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International Students are welcome at Union Graduate College
Union Graduate College is pleased to welcome graduate degree study students from around the world. We encourage students to apply for one of our MBA or Master Degree Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The professional staff at Union Graduate College is ready to assist you in becoming acclimated to life in the United States, both on and off the campus. Our global approach to education and personal one-on-one support, we can help you overcome any language or cultural barriers.
International students requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 are encouraged to apply at least 5 months prior to their anticipated start term. Non-U.S. applicants who have not studied for at least two years in an English-speaking program must also submit an official score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A telephone interview may also be requested. Students must be prepared to submit proof of financial responsibility.
International Students Application Requirements (for downloadable and on-line forms see Admissions - application forms)
- Graduate Study Application
- Application fee of $60 U.S.
- Graduate student essay
- Resume (recommended)
- Three letters of recommendation (School of Education requires 2 academic)
- Official Graduate Management Admission Test (School of Management only)
- Undergraduate and graduate official transcripts - requires a professional evaluators report
- Official TOEFL score report
Financial Assistance
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Graduate Study Students is available on a competitive, individual basis for some programs.
Process
- Request application materials, download or apply on-line.
- Complete the Union Graduate School Application
- Secure admission offer from Union Graduate School
- Once admitted, you will receive a request for financial verification that you can fund your education. Verification must be supplied in recent, original bank statements.
- The International Officer at Union Graduate College will then print document you need for visa appointment and mail to you.
- Secure your Visa
- Prepare to travel to the U.S. and then to Union Graduate College
Additional Helpful Information for International Graduate Study Applicants
In your travel to Union Graduate College, you will need:
- Passport
- Visa
- DS-2019 or I-20
- Money and travelers checks
- All Medical and immunization records
Paperwork: To guard against complications from loss or theft, we suggest that you bring a set of copies of each of these documents.
Location: Union Graduate College of Union University is located in the city of Schenectady, New York.
View map and directions to Union College Campus.
Where To Arrive: When booking your flight, choose Albany International Airport if possible, as it is the closest airport to the College. You may also fly into JFK or LaGuardia airports in New York City and take a connecting flight to Albany Airport. The train or bus also travels from NYC to Schenectady, NY. The train and bus stations are a 5 minute ride to campus or 10 minute walk.
You can also reach the Albany International Airport from the campus via car or taxi in about 20 minutes. Many airlines fly into and out of this airport, connecting the region to almost any destination. It is only a forty-minute flight to New York City.
Airport Security: All luggage transported by airplane is x-rayed, including luggage that is checked in. Modern X-ray machines should not damage film, but for safety, you should carry your film with you and ask for a visual inspection.
Money: U.S. paper currency is produced in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 denominations. However the $2 bill is rarely seen. Coins are available in 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), 50 cents (half-dollar) and $1 (dollar). Vending machines and other automates for beverages and various snacks most commonly accept quarters.
Non-cash transactions are widely used in the United States through Debit or Charge Cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) which are accepted in most stores, hotels and restaurants. You would be well advised to exchange your currency at home and bring U.S. currency with you in the form of traveler's checks (VISA, American Express, Thomas Cook).
Tipping: Gratuity is expected in restaurants where you are served at your table as well as hotels, taxi drivers, beauticians and barbers, baggage handlers, valets, and other service professionals. Customary tip or gratuity ranges from 15%-20%.
Taxes (sales): In most instances, the advertised or display price of items does not include sales tax (except on gas, drinks in a bar and tickets to events). These taxes will be added to the final bill prior to payment. For hotels and car rentals, you may ask in advance for the final price.
Driving and car insurance: An International Driving Permit can be used for up to 12 months in the U.S. Please be advised that riving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in all of the United States and can lead to large fines and/or prison time.
Drinking: The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years. Photo identification is required for persons under 35 to purchase or use alcohol or to enter bars and clubs. Liquor and wine are sold in special Liquor Stores in New York State while beer can be found in most local groceries and convenience stores.
Time: The Continental U.S. has four, one-hour time zones.
Union Graduate College is located in New York State and is in the Eastern Time zone, which is GMT-5.
The other times zones of the United States include:
Central Time (GMT-6), Mountain Time (GMT-7)
Pacific Time (GMT-8)
Alaska Time (GMT-9) and Hawaii-Aleutian Time (GMT-10).
Daylight savings time is used during the summer.
Date: Americans usually write the date in mm/dd/yyyy format. When filling in dates, be sure to check if the form specifies which format you should use.
Countries Previously Represented at the Graduate College:
- China
- Bulgaria
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Barbados
- Napal
- Russia
- Japan
- Cape Verde
- Germany
- India
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Greece
- France
- Czech Republic
- England
In Union Graduate Degree programs that include:
Electrical Standards: Electricity in the U.S. is 120V/60 Hz. If you want to bring any electrical equipment, make sure that it can be used with these settings or bring a voltage converter.
The standard for video and television in the U.S. is NTSC. If you want to use any video equipment check the compatibility with the system in your home country. The PAL/SECAM system used in Europe is not compatible with NTSC.
Health Insurance: International graduate students may purchase health insurance from Union Graduate College of Union University for about $400 per year. Students may use the health services on campus. Be sure to bring your immunization records with you. Note: Immunization records are required. Please contact the Graduate College for an immunization form or use the following links to download forms from the Admissions section of this web site.
Immunization Form
Bioethics Program Disclosure and Health Programs Immunization Form
Jet Lag: Jet lag is experienced when a person travels by air through more than three time zones (each zone represents one-hour time difference). When traveling rapidly over long distances, the body needs time to adjust to the new time zones. You may experience feelings of fatigue, disorientation, insomnia, anxiety, impaired concentration and loss of appetite. These effects usually disappear within three days. To minimize jet lag, try to keep a regular day regime, drink lots of water and juice and avoid alcoholic beverages during this time.
Expenses: Please see the Admissions - Tuition & Fees section for information on expenses.
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I am so glad that I had the chance to come to Union Graduate College to pursue my Masters in Business Administration degree. I love this school! The campus is so beautiful and everyone here is so nice and helpful. I am having a great experience!
Chen (Anna) Yang
MBA candidate 2008
Beijing, China
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© 2008 Union Graduate College,
Full, part time and accelerated Graduate Masters Degree Study Programs.
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