation courses, develop practical study skills, and learn about American Culture. See the Foundation Diploma curriculum.

How many hours a week of English will I study?
In the 4-semester Foundation Diploma, you spend 20 hours per week on English in semester 1. Afterwards, you follow the 3-semester Foundation Diploma.

In the 3-semester Foundation Diploma, you study English language courses alongside university-level credit bearing courses. Time spent on English language is 15 hours per week in semester 1, 10 hours per week in semester 2, and five hours per week in your final semester.

In the 2-semester Foundation Diploma, you study English language in semester 1 for five hours per week alongside university-level courses. In semester 2, you take only academic credit courses.

Which academic courses will I study and when?
Full details of the core academic courses and pathway-specific academic courses that you will study can be found on the academic course page.

• In the 4-semester Foundation Diploma, you do not study any academic courses in semester 1. You then follow the 3-semester Foundation Diploma curriculum.
• In the 3-semester Foundation Diploma, your academic courses are introduced gradually: two in semester 1, three in the semester 2 and four in the semester 3.
• In the 2-semester program Foundation Diploma, you study four academic credit-bearing courses in semester 1 and five in semester 2.

How will I know when I'm ready to progress to a degree?
You can matriculate into the second year (sophomore year) of a bachelor's degree when you have gained at least 24 university credits with a minimum GPA, reached the required English level, and completed the other checkpoints at the end of the Foundation Diploma. See a detailed list of matriculation requirements.

^ top

---

PRE-MASTER'S PROGRAM

Who is the program designed for?
The Pre-Master's program improves language proficiency and prepares graduate international students who want to study abroad at University in the USA. There are 2 pathways within the Pre-Master's Program:

• Pre-Master's for qualified students - designed for international students with undergraduate degrees that are the equivalent of a US 4-year bachelor's degree.
• Pre-Master's for non-qualified students - designed for international students with 3-year undergraduate degrees or diplomas.

The Pre-Master's Programs help you reach the English language entry requirements (and, for non-qualified students, the academic entry requirements) necessary for a James Madison University master's degree.

How long is the Pre-Master's Program?
This depends on your level of English and academic qualifications on entry. It can be up to 4 semesters in duration. See the study timeline for details.

What will I study on the Pre-Master's Program?
You will learn English for Academic Purposes, academic study skills for graduate studies, and be orientated into the US university system. You will also take GRE/GMAT preparation classes. In addition:

• Qualified students have the opportunity to take up to 2 master's-level credit courses, from the relevant field of study. See the program curriculum. 
• Non-qualified students take up to 4 undergraduate-level credit classes as pre-requisites for their chosen master's program. See the program curriculum.

How will I be assessed during the Pre-Master's?
Your progress will be monitored with check points throughout the coursework: formal presentations, collaborative projects, and written work based on research.

What are the degree progression requirements?
You can progress to your chosen Master's program when you have successfully completed the Pre-Master's program, gained the GRE/GMAT if required, and improved your English language to the equivalent of TOEFL 570 PBT/88 iBT.

^ top

---

YOUR UNIVERSITY DEGREE

Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at James Madison University?
Yes, provided you meet all the matriculation checkpoints at the end of your ISC program. When you are accepted to the International Study Center, you receive an offer of admission to a degree program that is conditional upon your successful completion of the Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's program. Your visa is issued for the entire duration of your studies.

Which degrees can I study at the University?
See the undergraduate majors and master's degrees available to ISC students at James Madison University.

How can I find out about the degree programs?
Links to more information about all JMU majors can be found on the University's online Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

How long are undergraduate University degrees in the USA?
The USA operates a 4 year degree system. Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees in America.

How long are Master's degrees in the USA?
In the US, a graduate (or Master's) degree is usually studied for 1-2 years, but the length of time varies depending on the number of credits required.

When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
You must choose your preferred degree before you apply for the ISC program. Your Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's application form is also your JMU degree application.

^ top

---

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

How do the entry requirements for ISC programs differ from degree programs?
In general, you must meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree program, except:

• the standard JMU TOEFL or IELTS score requirement (see English language level FAQ)
• the GMAT/GRE requirement for Pre-Master's applicants
• the degree equivalency requirement for applicants to the Pre-Master's for non-qualified students, i.e. you are eligible with a 3-year undergraduate degree or diploma.

See the entry requirements page for full details.

What are the academic entry requirements for a James Madison University bachelor's degree?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation with the equivalent of 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average). Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.

What are the academic entry requirements for a James Madison University master's degree?
Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0, completion of the equivalent of a 4-year US bachelor's degree from an accredited university, and GMAT/GRE requirements for individual courses. See the entry requirements page for details or contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.

Can non-US citizens apply to the Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs?
Yes, these programs are designed for international students. International students are defined as non-American citizens, ordinarily resident outside the USA.

Can US citizens apply?
We accept applications from US citizens who do not reside in Virginia, and do not have English as a first language.

^ top

---

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVEL

What level of English do I require to start the ISC programs?
You must have a minimum English level equivalent to TOEFL 36 iBT (internet-based test)/425 PBT (paper-based test) or IELTS 3.5. 

If you are in the lowest English band, you will study one semester of English for Academic purposes (EAP), before the Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's programs.

If you have a higher English level, your study time at the ISC may be shorter. See the study timeline page for details.

How can I find out my English language level?
We will determine your level with our English Language test before and after you arrive at James Madison University. Contact us to ask to take the English test.

Do I need to take a TOEFL or IELTS exam before applying to the program?
No. An official TOEFL or IELTS score is not required. You can complete the Study Group English Language test instead. Contact us to ask to take the English test.

What level of English language do I need for a JMU degree?
The equivalent English level of TOEFL 80 iBT/550 PBT for undergraduate study or TOEFL 88 iBT/570 PBT for graduate study.

^ top

---

FEES

What are the International Study Center program fees?
Tuition fees in US dollars (USD) are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees are likely to rise each intake. An additional $500 service fee is incurred if you wish to pay your fees in two installments.

Can I get a scholarship?
Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships for the Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's programs. We encourage you to contact:

• the Financial Aid Office of James Madison University to inquire about the financial aid available to international students.
• your relevant government agency to inquire about international study scholarships or student loans.
• the US embassy in your home country.

What are the University degree fees?
The fee for degree tuition at the University, after you complete the ISC program, can be found on the JMU's University Business Office webpage.

What bank account should fees be paid into?
Bank name: Bank of America
Bank address: 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 (USA)
Account name: Study Group
Account number: 9417-201482
ABA Routing number: 0260-0959-3
Swift code: BOFAUS3N

More information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

When are the fees payable?
Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of $500 in order to release the immigration documents that you will need to apply for a visa. The remaining fees can either be paid in installments, according to our payment terms, or in full in advance. Payments are due:

• July 1st for the fall semester
• November 1st for the spring semester
• April 1st for the summer semester

How can fees be paid?
We accept payment by wire (electronic bank transfer), check or Bank Draft drawn in US dollars, or by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Wire payments are recommended.

Can I split the payments into installments?
Yes. For a service fee of $500, you may enroll in an approved installment payment plan which allows you to pay a percentage of your total program fees over a period of time depending upon the length of your program. These payment plans are available:

• 2-semester study plan – 60% in semester 1; 40% in semester 2
• 3-semester study plan – 34% in semester 1; 33% in semester 2; 33% in semester 3
• 4-semester study plan – EAP (English for Academic Purposes) fees in semester 1; 34% in semester 2; 33% in semester 3; 33% in semester

Note that students on the 1-semester Pre-Master's cannot enroll in a payment plan.

Are there any charges?

• The service fee for the payment plans is $500.
• Payments made by credit card after the due date will be subject to a fee of 2% of the total program value unless you have paid for an optional payment plan.
• Students with balances due after 30 days are subject to a $500 late payment fee.
• A fee of $100 may be added to bookings when a post-arrival study plan change is requested.

Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.

^ top

---

DATES

When can I start ISC programs?
You can start the Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's programs in either January, May or August each year.

What are the JMU semester dates?

Semester	Start date	End date
Fall 2011	August 22	December 16
Spring 2012	January 8	May 4
Summer 2012	May 7	July 27
Fall 2012	August 20	December 14

When can I begin studying my James Madison University degree?
You move into full-time degree study at the start of the Fall (August) or Spring (January) semester following successful completion of your ISC program.

How long will I study at James Madison University before I get my American degree?
That depends on your English level on entry, and which degree you plan on obtaining. Use the study timeline to calculate the total duration of your US university studies.

^ top

---

APPLYING

What is the deadline for applications?
We recommend that you apply as early as possible for your ISC program, because the visa application process may cause delays to your admission. However, we offer rolling admissions - after any published deadlines, your application form will still be accepted, but you will be deferred to the next intake.

• See application deadlines by program and intake.

How do I apply for the Foundation Diploma or Pre-Master's programs?
You should apply for the ISC programs, and your degree, through Study Group. You can start your application in two ways:

1. Request the application form, complete it electronically, and fax or email it back to us.
2. Contact our Student Enrollment Advisors using the online form to ask a question first.

What happens after I submit my application?
You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications. Read more about the next steps in the admissions process.

Who will help me with my application? 
Our team of expert International Student Advisors will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the University. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.

When will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
If your application is successful, we will offer you a place at the University. To accept your place, you must sent us a $500 deposit. Once we have received your deposit payment we will send you an I-20 document. You will need to submit this with your visa application.

For entry in May 2012, no more I-20 documents will be issued after March 10, 2012. You must get your completed application in by March 5, 2012, in order to give the University time to issue your visa application documentation.

How long does it take to apply to the University?
The ISC program application process is faster than applying directly to JMU. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer in around 3 weeks once we have all your relevant documentation.

^ top

---

PRE-ARRIVAL

Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
Yes, comprehensive insurance is included in the fee while you study on an ISC program. The insurance has been developed specifically for international students. View more information about StudyCare insurance

Do I need a visa to study in the US?
Yes. See our visas page for more information. Visas will be issued for the entire duration of your studies at James Madison University.

Do I need immunizations before I travel to the US?
Yes. Based on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, all international students must receive required immunizations before arriving at James Madison University. The Health Record form gives details of these immunizations, and must be completed as part of your admission to the University.

Immunization Form translations: العربية, 中文, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, 日本, 한국어, Pусский, Español, ไทย and Việt

Can I work while I am a student in the US?
You are legally allowed to work in positions on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during University semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation breaks. Further advice can be found on the JMU Office of International Admissions web pages.

How do I get to James Madison University?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.

Will I be collected from the airport?
Yes, if you book and pay for a transfer on arrival from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). This means that a taxi will pick you up on arrival and take you to campus.

When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University in time for international student orientation, which is usually held the week before classes start. The exact dates for the next intake are given on the programs page.

What will happen when I arrive in the US?
Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. You will receive expert care and support from International Study Center staff on campus. Download the latest pre-arrival documentation ().

^ top

---

CONTACTING US

How do I find out more about the ISC courses or the University?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.

How can I contact James Madison University's International Study Center?
You can contact us using the online inquiry form, by telephone, by fax or by post. Details are on the How to Contact us page.

Who will answer my questions?
The Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs are run by Study Group. Our team of expert Student Enrollment Advisers will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the University.

What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you. Please contact us.

How can I get in contact with current students at JMU?
Get an answer from those who know it best - the students! James Madison University International Study Center has an active student group on Facebook. Join the student group to connect with international students and ask about the program, campus and student life. The ISC student ambassador is Hamed Aldhahri from Saudi Arabia. You can post a question for him on the ISC Facebook page.

I am trying to use your inquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our inquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You can contact us by email instead on iscusa@studygroup.com

^ top