Virginia International University

Why is Virginia International University (VIU) the best place for students?

Thousands of students and graduates from all over the world mention their reasons for choosing VIU as their alma mater: 

Location

Located just minutes away from the US national capital of Washington, DC, VIU provides easy access to historic landmarks, a vibrant job market, and internship opportunities at some of the top US and global agencies. Its main campus is located in Fairfax, Virginia, one of the safest, richest, and most tranquil places to reside in the United States.      

Diversity

With students hailing from over 100 countries and six continents, VIU offers a truly diverse and international experience. VIU’s International Student Services (ISS) Office offers many services to its international students to assist them in the transition from their home countries to life in the United States.

Academics

VIU has eight schools offering degrees and certificates in the most in-demand fields. The University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is recognized by the US Department of Education’s Council on Higher Education Administration (CHEA). 

Student Experience

VIU students receive individual attention from distinguished professors who incorporate real-world experience in the classroom. Its small-sized classes, career mentors, and wide range of student activities and clubs allow students to bond quickly, break out of their social and cultural bubbles, and see the world from different perspectives.

Affordable Tuition

As a non-profit university, VIU is committed to supporting students by providing low-cost, high-quality education.

Scholarships

A variety of scholarship opportunities help VIU students achieve their American dreams. VIU’s scholarships are awarded on a variety of merits: academic excellence, career growth, special achievements, and many others. More in the admissions section.

Job Opportunities

VIU alumni work for Fortune 500 companies and government organizations including the World Bank, IBM, IMF, Google, and many other multinational corporations. The VIU Alumni Association connects hundreds of alumni around the world and provides exclusive networking opportunities for graduates.

Study options at VIU are offered across…

School of Business

VIU's School of Business offers a wide array of programs; from a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a selection of 3 different concentrations; Undergraduate Certificates in International Business and Small Business Management; to a Graduate Certificate in Project Management; Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Project Management; and a world-class Master of Business Administration degree, with a selection of 11 different concentrations. Students acquire a solid understanding of business subject matter, as well as the skills necessary to make them competitive in tomorrow's market.

School of Computer Information Systems

The School of Computer Information Systems at VIU stands up to the challenge of offering degrees in graduate, undergraduate, and certificate levels that equip the students with the skill sets to support the fast expansion of the computing field and its applications across various domains.

School of Education

The School of Education offers degrees for exciting and in-demand career paths with a Master of Education, a Master of Arts in TESOL, and a Master of Science in Applied Linguistics. Students gain real-world experiences through hands-on classes, outside workshops and speaker series, an international conference (CLLC), and an actively engaged student body. They will learn from peers and world-class instructors in a friendly and collaborative environment.

School of Public & International Affairs

The School of Public & International Affairs offers two masters-level programs: Master of Science in International Relations (MIR) and Master of Public Administration (MPA). The MIR program focuses on the study of foreign policy and international development and business. The MPA degree is designed to prepare students for careers in public management and local, state, and federal administration. Both programs provide students with the skills to pursue careers with state and local governments, international organizations, non-profit organizations, multinational corporations, news outlets, policy research institutions, and many more.

School of Online Education

VIU's School of Online Education provides students the opportunity to complete a masters or bachelors degree - or even a certificate program - fully online. However, on-campus students may also choose to complete part of their degrees or certificates online. VIU’s online classes follow a flexible eight-week format, which means students can register for courses six times a year. The online courses at VIU are completely internet-based with no face-to-face meetings, which allow students to work on their own schedule and pace.

School of Language Studies

School of Language Studies at VIU provides students with an opportunity to learn English quickly in a safe and friendly environment. Programs include two tracks to help develop and improve upon a student's English proficiency: intensive ESL (focusing on academic English and IELTS or TOEFL test preparation) and non-intensive ESL (e.g., business English, advanced speaking, TOEFL preparation).

School of Test Preparation

The School of Test Preparation (STP) programs are designed to help students with various standardized tests, major field tests and licensing tests. It offers customized test preparation courses to meet all testing needs. Preparation courses are designed for a range of standardized tests including: 

English language proficiency exams

• TOEFL
• TOEIC
• IELTS
• FCE
• CAE
• BEC
• PTE

College admissions exams 

• SAT
• ACT

Graduate admissions exams

• GRE
• GMAT

It also provides teachers training programs. 

VIU proudly announces the addition of our Laptop or iPad Program for new students beginning this Fall 2017 Semester in both undergraduate and graduate programs. New students enrolled in an on-campus degree program have the option to choose either a brand new Laptop Computer or iPad to enhance their college experience. Whatever defines your learning style, VIU is dedicated to making higher education more convenient through technology used in and out of the classroom.  

Incoming first-semester students, VIU alumni, and transfer in students must register for a full course load and meet their financial plan requirements in order to be eligible to receive their new laptop computer or iPad. Students can claim their Laptop or iPad at the Student Accounts Office. Federal Financial Aid students must have their Financial Aid Application approved by the Financial Aid Office before the first day of classes in order to qualify for this offer.

Students can choose from the following options:

• Inspiron 15 5000 Series (5567) i7-8GB-1TB-15.6inch Laptop
• iPad

Join the technological revolution at VIU. Your new Laptop or iPad is waiting for you beginning this Fall 2017 Semester.   

Easy Admission Process

VIU’s dedicated admissions officers work to provide students the best service possible seven days a week. In addition, its inquiry officers work 24 hours a day, so no matter where students are located, they will find someone to assist them at any time. VIU guarantees that students seeking admissions will find quick assistance.

University Admission Requirements

• Original documents must be scanned and uploaded into the application portal.
• If any document is issued in a language other than English, students must provide both the original document and an official translation of the document into English.
• Applications will be processed after the USD150 application fee has been received by VIU’s Accounting Office.
• Bank statements must be current within 6 months from the first date of class.
• Copy of passport.
• High school diploma/certificate (CGPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale or equivalent is required. High school transcript may be requested if the diploma does not indicate the CGPA information. For foreign high school documents, an official evaluation from an accredited evaluation agency is also required.
• Statement of Financial Support Form (non-US sponsor) or I-134 Form (US sponsor)
• Official language proficiency test scores

More details…

Scholarships

Regional Scholarships

Amount: From USD500 up to full tuition for one academic year

The scholarships will be awarded to prospective students from 7 regions around the world.  There are 18 scholarships available for each region.

Eligibility: 

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a first-time applicant for any of VIU’s academic programs.
• Must apply for one of VIU’s undergraduate, graduate program, or bridge program, as a full-time student.

Special Achievement Scholarship

Amount: USD700 – USD3,000 - per academic year for academic programs / USD700 - up to full tuition for two semesters for language program students

This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated superior talent and experiences outside the classroom. This should include, but is not limited to, experience in the fields of athletics, music, and art. Candidates' professional experiences are also valued.

Eligibility:  

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following qualification:

• Must be able to show significant excellence and experience related to a demonstrated talent, achievement and/or career field.
• Must be in good academic standing and meet a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA requirement.

New Horizon Scholarship

Amount: USD1,000 up to full tuition – per academic year/ USD1,000 – up to full tuition for four semesters for language program students

This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students who are living in areas of the world where there have been recent natural disasters or civil unrest.

Eligibility: 

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants:

Must be living in areas where there is either a recent natural disaster or civil unrest (VIU reserves the sole right and responsibility to determine whether a country qualifies for the New Horizon Scholarship).

View more details…

• VIU is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award certificates, bachelors degrees, and masters degrees.
• ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• VIU’s accreditation through ACICS has automatically entitled VIU to be recognized by the US Department of Education.
• VIU’s accreditation through ACICS has automatically entitled VIU to be recognized the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• VIU is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE).
• VIU is a member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
• VIU is a member of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• VIU is a member of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• VIU is a member of the EMC Academic Alliance.
• VIU is a member of the IBM Academic Initiative.
• VIU’s School of Education is a liaison chapter for Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education.
• VIU’s School of Business is an Educational Member of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
• VIU is a member of the International Association of Universities.
• VIU is approved as Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) by Project Management Institute (PMI). View more details…

Munish Verma

MS Information Systems

“I am really enjoying the collaborative learning environment at VIU. Interactions with my fellow students are thought provoking and engaging. Our tutors are all professional facilitators who are doing an excellent job in guiding us. I really enjoy the quality of the education that I am receiving as the school brings in leaders in the field for each of my courses.

Apart from this, I also have had a chance to participate in volunteer activities in different events that are held in the university and with outside organizations.  I was even awarded an appreciation letter for participating in volunteer programs.

I also have had the opportunity to work as a student support representative with the Media Department at VIU as an assistant designer. It is an honor to learn along with such a great blend of brilliant minds from all corners of the globe.”

View more student quotes…

The VIU Career Center offers career advice, employment search resources, and workshops to help students develop job search skills.

Some services include…

• Résumé and cover letter reviews
• CSM online job search tool and other job search resources
• Volunteering, internship (CPT), and employment (OPT) search resources
• Professional development workshops for networking, interviewing, American business culture, immigration and work visas, etc.
• Interview Stream interview practice software

Students are recommended to start their job search early. They must plan a semester in advance. They can volunteer and complete an internship to build their résumé and obtain post-graduation employment!