Transfer International Direct

This program is for international undergraduate students who have already earned credits at a university in their home country or at a U.S. college or university. 

Students begin with one semester as George Mason Gateway students but with a direct entry I-20. During that semester, they take a combination of English language, transition, and degree-applicable courses. There are no additional progression requirements beyond maintaining good academic standing.

Note: Current Gateway (formerly INTO Mason) students and those beginning their program in fall 2026 should consult the George Mason catalog for accurate descriptions of their programs and requirements.  

The program information on this website is accurate for prospective students beginning a program in spring 2027 and onward. 

Admission

Admission to undergraduate Gateway programs is offered to international and multilingual students by two methods:

  • By applying directly through the Gateway admissions process
  • By referral from the University Admissions Office due to not having met the grade point average, English language proficiency, or other requirements for direct admission.

Transfer International Direct entry requirements are as follows:

  • High school diploma
  • 2.5 minimum college GPA equivalent based on the applicant's country/institutional scale
  • Documentation demonstrating the minimum English language proficiency levels:
    • TOEFL iBT 70 (15 minimum subscores in all skills)
    • NEW TOEFL iBT 4.0 (3.5 all subscores)
    • IELTS 6.0 (5.5 minimum subscores in all skills)
    • PTE Academic 53
    • Duolingo 100
    • Successful completion of or waiver from Academic English Level 5

Progression into Degree Status

Transfer International Direct students follow the university policy for good academic standing. These students progress automatically without further matriculation review.

Reenrollment and Readmission

Due to the nature of Gateway programs as both English language development and academic coursework, students are subject to a limited reenrollment policy. Students who do not enroll after the first term or withdraw for reasons other than poor academic performance may request to reenroll in a Gateway program the following term (e.g., spring) to continue making progress toward meeting program requirements, with advance permission from the executive director. Students who do not enroll for two consecutive terms (e.g., spring and fall) must apply for readmission to the program and be re-assessed for language proficiency. Summer terms are counted for students whose initial enrollment begins in spring semester.

Available Programs and Majors

Transfer International Direct students are eligible to declare majors in any of George Mason's colleges/schools per each college/school major declaration requirements.

Required Courses

Code Title Credits

INYO 105

U.S. American Cultures (Mason Core)

3

COMM 101

Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core)

3

ENGH 123

Language-Enhanced Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core)

4

INYO 100

International First-Year Undergraduate Transition

1

EAP 101

Language Support for Fundamentals of Communication

1

EAP 102

Language Support for American Cultures

1

Mason Core or Major Course requirement based on transcripts and advisement

3
Total Credits 16