Home › Colleges › USA › George Mason University
76%
Acceptance rate
~$26k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
32%
Intl students
1957
Founded
#400
QS World rank
Located in Northern Virginia tech corridor; excellent cybersecurity programs. This guide covers George Mason University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at George Mason University
George Mason University is best known for Affordable public university, IT and cybersecurity strength, DC area location, Flexible programs. Popular programs for international students include:
- MS Computer Science
- MS Software Engineering
- MS Cybersecurity Engineering
- MS Data Science
- MBA
Class profile: Strong in IT and cybersecurity; close to tech hubs in Northern Virginia. Notable alumni: Strong placement in government and tech sectors.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Optional for MS CS |
| GMAT (MBA) | Optional for MBA |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.0/4.0 |
| Work experience | N/A |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for George Mason University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ~$26k/yr for international graduate students |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Living costs (est.) | $12,000–20,000/yr |
| Scholarships | Graduate assistantships, limited tuition waivers |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & note GRE/GMAT policy
- Take IELTS/TOEFL + GRE/GMAT if required
- Prepare SOP, 2–3 LORs, CV & transcripts
- Apply online (Fall deadlines Dec–Jan)
- Pay application fee; submit
- Receive decision → I-20 → F-1 visa
📄 Documents checklist
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
- Resume / CV
- GRE/GMAT (if required)
- IELTS / TOEFL
- Application fee
- Passport copy
- Financial proof (I-20)
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · USA
- Student visa: F-1 student visa
- Work while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks
- Post-study work: OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees)
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Apply early. With around 76% acceptance, the main risk is late or incomplete applications — submit early for the best shot at scholarships and housing.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at George Mason University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. George Mason University needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / PTE 59. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (~$26k/yr for international graduate students) plus living costs ($12,000–20,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. George Mason University's main intakes are Fall (Aug) & Spring (Jan) & Summer (June) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Aug), Spring (Jan), Summer (June) |
| Typical deadline | Rolling |
| Acceptance rate | 76% (accessible) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (www.gmu.edu) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for George Mason University?
- George Mason University typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 80, PTE 59). GRE: Optional for MS CS.
- How much does George Mason University cost?
- International tuition is approximately ~$26k/yr for international graduate students, plus living costs of $12,000–20,000/yr. Application fee: $75.
- What is the acceptance rate at George Mason University?
- George Mason University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 76% (Strong in IT and cybersecurity; close to tech hubs in Northern Virginia).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at George Mason University?
- Intakes: Fall (Aug), Spring (Jan), Summer (June). Typical deadline: Rolling.
- Is George Mason University hard to get into?
- George Mason University is accessible, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 76%. A complete application that clearly meets the requirements has a strong chance.
- Does George Mason University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Optional for MS CS. GMAT (for MBA): Optional for MBA. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at George Mason University?
- OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees) (USA). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks.
- What documents do I need to apply to George Mason University?
- Typically: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2–3 Letters of Recommendation, Resume / CV, GRE/GMAT (if required), IELTS / TOEFL, Application fee, Passport copy, Financial proof (I-20). Check program-specific requirements before applying.