International Students • Georgian Court University
Your world.
Our campus.
Georgian Court is authorized under federal law to welcome nonimmigrant students, and every year Lions arrive here from countries around the globe. You'll find a close-knit community, small classes where faculty know your name, and a dedicated team ready to walk you through every step — visa paperwork included.
Why Students Choose GCU
A few numbers that matter.
Student-faculty ratio
12:1
To NYC & Philadelphia
~1 hour
Financial aid awarded annually
$36M
Study abroad partner universities
30+
79+
minimum TOEFL iBT score (or IELTS 6.0 / Duolingo 100)
$50
application fee
$250
nonrefundable deposit, due before your I-20 is issued
12+
credits required each semester — full-time only
Admissions Requirements
English proficiency.
You'll need one of the following, from a test taken within the last three years:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 79 (internet-based) |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 or higher |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 or higher |
Score just under these thresholds? It may still be considered alongside an SAT score above 1000 or ACT score above 22.
You may not need to submit a proficiency score if English is your native language, or if you've completed at least one year of high school or higher-level education taught in English with a GPA of 2.5 or higher (within the past three years). If you're granted this waiver, you'll submit official SAT or ACT scores in place of a proficiency test.
Admissions Requirements
Transcript evaluation.
If your transcripts come from outside the U.S. or Canada, follow a non-U.S./Canadian curriculum, or aren't in English, they'll need a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member — sent directly to the Office of Admissions in place of your official transcripts.
We recommend SpanTran (TEC)
GCU partners directly with SpanTran's Transcript Evaluation Company. Using our GCU-specific application ensures you select the right evaluation type at a discounted rate — SpanTran sends your official evaluation and verified transcripts straight to GCU at no extra charge.
Admissions Requirements
Financial documentation.
Before your I-20 can be issued, you'll need to show proof of funds to cover your education and living expenses — from personal resources, family support, or another sponsor such as an employer or government program. Exactly which documents you'll need depends on your funding source; your Admissions counselor will walk you through the specifics.
International students are eligible for GCU's merit scholarships, but are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid (FAFSA-based grants and loans).
When to Apply
Key dates to build your timeline around.
Apply early — an admissions decision typically takes 3–4 weeks, and your I-20 takes another 2–3 weeks to process once your deposit is in. Give yourself plenty of time for visa processing after that.
Recommended Apply By
Fall
May 1
Spring
Oct 1
I-20 Documents Due
Fall
Jun 1
Spring
Nov 1
Enrollment Deposit
$250, due
Before I-20
After your I-20 is issued, you'll pay the U.S. immigration SEVIS I-901 fee, then visit an embassy or consulate to complete your visa. Applies to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Programs
What you can study.
Nearly every GCU program is open to international students. The two exceptions: the Direct-Entry MSN (DE-MSN) and Accelerated BSN (ABSN) nursing programs are not approved for international admission.
A Few Things To Know Once You're Here
Life as an international Lion.
Health Insurance Required
You'll need coverage usable in the U.S. for the duration of your studies — your DSO can point you to a few recommended providers.
One Online Course Per Semester
On an F-1 visa, at least 9 of your 12 required credits must be in-person each semester.
On-Campus Work Available
Up to 20 hours/week on campus. Off-campus work requires DSO-approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) tied to your major.
OPT After Graduation
Up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training in your field after you graduate.
A Global Community
You'll never be the only one far from home.
Global Lions, GCU's international student organization, hosts monthly Global Café talks and runs the campus-wide International Week each year — plus study-abroad opportunities at 30+ partner universities, open even to international students themselves.
Close-Knit Community
Small classes and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio mean you're known here, not just enrolled.
Gateway to Two Cities
NJ Transit to NYC and Philadelphia is 10 minutes from campus; the Jersey Shore is 20.
Dedicated Support
Your DSO helps with everything from your I-20 to CPT, OPT, and semester check-ins.
Questions Along The Way?
Every prospective Lion gets a dedicated counselor.
Not a call center — a real person who knows international admissions.
Maria Colon
Daniel Gallen
BELONG. BELIEVE. BECOME.
The world is smaller from here.
Bring your ambition — we'll handle the paperwork alongside you, every step from application to I-20 to your first day on campus.
