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International Admissions

Welcome to our worldwide community.

Applying for a graduate business program is challenging even if it’s in your home country and primary language. Our Admissions Team is here to help you understand everything you need to know about the Owen Graduate School of Management and applying for admission.

You’ll find the admissions process easier if you pay special attention to the following requirements.

In most cases, international students are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Pearson Test of English (PTE) will be waived only for candidates who have earned a university degree in an English-speaking country—not just an English-speaking institution—or those who have lived and worked in an English-speaking country for the past two or more years. We will also accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).


Have financing in place before you apply.

Vanderbilt offers several full-tuition scholarships to incoming MBA students, and several partial tuition scholarships to incoming MS Finance and MAcc students. Competition for these awards is intense. International applicants should not count on receiving any financial assistance unless it is awarded at the time of admission. Even with a full-tuition award, candidates still will have to cover personal living expenses, which are approximately $18,000 per year for a single student.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit the Preliminary Financial Declaration portion of the on-line application; an offer of admission will not be extended without it. Vanderbilt’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will send you an official financial statement, once you have been offered admission. You should return this to them with supporting original documents. Your student visa application will be sent to you by ISSS only after all required information and documents are received. Candidates should review the International Supplement/Preliminary Financial Declaration contained in the application for more details.

Apply on time.

International candidates must check individual program admissions deadlines for international applicants.  Applications submitted after the final deadline will still be accepted and reviewed, but offers of admission and financial aid will be made on a space-available and funds-available basis only.

Click here to begin the application process.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the completed application, you will be required to provide:

•    Unofficial transcripts*
•    Self-reported GMAT or GRE  scores
•    Resume
•    Comprehensive work history
•    Essays
•    Two letters of recommendation
•    Self-reported TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores

*Notarized English translations from a qualified professional are required for all official documents and transcripts in any language other than English.

Completed Applications

Your application is considered complete and ready when we receive your online application, the above documents. Although still required for admission, the evaluative interview and any other supplemental items are not required for the Admissions Committee to deny or waitlist an applicant.


Do you have these questions?

  • How soon can I check the status of my application?
  • What is the process for re-applying?

These answers and more in our FAQs. Click here.