International Applicants

The Penn State Smeal Part-Time Hybrid MBA program values diversity and welcomes candidates and alumni from around the world. The cross-cultural insights and unique perspectives of our international students enrich our community and enhance the learning environment. We offer special programming and workshops designed to support international candidates in their transition to the Smeal MBA community and their preparation for future careers. International applicants have specific admission requirements, including official English language proficiency exam scores and application deadlines. The program also considers United States GPA conversion and transcript requirements, with additional details for applicants from India. English proficiency exams, such as TOEFL and IELTS, are mandatory for all international applicants, except those meeting certain exemptions.

The Penn State Smeal Part-Time Hybrid MBA values the diversity of our student population with candidates and alumni from around the world. We recognize that the cross-cultural insights and unique perspectives of our international students strengthen our community and enhance the learning environment. With special programming and workshops designed for the unique needs of our international candidates, we are committed to helping you transition to the Smeal community and prepare for your future career.

Admission Requirement for International Students

For international applicants to the Penn State Smeal Part-Time Hybrid MBA Program, the multi-step application process includes additional requirement:

  • Official English Language Proficiency Exam Scores: Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. 

United States GPA Conversion Tables

If your school does not follow the 4.0 grading scale, provide an estimate in the GPA section of the application. You can then enter your unconverted GPA in the section titled "Optional Clarification Statement, Additional Information, GPA and Test Score Clarification."

Transcripts

Only the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution can be considered for admission into Penn State. Official transcripts must be submitted from each educational institution attended. Transcripts are reviewed for course content, academic performance, and trends in academic progress. Transcripts may be digitally duplicated and submitted online for the purposes of initial application review, but originals must follow.

International applicants whose transcripts are not in English should submit both the originals as well as translated transcripts along with an official copy of the bachelor's degree and graduation certificate. Contact the Penn State Graduate School to determine if your degree is equivalent to a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree before submitting an application.

Applicants from India who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or the master's degree examinations following a three-year bachelor's degree are eligible to apply. Those completing the Chartered Accountancy final examination and awarded an Associate Membership (following a three-year bachelor's degree) are also eligible. Three-year bachelor's degrees followed by a post-graduate diploma may be acceptable if the diploma program is one year full-time in length and offered by an Indian University that is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities. Professional programs offered by external organizations are not eligible.

The Graduate School at Penn State will not review academic credentials of a prospective student until an application is officially submitted. If you feel strongly about having your credentials verified before completing and submitting your application, you may have your credentials reviewed by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Approval from ECE will assure you are academically eligible for not only our program, but most other U.S. Institutions as well. Please note the Penn State Graduate School does not accept credential reviews from World Education Services (WES)--only reviews done by ECE.

English Proficiency Exams

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. See GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Additional Resources