Acceptance into the International First Year or Pre-Master's Program is based on the academic requirements for entry to a James Madison University degree.

Since the ISC programs will improve your language proficiency to satisfy the University's English level admission requirements, no TOEFL or IELTS score is required. Instead, you can complete our English Language Test to determine your proficiency.

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Academic requirements 

International First Year applicants must have:

• Successful completion of the equivalent of a US secondary education
• Minimal 3.0 GPA or a 'B' average
• Diploma or certification of graduation from High School in your home country

Undergraduate applicants who intend to major in theater, dance, music and studio art must also:

• Submit a portfolio and/or arrange an audition

Pre-Master's Program applicants must also have:

• Completion of the equivalent of a 4-year US bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Minimal 3.0 GPA or a 'B' average in undergraduate study

Graduate applicants who intend to major in MSEd Educational Leadership must also: 

• Have 3 years of full-time teaching (or equivalent) experience in a school setting
• Provide documentation of professional employment in the field (e.g. a teaching license)

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Graduate admission tests

The GRE or GMAT tests are not required for students applying to the Pre-Master's Program. You will prepare for a standardized graduate admission test during your time at the International Study Center, and must successfully complete the GRE or GMAT in the USA before matriculating onto your master's program: 

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English language level

An official TOEFL or IELTS score is not required. Alternatively you can show your level of English proficiency by:

• completing our free English Language test (contact us for details) 
• sending a certificate from an Embassy language school (level 5 or above)

The duration of your time in the ISC program depends on your English level when you arrive at James Madison University. Probable study plans are indicated below. Your program duration is confirmed after a post-arrival English test:

Equivalent TOEFL score	Undergraduate pathway	Graduate pathway
TOEFL 425 PBT/36 iBT, IELTS 3.5	4-semester International First Year*	3-semester* Pre-Master's
TOEFL 475 PBT/52 iBT, IELTS 4.5	3-semester International First Year	2-semester Pre-Master's
TOEFL 520 PBT/68 iBT, IELTS 5.5	2-semester International First Year	1-semester Pre-Master's
TOEFL 550 PBT/80 iBT, IELTS 6.5	Full-time undergraduate study on a bachelor's degree	-
TOEFL 570 PBT/88 iBT, IELTS 7.0	-	Full-time graduate study on a master's degree

* 1 semester of English for Academic Purposes, followed by the academic pathway program  

How long will it take to join a full-time degree program at the university?

Use our study timeline for international students to calculate your preparation time at university in the USA.