Admissions International Students

Marlboro College’s small, rural and tight-knit academic community is an ideal environment for welcoming students from other countries and cultures. The college is always seeking motivated international students, and has accepted applicants from all over the world, from Slovenia to Ethiopia, South Korea to Peru. Like all Marlboro students, international students with intellectual promise can expect to be supported and respected for the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the community.

Why Study at a Liberal Arts and Sciences School?

Liberal arts and sciences does not refer to a political leaning or a program where students only study art or science. A liberal arts and science education, rather, refers to an educational structural that believes students should have a broad foundation of study in addition to targeted exploration of specific field(s). There are many liberal arts and science colleges and universities across the United States and they share the belief that learning should be interdisciplinary and that different fields of study have the power to influence one another.

Specifically, liberal arts and science institutions teach their students to 1) think critically and problem solve, 2) work in a multi-cultural, global community, 3) develop arguments through both writing and speech, and, finally 4) they teach students how to learn. These are critical skills in an ever-changing work force.

Marlboro College is similar to other liberal arts and science colleges in that we encourage broad study across our curriculum. We differ, however, from other such universities in that we do not require that students take any specific course to fulfill a requirement. We let students’ passions govern what classes they take and what they choose to study. It’s really the best of both worlds.      

Application Process

The admissions application process at Marlboro is the same for domestic and international students with two exceptions. International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency (see below) and the ability to fund their education at Marlboro. International applicants should submit a Certificate of Finances at the time they apply to Marlboro. An application will be considered incomplete without it. You can apply for either an August or January start.

The full list of application requirements can be found here.

Interviews are not required of all students, but in the course of reviewing your application the admissions committee may request one. You can also request an interview by contacting the Office of Admissions.  We are happy to do Skype interviews.   

Language Proficiency

As an international student applying to Marlboro, you need to have a level of English-speaking and writing skills that will allow you to be fully engaged in classrooms and the community. If you are a non-native English speaker, academic qualifications should include ONE of the following:

• Minimum TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based), 233 (computer-based) or 577 (paper-based)
• Minimum IELTS score of 7
• Primary language of instruction at the secondary school level is English (4+ years)

Please be aware that you are not required to submit either the SAT or ACT test scores with your application.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for International Students

International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships up to $16,500 USD annually.  Every applicant is considered for a scholarship and it is awarded at the time of admission. International students are also eligible to hold a job on campus, though they should be realistic about the number of hours per week they can realistically work (6-10 hours is typical). Sufficient financial resources to support study in the United States are required for immigration purposes, including documented proof of your ability to meet the total budget expectations.  International student should budget an additional $4,000 over Marlboro’s stated expenses to cover transportation, books and personal expenditures.  Marlboro’s 2013-2014 Academic Year Expenses can be found here.

Keep in mind that I-20s will only be issued AFTER you have been accepted to the college, proven your ability to fund your education and have paid your $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit.

Want to learn more about Marlboro? Check out these links:

• Meet our students
• Learn about our academics
• See our location
• Explore our student outcomes
• Read about our accomplishments in Colleges that Change Lives
• 为什么选择到青山州留学
• 万宝路学院

Feel free to contact us at any time during the application process: 

Admissions Office, Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT 05344 • Email: jnelson@marlboro.edu
Phone: 800-258-9236 •Fax: 802-451-7555

Need help the college search and application process? Contact your local EducationUSA office.

Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of Marlboro College not to discriminate in its admissions program, student services or hiring practices on the basis of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, age or disability. Inquiries regarding discrimination should be made to the Compliance Coordinator, Marlboro College, Marlboro, Vermont 05344, 802-257-4333.