International Applicants

We’re pleased you’re considering joining our global community of entrepreneurial leaders and are here to make your application journey as smooth as possible. From TOEFL scores to transcripts, feel confident that you’ll have guidance on everything you need throughout your application process. Our team of expert advisors in Admissions and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) can guide you through each step.

International English Language Test Scores

As an international student, you may need to provide your English language test scores as part of your application to Babson.

Exemptions

If any of the statements below apply to you, you may be eligible for an English language test waiver. If so, you will simply select your waiver reason on your application, and it will be verified by the Graduate Admissions team.

  • Your native language is English
  • Your previous degree was outside the U.S. but only taught in English
  • The official language of your country of citizenship is English
  • You've been working in the U.S. full-time for at least two consecutive years in the past ten years prior to submitting your application

Minimum Scores & School Codes

The table below provides clear information on recommended minimum scores and school codes to use when sending your scores to Babson.

Column 1Recommended Minimum ScoreInformation and Registration Forms
TOEFL (iBT)100ETS – Babson’s ETS reporting code: 3075
TOEFL Essentials11ETS – Babson’s ETS reporting code: 3075
IELTS7.5 IELTS
PTE65PTE 65 Pearson – Babson’s Pearson program code: WFS-5T-20
Duolingo English Test130 Duolingo

Transcript Details 

When you apply to Babson, you’ll submit transcripts from your previous programs. If your transcripts aren’t in English, they’ll need to be translated before submission. Note that you need the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

If you are admitted and choose to enroll at Babson, official documents that include degree earned and date conferred are required to complete your admissions file prior to starting your graduate program. Carefully review the requirements for each program below.  

Full-Time MBA 

Official transcript(s) are required. If your undergraduate degree was granted outside the U.S., U.K., or Canada, you’ll need to provide an equivalency evaluation of your degree. Babson recommends you do this through World Education Services Inc., Educational Credential Evaluators Inc., or International Education Research Foundation. 

Part-Time MBA, Blended Learning MBA-Miami and Certificate in Advanced Management

Official transcript(s) are required. If your transcripts are not in English, you’ll need to provide an official translation of your transcripts. 

Specialized Master’s (MSBA, MSEL, MSF) 

Official transcript(s) are required. If your transcripts are not in English, official translated copies of transcripts are required. If you recently graduated and your degree has not yet been conferred, we can accept an official provisional degree certificate AND a university issued final transcript to complete your admissions file. 

F-1/J-1 Immigration Status 

As a degree-seeking student, once you have received your acceptance to Babson, paid your deposit, and have an active Babson email, you can begin the process to request your immigration documents (issued about four months from the start date of your program). You will use these documents to apply for the appropriate visa.

Most international students studying full time are eligible for F-1 immigration status. The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team can help you decide which status is right for you. A variety of resources will assist you as you apply for your student visa and prepare to come to the U.S.

Key Differences Between F-1 & J-1

F-1 STATUS 

F-1 is the most common and recommended visa status for international students in the U.S. in full-time degree programs. Students admitted to a program with a full-time courseload are eligible for F-1 status. Funding may come from personal and/or outside sources.

Note: The Blended Learning MBA – Miami meets the requirements of a F-1 visa eligible program.

J-1 STATUS 

Students admitted to a program with a full-time courseload are eligible for J-1 status only if they meet one of the following five criteria at any time during their educational program in the United States:

  • You or your program are financed directly or indirectly by the U.S. Government, your home government, or an international organization of which the United States is a member
  • The exchange program is carried out pursuant to an agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government
  • The exchange program is carried out pursuant to a written agreement between:
    • An American and foreign educational institution
    • An American educational institution and a foreign government
    • A U.S. state or local government and a foreign government
  • You are supported substantially (at least 51% of total program expenses) by source(s) other than personal or family funds

Continuing Your U.S. Education 

Looking to continue your education in the U.S.? If you’ve been accepted to Babson and are coming directly from another U.S. institution (as a recent graduate or active OPT student), you will need your immigration record transferred to Babson. 

Alternatively, if you are a recent Babson graduate or in an active period of OPT following your completion of a Babson degree program and wish to pursue another degree at Babson (for example, a Certificate in Advanced Management student beginning the MBA program, or an undergraduate student pursuing a specialized master’s degree), you may qualify for a change of education level or program.

Either of these situations are intended to preserve an F-1 international student’s immigration record, allowing them to keep using their F-1 visa and/or not have to depart the U.S. between programs. A new Babson Form I-20 is still required and ISSS will advise students further, based on individual situations.