Virginia Commonwealth University is among the top 100 research universities in the USA and is situated in Richmond, Virginia. It has also been recognised as the nation's number one public graduate arts school, and students from across the world go to the institution, which has a population of over 1,250 international students from more than 101 countries.
The university offers a wide range of activities for students to get involved with during their time studying, and runs over 400 student organizations, including cultural clubs, art events and sports teams. Budding journalists are encouraged to get involved in the student-run newspaper and radio station, allowing for them to practice their skills and gain experience for their CV. Over 10,000 students actively get involved with community service during their time studying, and the university offers a large number of opportunities for students to volunteer.
Students receive plenty of support during their time studying at Virginia Commonwealth University. There is a confidential counselling service, on-site outpatient medical advice, assistance for disabled students and a dedicated careers service, offering help with everything from writing a CV to finding an internship.
Campus facilities include a well-stocked library with study areas, learning resources, computers and a Starbucks, a recently opened Institute for Contemporary Art, a fitness centre and a food court.
Students have the opportunity to spend some of their time in another country as part of their course through the university's range of study abroad programmes. It is part of a network of over 300 universities in 50 countries around the world, giving students the chance to gain a new experience and learn about another culture.
2022 201
2021 201
2020 201
2023 701
2022 701 50
2021 651
The start of the academic year has welcomed various new faces, facilities and programs, such as:
US$37,588 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$26,748 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$12,239 Living costs
US$7,301 To live on campus
VCU believe college should be affordable for all. International students with outstanding grades are able to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are based on merit and offered to fall-semester applicants.
VCU values GMAT and SAT testing, therefore students with excellent GMAT and SAT scores are at an advantage. Grades from each of these assessments are essential in the scholarship application process. Other considerations for eligibility include awards, special achievements, positions of leadership as well as extracurricular, voluntary and work activities and experience. Students should include supporting information and documents in their applications. Applications and supporting evidence are to be sent to the Office of Admissions within the mandatory deadline.
Assistantships and scholarships may be available for postgraduates, students are advised to contact their department to find out what may be available to them.
At undergraduate level, applicants must have completed secondary school or a comparable institute which normally constitutes a minimum of 12 years after nursey or kindergarten (including senior middle school, university preparatory school, GCSEs, Standard 12 graduation or lyceum). It is required that students have graduated in English or English as a foreign language, maths, science, the history of social science. Particular departments might need test scores.
Candidates for postgraduate study are required to have graduated with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, or the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree. Some departments may have specific requirements such as certain grade levels.
Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants from overseas who have a native language other than English, are required to provide their TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson results on application. Certain departments will require a specific level of test score. To find out more visit the detailed course pages. More information on the application process, admission requirements, forms, essential documents and timelines can be found on the university website.
Students at VCU are spoilt for choice with a range of over 200 academic programs for undergraduates and postgraduates. The variety of courses equip students with the necessary skills and experience to excel in an array of careers and industries such as engineering, healthcare, business, education and the arts.
Collaboration across disciplines is encouraged at VCU in order to provide students with a diverse and well-rounded education and outlook. The highly qualified teaching staff work towards inspiring their students to continue their love of learning beyond college days and into their working lives.
A huge benefit of study at VCU is the opportunity to study abroad, this is facilitated by the college’s relationships with over 300 international universities. There is the chance for students to embark on year-long study abroad programmes or simply just for a few weeks. Real-life work experience is highly valued by today’s employers, that’s why VCU assist their students in getting practical placements in the workplace.
Community, lifestyle and preparation for life after graduation are important at VCU. The college has integrated residential campus living with academic experience to create living-learning communities which focus on offering students real-life experiences, and a mixture of on and off curriculum activities.
VCU is a world leading centre for postgraduate study with 20 of its programs ranked among the best in the US in the U.S. News & World Report. VCU supports over 5000 graduate students in in-depth learning experiences developed by pupil-led research and enabled by state-of-the-art facilities.
With eleven schools and three colleges VCU offers a range of study paths for aspiring students. The colleges are made up of the College of Humanities and Sciences, the College of Health Professions and the College of Engineering. Three of the College of Health Professions’ graduate programs are ranked in the best in the US by U.S News & World Report.
The schools are comprised of Education, Business, the Arts, World Studies, Social Work, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Media and Culture, Dentistry, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, Richard T. Robertson and Honours College. The School of the Arts’ graduate program is the leading program for arts and design in the US.
The high regard for research, development and progress runs throughout the college, its curriculum and facilities. The departments provide specialist research centres, libraries and laboratories for world-class teaching, self-study and professional advancement. Students are encouraged to take on challenges with confidence and problem solve real-life issues for the benefit of society.
Students at the institute enjoy the benefits of advanced research and laboratory resources and amenities. There are a plethora of facilities to accommodate world-class teaching and learning in a variety of disciplines, such as arts and performance studios, creative media production hubs, cutting-edge health and medicine labs and shared workstations.
VCU is passionate about creating an environment conducive to studying. The study areas combine state-of-the-art technology resources, with relaxed group and individual study spaces. Group work is often part of the curriculum, VCU provide private study rooms to aid concentration and collaboration, which can be booked online. The Monroe Park Campus features the James Branch Cabell Library delivering high-quality library services for students.
Students can browse a wide choice of accommodation when studying at VCU. The range is available to accommodate the diverse student population and personal preferences. There are over five thousand students inhabiting the college campus. Students can select from standard halls of residence with all the essential facilities, to more comfortable apartment style accommodation. Student housing is kept secure with a 24-hour information counter and all modern conveniences are taken care of with laundry machines, excellent Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
Settling into college life, building relationships and meeting other students are catered for with attractive communal areas and extracurricular events and activities. Assistance with locating somewhere to live off-campus is also available at the student services office.
There are plenty of cuisine and dining options at VCU. With VCUDine students can enjoy the flexibility of choosing from any of the 23 food and drink venues situated across two campuses. Food choices are diverse, healthy and delicious and international and traditional fare is served daily.