Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
This page provides answers to frequently asked questions and useful resources to help international students through the graduate admission process at Merrimack. If you need further assistance, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 978-837-3563.
Do you provide full funding?
No. We do not offer scholarships or fellowships that provide full funding.
All applicants are automatically reviewed for scholarships, depending on the strength of their application and the graduate program for which they are applying. These awards typically cover around 10-15% of the price of tuition. It is dispersed evenly throughout the program and displayed in your admission letter.
In addition, some graduate programs offer graduate fellowship opportunities, which help to absorb the cost of tuition while providing valuable field experience.
All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.
You can also check with Education USA to see if there are any grants you may be eligible for.
Do you offer fellowships or assistantships?
What materials do I need to submit?
Application requirements for international applicants include:
- Verification of Credentials
- International Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Copy of Passport
- Declaration of Finances
Detailed information on international application requirements and information on how to apply can be found here.
Do I need to submit English language scores?
Yes. Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an academic degree in the U.S. must submit proof of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated in any of the following ways:
- Minimum TOEFL score of 84 on internet-based test-iBT (with a minimum of 21 on the writing subset).
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.
- Minimum PTE Academic score of 56.
- Minimum GTEC CBT score of 1200.
- Minimum Duolingo score of 110.
- Duolingo can be taken anywhere using your computer and webcam and costs $49. It takes 45 minutes and your results are available within 48 hours.
Do I need to submit the Declaration of Finance (DOF) form?
Yes, as part of the application process, the Declaration of Finance Form must be accompanied by a current notarized bank letter (no older than 3 months) showing proof of funding for the first year of studies/living expenses.
This can be proven by:
- Demonstrating that your personal funds meet the required dollar amount.
- Showing you have a sponsor with the adequate funds to meet the required dollar amount.
- Taking out a loan in your home country to cover the required dollar amount.
Do I need to submit a credential evaluation?
Yes. An official course-by-course evaluation of your academic credentials is required if you attended an institution of higher education outside of the United States. You may use any NACES-member organization. Either World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are recommended. The evaluation must be issued and sent directly to Merrimack College Graduate Admission. If electronic delivery is available, please have it sent to [email protected].
Our address is:
Merrimack College
Graduate Admission, A-22
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845
I’ve been admitted! Are there any special steps I need to complete before enrolling?
Be sure to review this overview of next-steps and important information for all accepted graduate students.
Additional resources for incoming international students are available here.
Congratulations on your acceptance. We are excited to welcome you!
HOW TO
SUBMIT YOUR BANK LETTER
- Have your bank create a letter similar to the one shown
- Please ensure that the confirmed account balance is in US dollars
- Please make sure that your bank letter is no older than 3 months
- Please make sure your bank letter is notarized
EXAMPLE BANK LETTER
DATE (Month, Day, Year)
To whom it may concern,
This is to certify that (YOUR NAME) is a customer of (BANK NAME) and has a foreign currency account with following number: (YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER).
We confirm that the balance on the account as of date stands at (YOUR BALANCE IN US DOLLARS).
This information is submitted without guarantee or responsibility on our behalf.
(NAME OF BANK MANAGER)
[NOTARY STAMP]
HOW TO
SUBMIT YOUR SPONSOR LETTER
- Have your sponsor create a letter similar to the one shown.
- Please ensure that the amount of financial scholarship provided is in US dollars
- Please make sure your sponsorship letter is signed
- Please make sure your sponsorship letter is notarized
EXAMPLE SPONSOR LETTER
DATE (Month, Day, Year)
To whom it may concern,
This Financial Scholarship Letter is to confirm that (SPONSOR NAME) will cover all expenses of (YOUR NAME) during his/her studies in the USA – including tuition, travel, accommodations and living costs. The total amount of sponsorship we will provide for the remaining balance of tuition, books, living costs and transportation during the program will be USD (DOLLAR AMOUNT).
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at the numbers provided in this letterhead.
Thank you,
(SPONSOR SIGNATURE)
[NOTARY STAMP]
