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MBA Requirements in the USA for International Students

Are you an international student who is interested in a business degree from the United States? Whether you're applying under a J-1 or F-1 visa, Willamette University offers a full-time MBA program that will help you advance your career.

Requirements for an MBA in the USA for international students

Most programs require a language proficiency test, a GMAT/GRE score, transcripts, and a personal statement. However, specific programs may require additional information.

To apply for Willamette's MBA program, international applicants must submit the following:

  • Online application
    Complete the free Willamette MBA application. You will use the online application to submit all your documents and information. You do not need to complete all of your application information at once. You may save your work and return to your application later.

    Apply to the Early Career and Career Change program. Our part-time MBA program is not available to international students.

    All application materials and documents submitted as part of the application process become the property of the Willamette MBA program and cannot be returned.
  • International transcripts
    You may receive conditional admission with unofficial transcripts and translated transcripts. To receive full admission, any transcripts you submit from institutions outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). WES is a third-party credential evaluation service that converts educational credentials from any country to their U.S. equivalents.

    We recommend that you start the WES evaluation process as soon as possible. Follow the steps below:

    • Preview the list of documents required by WES from you and your institution to start your credential evaluation.
    • If your documents are not in English, you must submit an accurate English translation with your foreign-language documents. WES does not provide translation services. Translations prepared by the school that you attended or by authorized translators in your home country are acceptable.
    • Select the Course-by-Course International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP).
    • Request WES to send your completed evaluation electronically directly to Willamette MBA. Do not send physical copies of your WES evaluation through the mail.
  • Two references
    Willamette requires the names and contact information of two individuals. These should be people who are familiar with your work performance, professional or leadership experience, and character. We will not accept recommendations from family members. We will send a link to your references which they will use to provide their recommendation.

    This is similar to a letter of recommendation, where we're looking for helpful insights about you from those you work with.
  • Personal statement/essay
    A personal statement, or essay, is a summary of your goals, experiences, and desires for an MBA. The personal statement helps the admission committee understand your motivations for seeking an MBA. By understanding your career and educational goals, we can ensure our program is the right fit for you.
  • Resume
    Your resume should detail your work experience and include achievements and awards earned throughout your life. Make sure to include additional activities and community service.

    Willamette's MBA program does not require work experience. If you don't have professional work experience, make sure to include any major school projects that are relevant.
  • GMAT or GRE score
    To receive full admission, students are required to take the GMAT/GRE. However, conditional admission is available prior to taking either exam. Contact a recruiter to determine if you are eligible for an exam fee waiver.

    • GMAT code for Willamette MBA: 3MZ-PZ-27
    • GRE code for Willamette MBA: 1181
  • Proof of English language proficiency*
    Willamette offers all courses in English. International students must pass a language proficiency test to achieve our admission requirements. We require one of the following scores:

    • Official TOEFL iBT score of 88 or higher (The TOEFL code for Willamette MBA is 4954)
    • Official TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5 or higher (The TOEFL code for Willamette MBA is 4954)
    • Official IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
    • Official Duolingo score of 105 or higher
    *Applicants may receive a waiver of the language proficiency test if all of the requirements for the undergraduate degree or an advanced degree were completed in a country where the primary and dominant language is English and English was the language of instruction of the school. Please contact our admissions team for further information.
  • Admission interview
    We require an interview during our admission process. All applicants must interview via Zoom, telephone, or in person. We schedule interviews by invitation. Once you complete your online application, keep your eye out for an interview request.
  • Supplemental application materials

    Applicants must hold a passport that will be valid for at least six months into the future from the date you apply for your visa, and from the date you will be entering or reentering the United States. Contact your local embassy or consultant if you need to renew your passport.

    Applicants may submit supplemental information. They can do so by:

    • Emailing mba-admission@willamette.edu
    • Sending mail to: Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management, 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301
    We require official bank verification of funds (written in English) and a photocopy of the name page of your passport to issue the Form I-20 which must be received in order to accept an offer of admission. However, these documents are not necessary for admission consideration.

Recommended timeline for international students

Fall semester starts August 28, 2024

To ensure that you have the maximum amount of time to obtain a visa, we recommend you submit your application no later than March 1, 2024. Students should take the GMAT/GRE by April 1, 2024.

Learn about every step in the process for an international student to study in the U.S. on an F1 visa at "Studying in the States".

Questions? Ask a recruiter to help you map out your application timeline.

Visa and international program information

Review the helpful information below, or reach out to Willamette's admission team for assistance.
  • F-1 visa
    Follow these steps if you are an admitted student attending the Willamette MBA program through an F-1 visa:

    1. Provide the Willamette MBA admission office with the financial documents required to qualify for an I-20. These include an official bank verification of funds (written in English) and a photocopy of the name page of your passport. Contact us if you have questions. See more information at Study in the States – Financial Ability.
    2. When your documents qualify you for an I-20, the Willamette MBA admission office will mail your I-20 to you. The Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout your life as an international student.
    3. After you receive your I-20, the next step is to pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee and print a receipt. Save the receipt. See more information at Study in the States – Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
    4. After you receive the receipt for your I-901 SEVIS Fee, the next step is to make a visa appointment. A visa can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date listed on your I-20. See more information at Study in the States – Applying for a Visa.
    5. You are now ready to plan your arrival. You may enter the United States up to 30 days before your official program start date listed on your Form I-20.
    Remember, even though you have a visa, you must have a passport that will be valid for six months beyond your date of entry to the United States. See more information at Study in the States – Arrive at US Port of Entry.
  • J-1 visa
    Students who will be on a J-1 visa are generally working with an exchange sponsor organization or fellowship program that will help them with the process.
  • Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission
    If you're joining Willamette through the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission, review details about the program and see some of the companies where our MBA graduates work.
  • GradRight Students from India
    If you're an international student from India, GradRight provides funding opportunities. You can utilize this service to secure the right funding for a Master of Business Administration.

    Follow up with the admissions team if you have any questions.
  • Exchange students
    Willamette offers an exchange program with other partner institutions. Learn more about becoming an MBA exchange student and experiencing the United States for a semester.

Scholarship options for international students

Why study at Willamette?

Students who choose Willamette are investing in their future.

  • Our faculty members are excellent teachers who are actively contributing to the business world. Experience small classrooms where you can connect with professors and even work with them on research opportunities.
  • We focus on hands-on learning. We turn education into practical experiences that advance your career and build your resume.
  • We are internationally accredited by AACSB and NASPAA. Our education goes beyond the US border.
  • We offer up to three semesters of internship experience.
  • We offer merit-based scholarships. We make earning an education affordable.
  • We care. We want our students to succeed, and we will go above and beyond to help them achieve their dreams.
  • Our location in Salem, Oregon offers it all. Take advantage of the incredible scenery of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Willamette alumni are everywhere. Access a large network that expands across the globe.

We're more than just a top business school. Experience the perks of an MBA degree from the United States.

Apply today

Contact us with questions


We are here to help you explore Willamette's MBA programs and answer your questions. Email, call 503-370-6167, visit us on campus, or meet our representatives at MBA events around the world.

Willamette University

Early Career and Career Change MBA

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6167