International Students FAQs

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English is not my first language. May I still apply for admission?

International applicants whose native language is not English or who have not previously graduated from an English-speaking institution within an English-speaking country must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Test scores should not be more than two years old.

What are the institutional codes for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences?

3261 for official TOEFL scores. No department code is necessary.
3092 for official GRE scores. No department code is necessary.
1197 for official Miller Analogy Test scores.
IELTS and MCAT do not have an institutional code; you may submit copies of these scores.

What is the minimum score for TOEFL or IELTS Exam?

Students who have graduated from a university in the following English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement.

Minimum scores for each exam are:

  • 600 (paper-based TOEFL)
  • 250 (computer-based TOEFL)
  • 100 (internet-based TOEFL)
  • 7 (IELTS)

You may submit a photocopy of your score report to expedite the review of your application, but an official report sent directly from ETS or IELTS must be received to finalize any offer of admission.

Please note that some departments (i.e., Politics) have strict guidelines and may require TOEFL scores from all international applicants. Please check with the department to which you are applying to see if TOEFL is required.

Please contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences if you feel that you have extenuating circumstances that may exempt you from this requirement.

My TOEFL score is under 100. May I still apply?

The official policy of the Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is to require a minimum score of 100 for the TOEFL exam; however, our departments evaluate each student individually and holistically, considering all aspects of the application before making a final decision on admission.

Are international applicants eligible for financial assistance?

International applicants in Ph.D. programs are eligible for fully funded positions and may be awarded scholarships, fellowships and/or assistantships.

Master's candidates are eligible for institutional need-based and merit (scholarship) aid. Applicants for institutional need-based aid must file an International Application for Financial Aid, which will be included with the offer of admission.

For complete information about sources of funding, including loans, please see Affording Brandeis.

Are international applicants required to submit a statement of financial support with the application for admission?

No, we do not need financial documentation until the applicant has accepted an offer of admission. This documentation must be returned with the applicant's acceptance of our offer.

When will my I-20 be issued to me?

Once you have been admitted, you must complete a Visa Declaration of Finances Form, which should be done online.  On this form, you will indicate your financial contributions for graduate study.The I-20 form will be mailed to you after it is processed by the office. Please note that we cannot issue the I-20 forms to conditionally admitted students. If a conditional admission is offered pending receipt of official TOEFL and/or GRE score reports, the I-20 will be issued only after the score reports are received in the Graduate School.

I am an international student. Can I take one course at a time (enroll as a non-degree student) or enroll as a part-time student?

Generally, international students are ineligible to apply as a Non-Degree Special Students or as a part-time student due to visa regulations. Questions regarding visa status and or eligibility should be referred to the International Students and Scholars Office at (781) 736-3480 or by e-mail.The staff of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will gladly address any concerns that may arise for visiting special students.