George Mason University (GMU) admissions are open to international students for both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 intakes. The Fall intake is the primary entry point for most international students. At George Mason University, undergraduate applicants apply via the Common Application or the university portal. Graduate applicants apply directly through the GMU Graduate Admissions portal.
The acceptance rate of George Mason University is 86.5% in 2025, as per the Common Data Set.
- Minimum UG academic requirement: GPA 3.3–3.9 on a weighted 4.0 scale | equivalent to 75- 95% in Indian Class 12.
- Minimum PG academic requirement: 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 (around 60–65%) scale in undergraduate study.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 (UG) | IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 88 (for Graduates), with higher thresholds applying for graduate programs.
- A mandatory $250 (₹23,508) enrollment deposit is required to secure a place after receiving an offer.
A NACES-recognised credential evaluation agency must evaluate all international transcripts. Admissions decisions typically take 6–8 weeks after submission.
Note: All currency conversions are based on $1 = ₹94.03 as of April 23, 2026.
Learn about the Indian students' guide to studying in the US
- George Mason University Deadlines 202
- George Mason University Application Portal
- George Mason University Admission Decision 2026
- George Mason University Popular Courses for Indian Students
- George Mason University Admission Requirements
- English Language Requirement at GMU
- George Mason University Acceptance Rate
- FAQs
George Mason University Deadlines 2026
George Mason University offers Fall (late August) and Spring (mid-to-late January) intakes for most programs. The Fall intake is the primary entry point for international students. The deadlines for spring intake are earlier than those for fall intake, and most of those have already passed. Thus, the students aiming for the spring intake should follow these deadlines as tentative for the 2027 cycle.
Most subject-specific deadlines for the two intakes at the graduate level follow:
- Fall 2026: March 15, 2026 (priority deadline) and June 1, 2026 (final deadline).
- Spring 2027: October 15, 2026 (priority deadline) and November 1, 2026 (final deadline).
Applying at least 2–3 months before the international deadline is recommended to allow adequate time for document submission and I-20 processing.
Learn about the various intakes available in the US for international students
Graduate Deadlines
Graduate deadlines at George Mason University vary by program and intake. PG deadlines vary by academic program. Students should verify course-specific deadlines at admissions.gmu.edu/grad.
For MBA, the final deadline for fall is May 1, 2026. The deadline for the MS Forensic Science is April 15, 2026, which is earlier than most programs at George Mason.
| Course | Intake | Priority / Standard Deadline | International Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | Fall 2026 | March 15, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | October 15, 2026 | November 1, 2026 | |
| MS Data Analytics Engineering | Fall 2026 | March 15, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | October 15, 2026 | November 1, 2026 | |
| MS Civil & Infrastructure Engineering | Fall 2026 | March 15, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | October 15, 2026 | November 1, 2026 | |
| MBA | Fall 2026 | Feb 1 (Priority), May 1 (Standard) | May 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Sept 15 (Priority), Nov 15 (Standard) 2026 | November 15, 2026 | |
| MS Forensic Science | Fall 2026 | April 15, 2026 | |
| Spring 2027 | November 1, 2026 | ||
Note: Spring intake deadlines are tentative for the 2027 cycle.
Undergraduate Deadlines
Undergraduate admissions follow a structured timeline with multiple decision rounds. Applying early (especially Early Action) improves scholarship consideration and admission chances.
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline (Spring Semester) | October 1, 2025 |
| Early Action | November 1, 2025 |
| Merit-Based Scholarship Consideration | November 1, 2025 |
| Regular Decision | February 1, 2026 |
| Final application deadline | June 1, 2026 |
George Mason University Application Portal
UG applicants apply via the Common Application or the university portal. Graduate applicants apply directly through the university's online admissions portal (GMU Graduate Portal). A non-refundable application fee of $80 (₹7,522) applies to UG international applicants and $75 (₹7,053) to graduate applicants.
Read how to apply to US universities as an international student.
George Mason University Admission Decision 2026
At George Mason University, the decisions for applications at the undergraduate level follow a proper decision timeline based on the deadline for applications. For graduate level, the decisions are generally given in 4-8 weeks after applying to the university.
Decision timeline for undergraduate programs:
- Early Action (UG): Decisions by mid-December
- Regular Decision (UG): Decisions from February to late March (rolling)
- Final Deadline (UG): Decisions based on seat availability may extend close to the intake
Note: GMU rarely uses "Conditional Admission" through pathway programs for direct applicants. Provisional admission is the most common conditional offer for graduate programs.
George Mason University Popular Courses for Indian Students
George Mason University offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across its 10 colleges and schools. Popular courses among international students include MS Computer Science, MS Data Analytics Engineering, MBA, and BS Cyber Security Engineering.
Students applying to George Mason University must pay the Mandatory Student Fee (MSF). For 2025–2026, the full-time annual MSF is $3,924 (₹3.69 Lakhs). This covers student services, activities, facilities, etc. It is included in the Total tuition fee at GMU. It is charged every year for full-time enrollment.
MBA applicants usually need 2 years of work experience and professional references. Start early with the WES evaluation if applying to competitive programs, as it speeds up processing.
| Course | Duration | Total (USD)(tuition + student fee) | Total (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 1–2 years | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs | Strong prerequisites: Calculus I & II, Discrete Math, Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Architecture (with assembly). |
| MS Data Analytics Engineering | 1–2 years | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs |
Bachelor's in engineering, CS, stats, math, business, or IT with 3.0 GPA (above 65%). |
| MS Civil & Infrastructure Engineering | 1–2 years | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs | Bachelor's in Civil Engineering (preferred) or related engineering/science field with above 65% in graduation |
| MBA | 1–2 years | $49,500 | ₹46.54 Lakhs |
Bachelor's degree minimum 2 years full-time professional work experience. No specific major required. No GRE/GMAT required |
| MS Forensic Science | 1–2 years | ~$43,924 | ~₹41.30 Lakhs |
3.0 GPA (60-65%) expected. 3 letters of recommendation |
| BS Psychology | 3–4 years | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year | No additional major-specific requirements beyond university admission. |
| BS Computer Science | 3–4 years | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year | Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Board) with strong Math & Science (preferably 70%+). |
| BS Cyber Security Engineering | 3–4 years | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year | Strong Class 12 performance in Math & Science. |
| BS Economics | 3–4 years | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year | Class 12 with a good quantitative background is helpful. |
| BA Criminology, Law and Society | 3–4 years | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year | Standard Class 12 academic record + personal statement. |
Note: All fees are for international students. Tuition is based on 12–15 credits per semester for UG and 9 credits per semester for graduates. Additional course or lab fees may apply for specific programs.
Learn more about the popular courses and fees at George Mason University
George Mason University Admission Requirements
George Mason University follows a holistic admissions review process. For UG applicants, SAT/ACT scores are test-optional but strongly encouraged.
In general, a 4-year Indian bachelor's degree is considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree for graduate admissions.
- Most graduate programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This typically corresponds to about 60–65% or higher aggregate (especially in the final year).
- For competitive programs (e.g., MS in Computer Science or Engineering), a higher score is preferred.
- A score of 70%+ or a First Division is usually expected for such programs.
Transcript Requirements: Official mark sheets and a degree certificate from an Indian university require a course-by-course credential evaluation by any NACES member (WES is recommended by the university). GMU sometimes does an internal evaluation.
The table below gives a detailed overview of admission requirements at GMU:
| Requirement | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Standard XII completed | Bachelor's degree (3–4 years) |
| Score required | Preferably 70%+ in grade 12. |
a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. 60–65% or higher in the Indian system. |
| SAT / ACT | Test optional (strongly encouraged) | Not required |
| Personal Statement / Essays | Optional but strongly encouraged | Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | 1 from the school counsellor and 1 from the teacher |
Required (number varies by program). At least 2 are required. |
| Work Experience | Not required | Required for MBA and some other graduate programs |
| Transcripts / Marksheets | NACES-recognised agency required | NACES-recognised agency required |
Read about the documents required in the US as an international student
English Language Requirement at GMU
English proficiency is mandatory for all international applicants, with no waiver available. Requirements vary slightly between undergraduate and graduate programs.
| Test | Score for undergraduates | Score for graduates |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 overall (6.0 each subsection) | 7.0 overall (6.5 each subsection) |
| TOEFL iBT (post Jan 21, 2026) | 4.5 overall (4.0 each subsection) | 5.0 overall (4.5 each subsection) |
| TOEFL iBT (pre Jan 21, 2026) | 80 overall (18 each subsection) | 88 overall (20 each subsection) |
| Pearson (PTE) | 59 | 67 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | 120 |
| English Waiver | Not available | Not available |
Check out the English exams, their costs, and score requirements in the US
George Mason University Acceptance Rate
At George Mason University, the acceptance rate has gradually declined since 2023, from 88.9% to 86.5% in 2025. As per the common data set, applications are increasing each year, but admissions are growing more slowly, showing slight competitiveness.
The university itself doesn’t publish a specific figure for acceptance rate. However, the common data set shows the number of students applied vs admitted at George Mason.
| Metric | Fall 2025 | Fall 2024 | Fall 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Applied | 26,014 | 25,234 | 22,579 |
| Total Admitted | 22,495 | 22,074 | 20,057 |
| Total Enrolled | 4,337 | 4,464 | 4,451 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86.5% | 87.5% | 88.9% |
Check out the universities with high acceptance rates in the US
George Mason University offers a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate of ~86–88%, making it accessible compared to many US universities. Applicants are expected to meet solid academic benchmarks (70%+ for UG, 3.0 GPA for PG) and complete a credential evaluation for international transcripts.
Tuition falls in the mid-to-high range for international students, with additional costs like student fees and living expenses. Overall, early application, timely document submission, and meeting academic and English requirements are the key factors influencing admission outcomes.
FAQs
Ques. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for GMU?
Ans. Yes, English proficiency is mandatory for all international students, and no waiver is available. Common requirements include IELTS 6.5+ (UG) and 7.0+ (PG).
Ques. Does GMU require the SAT or GRE?
Ans. SAT/ACT is test-optional for undergraduate applicants, but recommended. GRE/GMAT is not required for most graduate programs, including MBA.
Ques. What GPA is required for George Mason University?
Ans. A minimum 3.0 GPA (60–65%) is required for graduate programs, while undergraduate applicants should aim for 70%+ in Class 12 for better chances.
College Student Profiles
George Mason University sPELbk
| 8MIU1T | 7N6V25 | /mfICu | 3hZkL+ | vvWrCI | oM0Bz2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
MBA 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Sep 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 45,576 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
MPH 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Dec 2026) Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
MS Forensics Science 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - |
MS Electrical Engineering 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - |
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - | |
MS Health Informatics 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake | Closing in 21 days |
| Data Analytics Engineering Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake | Closing in 21 days |
| Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake | Closing in 21 days |
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Likes
- George Mason offers students a variety of career resources, including career fairs, professional development opportunities, career preparation courses, and job placement support.
- Among all public and private universities, George Mason is ranked 109th by U.S. News, 76th by the Wall Street Journal (up from 95th), and 91st by Washington Monthly.
- GMU is famous for its variety of program offerings, especially in the fields of public policy, business, law, and science. The university is renowned for its research output and innovative teaching methods..
Dislikes
- Some classes can be rather large, depending on the strength of the class and the time, which may not be perfect for people wanting a more intimate learning atmosphere.
- Campus life at GMU may be less vibrant than at schools with a more residential concentration due to the large number of commuter students.
- The cost per credit is very high. Where it becomes 50 - 60K dollars for master student for two years.
Scholarship
- No, in George Mason, there are no scholarships allocated. None of my batchmates and friends received scholarships. There are no scholarships awarded unless and until you have a Teaching assistantship or research assistantship.
- If you have any one of those, you will be waived for one subject and you will be having a pay for every 15 days. And there is a concept called stay mason fund in the university. If you are facing with any financial problem. you can seek help from the university which helps you financially.
Likes
- The teachers are very helpful and cooperative if we have any doubts.
- It has various sports to take place in like cricket, basketball etc.
- It has many restaurants like Sodexo and cafes like Starbucks.
Dislikes
- The college fee is quite high compared to other colleges.
- The buildings are far away from each other and takes lot of time to go from one class to other.
- The timings for our course is in the evenings so it is a bit uncomfartable.
Likes
- The various clubs which provide learning through playing
- The huge canteen options according to taste.
- The sports which are free to access for GMU students
Dislikes
- It is very big which makes it difficult to go to different classes
- Sometimes assignments of some subjects will be 3-4 per week and submission within a week
- It is a very big process to complete any work with college
Likes
- Diverse Community, more research opportunities
- Active campus life and, supportive peers
- Knowledgeable faculty and mentorship opportunities
Dislikes
- Administrative process and parking issues
- Commuter experience and event participation
- Variable success rate and internship competition
Overview
One of the reason for choosing this university is academic reputation and location and diversity of communication and high research opportunities, great internships available and had huge career services, Research for study plan and consultancy and networking.
Overview
I chose this university because it was close to my home end it was near DC so there are a lot of job opportunities for computer science at the university. I overall experienced at my colleges very fun, although I just go to my classes and do not spend too much time at the University itself, it is a very fun experience overall.
Scholarship
No Scholarships
Likes
- Professor are really friendly and understanding. College environment is diverse and lively. Various facilities and student support services like Gyms, Mason Shuttles, Patriot Pantry etc. Great location - close to Downtown DC, which is like good for exploring and also for job opportunities.
- It has a very good Data Analytics Program and relatively better job opportunities compared to other universities. Geographically good location to explore.
Dislikes
- Limited part time opportunities. High tuition fee and cost of living. Weather is hard to get used to, too cold in winters and too hot in summers. Very limited scholarship opportunities. Not a diverse environment for masters students.
Overview
Mason provided me opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and skill development. I have learnt a lot about different cultures and also about myself.
Overview
I was offered a position to study abroad as a Freshman! Specifically, my school had a new special program for Freshmen to choose a place to go abroad instead of waiting until typically Junior year. I was able to study abroad at George Mason’s second campus in South Korea.
Scholarship
I got a scholarship for being an out-of-state student for $6500 a year. I received it automatically and did not have to apply.
Overview
The professors in the CS department. University transportation is available throughout the city.
Scholarship
No, I didn't receive any scholarship.
Overview
I chose it because they have the best professors for my major. Also, the FBI and CIA headquarters are close by and Offer a lot of internships as well as well known guest speakers in the field that come to my college.
Scholarship
I just received a $20,000 scholarship for my studies for my grades. I did not apply to it.
Overview
I really liked the campus and the communication program they had to offer. I also got into the honours college and they offer different courses for honours students so that really appealed to me as well.
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