Study as an International Graduate Student at Isenberg

Are there any additional admissions requirements for international applicants?

International applicants must submit an English language proficiency exam score and may be required to submit an official NACES member credential evaluation of their transcripts. Refer to the program’s admissions page for more information.

Can I receive an English Language Proficiency Exam waiver if I completed my undergraduate degree in English?

All international applicants are required to submit an English language proficiency exam unless they meet the waiver criteria listed here. Please note: Isenberg’s minimum score requirements are higher than those listed by the UMass Graduate School. Refer to the program’s admissions page for more information.

I applied for a graduate program through a recruiting agency. When can I expect to receive an admissions decision?

There is often a delay between when an applicant applies through a recruiting agency and when the recruiting agency submits the application to UMass. Once the application is submitted to Isenberg, you will receive email updates from our office and login credentials to track your application status. Contact the recruiting agency directly for updates regarding the status of your application submission.

Can I receive an application fee waiver?

Application fee waivers are only granted to current UMass undergraduate students.

Who can I work with to obtain my visa?

Once you confirm your acceptance to a graduate program, you will receive a visa sponsorship email with instructions from the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) to begin the visa process. Be sure to check your spam folder and UMass email if issued. Find more information here.

When will I receive my I20? 

• After you confirm acceptance to the program, the OGA will reach out to you via email with subject line “UMass Amherst Visa Sponsorship” for I20 processing.  

The timing is at the discretion of the OGA, but typically students can expect to receive this email in: 

• February for Summer Admits 
• March for Fall Admits 
• October for Spring Admits 

The initial IPO email will not be sent prior to the months shown above. Be sure to check your SPAM folder if you did not receive the email. 

What are the steps to securing my visa?

Use the F-1 Immigration checklist found here for details. Please reach out directly to IPO for further questions.

What expenses will be listed on the I-20?

Newly admitted graduate students must show advance proof of funding sufficient for a 12-month calendar year. All students must meet the living expenses and tuition funding minimums listed on the International Expense Estimates page. Isenberg program tuition and fees may differ from these estimates, and housing costs may vary by student; however, all students are required to show proof of financial ability based off these listed expense estimates.

What can I use as evidence of financial ability?

The University of Massachusetts cannot provide visa sponsorship until evidence of sufficient funds is presented. If you are being funded by a relative, friend or other private sponsor, you must have documentation that they intend to support your education. Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to:

• Family bank statements
• Documentation from a sponsor
• Financial aid letters
• Scholarship letters
• Letter from an employer showing annual salary

Will I maintain full-time status throughout the duration of the program?

All our on-campus programs allow international students to meet full-time status throughout the duration of the program. To note, students on an F-1 visa are eligible to study part-time during their final semester. A detailed explanation of full-time status can be found on the Office of Global Affairs webpage.

I want to join the MSA Transitions Track. Is that possible?

The MSA Transitions Track begins with 5 Foundation courses that are only offered online. If interested in pursuing the MSA program on-campus, you must first successfully complete the 5 foundation courses online before transferring into the MSA Professional Track. For more information, contact a Recruitment Specialist.

How can I meet and connect with other students?

UMass Amherst has social, cultural, academic, and extracurricular organizations for student involvement. You can filter this directory by categories such as Graduate Student Organizations and Cultural Council. You can learn more about Isenberg organizations here. Once accepted into an Isenberg program, you can also join the Isenberg Master's Networking Group on LinkedIn to connect with accepted Isenberg students, current students, and alumni.

Are there any resources available for students unfamiliar with the area?

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) maintains this New Student Resources page for housing, transportation, and more. Additionally, Student Life maintains this Single-Stop Resources page for all UMass students.

What options do I have for housing in the area?

Visit the Off-Campus Housing website to search for housing in the area and connect with prospective roommates. You can also review this housing information maintained by the International Programs Office.

As an international student, are there any on-campus work opportunities?

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session. Visit this OGA page for more information on international student employment.

When can I arrive on campus and what are my transportation options?

Students on F-1 visas may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. Visit the OGA Arrivals and Orientation page for information about orientation dates. Visit the OGA Student Resources page for directions and transportation to UMass Amherst when you arrive.

Which programs are STEM designated?

Isenberg STEM designated programs include On-Campus MS in Business Analytics, Master of Finance, and the On-Campus MBA/MS in Business Analytics and MBA/Master of Finance Dual Degrees. The online MBA, online MSBA and the MS Accounting are NOT STEM programs.

If enrolled in a full-time program that continues through the summer, will I have time for an internship?

Students who participate in CPT during the fall or spring semester must be enrolled full-time, in-residence. Students who participate in CPT during the summer or winter session are not required to be enrolled full-time. You may work with your advisor to discuss schedule adjustments or online course enrollment.

Am I eligible for CPT and/or OPT?

Students enrolled in STEM designated programs are eligible to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) while enrolled in a degree program. You must have an internship offer before you apply for CPT. Read more about CPT eligibility for our STEM programs*:

• MS in Business Analytics
• Master of Finance

All students on an F-1 visa are eligible to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months following the completion of a degree program. Find more information through the International Programs Office. Students who complete a STEM designated program (MSBA or MF) are eligible for a 24 month OPT extension.

*The MBA/MSBA and MBA/MF dual degree programs are also STEM designated. Students enrolled in these dual degree programs are also eligible for CPT and the 24 month OPT extension.

Can my internship be longer than one semester?

Students will need to apply for CPT each semester, even if it is the same internship. To note: 12-months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate ALL OPT eligibility. Full-time CPT is considered over 20 hours of work per week and should only be pursued during summer or winter terms if not enrolled in courses.

What is the tuition for international students?

Tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency. Review the program tuition page for more information.

How much tuition and fees will be listed on I-20?

All students must meet the living expenses and tuition funding minimums listed on the International Expense Estimates page. Isenberg program tuition and fees may differ from these estimates, and housing costs may vary by student; however, all students are required to show proof of financial ability based off these listed expense estimates.