Q: Can I transfer my credits from another school?
A: In most cases, "yes." But, all courses transferred from another institution must first be evaluated and approved by the academic department. Once the transfer has been completed, the courses will appear on the transcript and may be applied to the students academic program. Up to 9 credits can be transferred into a graduate program and 60 credits can be transferred to an undergraduate program.
Q: Can you tell me if I will be accepted with my current degree?
A: If you have a 4 year bachelor degree in any major you are qualified for acceptance to the MBA or Management Program, or if you have a degree which is similar in nature, then you will qualify for any of the majors. However, we cannot tell you what prerequisites you will need to take until after the admission department has evaluated the transcripts.
Q: Are there any fees for joining the UNVA Graduate Co-Op program?
A: Students who would like to participate in the graduate co-op program are required to pay the $3,050 administrative fee. The fee is broken down into installments of $1,550 due upon initial registration and two installments of $750 in the subsequent months. Those who will plan to only work part-time are not required to pay an administrative fee.
Q: Can I earn enough money to cover my personal expenses and also my tuition costs during the program? Or do I have to bring money with me from my home country?
A: UNVA advises students to be prepared for all situations before arriving into the US. Although the co-op program allows students to fund their own tuition and bolster their spending ability, plan on not relying on employment as your main source of income. Additionally, when applying for visa approval, consulate officers will be requiring students to demonstrate how an academic program will be funded without the aid of employment within the US.
Q. Do I have to apply for a visa in my own country?
A: Not if you are a Canadian resident. However, an I-20 is required for re-entry and to prove your business in the US. For those who are from other countries, a valid visa is required in order to enter the US. Visas may be obtained from the US Embassy or consulate office. Visitors in the US may also change their status within the US by filing paperwork with USCIS.
Q: Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee before I go in for my interview?
A: Yes, the fee shows that the I-20 has been paid for and registered within SEVIS. This is among the requirements of the visa application during the interview.
Q: How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
A: Students can go to www.fmjfee.com and pay the fee with a credit card. Students must enter their name and the number on the upper right corner of the I-20. This is the fastest way to make the payment.
Q: My sponsor lives in the U.S. Will this be a problem for the visa officer?
A: Yes, having your sponsor in the U.S. can be a problem for you when it comes to the issue of your significant ties to your home country. It is even more important now for you to be able to explain your plan for the future as being in your home country rather than with your sponsor in the U.S.
Q: Is there a deadline for applying?
A: Contact the Admissions for specific policies regarding deadlines. We attempt to be as flexible as possible with the needs of new students.
Q: I can not get my bank statement until I have an acceptance letter from the university. Can I send my application packet in now (without a financial document) and send the bank statement in later?
A: If you need the acceptance letter before you can get the financial documents, then please write a note to the university admissions office stating this fact and include it with your application packet. This way the admissions office can go ahead and process your application without the financial information and if you qualify for admission, we can issue a Provisional Admission letter. As soon as you do receive your financial documentation you will need to send it to the university. We will issue an I-20 and final admission letter required for Visa application, only after proper financial documentation is provided.
Q: Why do I need a bank statement for at least $12,000?
A: The reason for the requirement of having $12,000 is to assure the American visa officers that you have ready available cash to use for your education in case you choose not to participate in the internship program or you cannot get the internship employment as expected. This is both, an immigration regulation and the university requirement, because we want to be assured of your financial stability and ability to pay your tuition and living expenses.
Q: Does the bank statement have to be in a sponsors name or is it ok if it is in my name?
A: The bank statement can be your statement, or that of a "sponsor", or a combination of the two. If you use a sponsor's statement you will also need to have the sponsor write a letter to the university stating, "I am the sponsor for _______ and I intend to provide him/her with financial assistance during his/her first year at the university up to the amount of $_____,
Q: I need to know if I can use a notary public here in my home country to accredit my sponsor's affidavit of support instead of having to go to a U.S. consular which takes donkeys of months to accomplish.
A: You do need to have all copied academic documents notarized as a "true copy of the original". Affidavit of Financial Support is a legal document that certifies your statement or your sponsor's to take a full responsibility for the financial support. Therefore, it has to be certified in the space provided at the bottom of the Affidavit of Financial Support form by an agency responsible for notarizations or certifications in your country.
Q: I can not get my bank statement in US dollars.
A: If you cannot get your bank statement in US dollars you may get the conversion from the internet. Just print the page showing the conversion and include it with your bank statement. www.currency-exchange.co.uk/Currency-Converter.htm. Additionally, you may also translate the bank statement and certify it as a "true translation from the original language".
Q: Can I have more then one sponsor?
A: You can have as many sponsors as you need. However, you and the sponsors need to make it clear why the sponsor is willing to sponsor you. Every person that sponsors you must fill out the Affidavit of Financial Support and attach current bank statement.
Q: I have a TOEFL score, but I don't have a GRE score. Is that OK?
A: Although this university is one of the few graduate schools in the U.S. that does not require a GRE or GMAT scores for its Master's students, for those international applicants not already in the US, we recommend you take the GRE test. We suggest this because, having taken the test, you are more likely to be viewed as a more "serious" student by the U.S. visa officer when you go to apply for your visa.
Q: What if I have a three year degree?
A: In some cases the 4 year undergraduate degree system that the US uses discourages prospective students from applying for a Master's level degree. However, UNVA is a global university and fully understands the various educational systems used around the world. In most cases an academic evaluation will be performed. If the evaluation states that the degree is equivalent to the US bachelor's degree, then the admissions processing for a master's level degree will proceed normally.
If the evaluation service deems that the degree is not equivalent then UNVA offers two more options. The student can either request a block transfer of their credits to be applied towards completing a bachelor's degree. Or, the student may be accepted into the UNVA Bridge Program. The bridge program allows the student to complete the requirements of a 4 year degree and seamlessly enter the Master's level. The courses required of the bridge program may be applied to cornerstone requirement of the Master's program and result in earlier completion of the graduate degree.
Q: What if I am in my last semester of undergraduate study. Can I apply to the program now?
A: Yes. You must send all transcripts that are available and UNVA will evaluate the materials. Indicate that you are nearing the completion of your undergraduate degree and that a final transcript will be sent upon completion. The University can issue a conditional acceptance that is contingent on the successful completion of your undergraduate studies.