International Traditional Option
January, June, and August start dates available.
We are pleased by your interest in pursuing a graduate education in International Business at the University of Florida. The MAIB program allows business majors or minors with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university the opportunity to obtain a Master of Arts with a major in International Business.
Eligibility and Requirements
For information on eligibility and program requirements, please see our eligibility page.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Non-US and Puerto Rican applicants must have at least a 320 verbal GRE score and at least the required minimum score for one of these English language tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum score: 6
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - minimum score: 77
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) –minimum score: 213 computer-based; 80 internet-based; or 550 paper-based
Applicants may be exempted from this requirement if:
- They are citizens of a country where English is the official language. View a list of such countries.
- They have official proof of successfully completing the UF English Language Institute (ELI) prior to applying
- They have proof of spending at least one year as a full-time student at a college or university in a country where English is the official language. (Please note: time spent in ESL [English as a Second Language] programs does not qualify for this exemption.) View a list of such countries.
Application
We consider all applicants based on individual experiences and skills. There are no guaranteed admissions, even if the minimum requirements are met.
Our office makes a concerted effort to use as little paper as possible. Thus, we have an e-file on each applicant and prefer to receive all materials online or by email. Rather than submitting materials all at once, please submit materials as they are ready so we can compile an admission file early and maintain the database throughout the process.
Deadlines
Deadlines for international applicants are extremely strict and must be met in order to be considered for the program. Decisions can only be made after the UF Graduate Admissions Office has reviewed and approved international transcripts, diplomas, test scores, and other official documents.
| Start term | Deadline | Applicant can expect response by: | Admitted applicants must reply and submit professional development fee by: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (January) | |||
| Deadline | Aug 1 | Oct 1 | Oct 15 |
| Summer B (late June) | |||
| Deadline | Dec 1 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 |
| Fall (late August) | |||
| International Deadline | Jan 15 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 |
The international applicant deadline is strict due to the significant amount of time required for the UF Office of Admissions to review foreign credentials and for the UF International Center to issue the I-20 document to admitted students (required for student visa application). If an application file is not complete by the deadline, we cannot guarantee that our office will be able to process application materials in time for students to begin the program during their intended start date.
Exception – Since less time is required to review credentials/transcripts from U.S. institutions, we allow non-U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents who earned (or will earn) a Bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution to apply by the Traditional Option Application Deadline 1 (see Traditional Option dates). All other application requirements still apply.
Interviews
International applicants from non-US institutions are interviewed as part of the admissions process. Applicants are reviewed and those qualified applicants who are selected to interview will be invited by email. For those invited to interview, it is considered a mandatory part of the application process.
The MAIB team will be traveling to China to do in-person interviews with Chinese applicants February 25-March 8, 2013. Specific times and locations will be finalized in January. For non-Chinese applicants, we will contact you directly to make interview arrangements.
Application Material
The minimum materials required to apply for the program are as follows:
-
Application
Complete the online application. Follow the GRADUATE link to begin the application.
When selecting your program, please complete the information as follows:
- Intended term and year: Spring (January), Summer B (June) or Fall (August)
- Degree goal: Master's
- Program of study: International Business (listed under Business Administration)
Do not list a specialization since we do not have any "official" specializations.
Both UF Graduate Admissions and the MAIB Program will have access to your completed application. You will be required to pay a $30 non-refundable application fee to the University of Florida.
-
Statement of Purpose Essay
The essay should be completed as part of the online application or emailed (jeff.alfred at warrington.ufl.edu) to us. Please emphasize:
- Your motivations for applying to the MAIB program
- Why you think you are a good candidate for MAIB
- How the MAIB program fits into your future goals
Use the essay as an opportunity to highlight what you think we cannot assess from the other application materials. This is also the place you may wish to clarify or elaborate on something specific within your application package.
Ideal length is between 400-600 words. Maximum length is 800 words (about 2 pages double spaced).
-
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
A typical business resume is kept to one page, however, for admissions purposes we encourage applicants to not limit their resume to one page. Since we rarely interview applicants, it is important for us to get a complete picture of each individual to determine if MAIB is a good match for them. Please elaborate on duties and responsibilities as well as leadership activities and time commitments outside of the classroom.
Please email (jeff.alfred at warrington.ufl.edu) your resume as an attachment.
-
Two letters of recommendation
A minimum of two written recommendations highlighting your talents and personality based on your academics, volunteer work, campus and community involvement, research background, or work/internship history. We prefer online recommendations, but we also happily accept paper-based recommendations if your recommender prefers that method. On-line: As you fill out the on-line application, you will have the opportunity to list the name and contact information for your recommenders. Those individuals will then receive an automatic e-mail with username and password instructing them how to go on-line and submit the recommendation. The instruction e-mail will not be sent to the recommenders until you have finalized and submitted your on-line application.
-
Official transcripts
Official transcripts and diploma verification from all institutions attended are required. All documents must be in the original language and translated into English.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent to:
MAIB Program
PO Box 117164
Hough Hall, Suite 220
Gainesville, FL 32611
USA -
Official GRE/GMAT Test Scores for Graduate School Admission
The MAIB program accepts either GRE or GMAT test scores. We have no preference as to what test applicants choose to take. Given the diverse applicant pool, this flexibility allows students to select a test that best fits their testing strengths and future academic goals. For example, applicants who plan to attend an MBA program in the next 5 years may select the GMAT while those who plan to pursue further graduate education can take the GRE.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions about the GRE Revised General Test for more information on this delay.
It is in the applicant's best interest to plan ahead in order to prepare for and schedule a test. The test scores are good for five years, so don't hesitate and take it long before you plan to apply. When scheduling the test, keep in mind that you have to wait 30 days before retaking the test. You may want to take the test early enough so that you have the opportunity to retake it if you do not do well.
GRE: UF does not mandate minimum GRE scores. GRE test scores will be used in the context of a holistic credential review process. Below are the test score ranges which are considered good (verbal and quantitative sections). Scores below or above this range are considered weak or excellent, respectively.
- GRE (score before August 1, 2011) = 1100 - 1200
- GRE (score after August 1, 2011) = 302- 308”
Use code: UF: 5812
For more information on the GRE please visit Educational Testing Service (GRE).
GMAT: There is a minimum required score for the GMAT, and that is a 465 total (verbal + quantitative). A score between 550- 620 is considered good for the GMAT.
Use code: J7Z-5J-64
For more information on the GMAT, please visit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
-
Official TOEFL/IELTS Score (English Language Proficiency Exam)
International students must submit a satisfactory score on one of the following:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
- Successful completion of the University of Florida English Language Institute program is also an option
Minimum requirements:
- TOEFL: 213 computer‐based; 80 internet‐based; 550 paper‐based
- IELTS: 6
- MELAB: 77
Upon receiving application materials, the MAIB office will send one email regarding the status of your application. If your application file is incomplete by the application deadline, we will cancel your application as we cannot appropriately judge your eligibility for admission.
Study Visa & Financial Responsibility
If you are accepted to MAIB and you indicate that you want to attend the program by submitting the response form and $350 program fee, we will contact the UF International Center (UFIC) to notify them that you will need an I-20. The UFIC will correspond with you directly regarding that process.
Once officially admitted, international applicants are required to document proof of financial support for the first year. The International Student Advisors at the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) will only contact admitted students via email to request this information.
Additional information about the I-20/DS-2019 process as well as additional resources can be found at the UFIC website or at the International Admissions information page.
