International Degrees and English Requirements

All instructions will be delivered in English. Students who fail to meet the minimum English language requirement can enroll in one of the Virscend University's partner ESL programs to fulfill the requirement. A conditional acceptance letter will be issued if the student has satisfied all other admission requirements. The student will be admitted to the program after completing the required ESL program. To learn more about attending an ESL school to obtain the minimum language requirements, please reach out to the admissions office via email at admission@virscend.edu or by phone at (949) 502-6252

​

6.1 Admission Requirements

For students who have obtained their undergraduate/graduate coursework from an institution outside of the United States, the following additional steps must be taken in order to satisfy the application requirements for both the BS and MBA programs:

 

1. Degree Evaluation from WES (World Education Services), IERF (International Education Research Foundation), IEE (International Education Evaluations), or NACES

   • Students must submit their transcripts, degree and any other documents to either one of the above listed agencies or recognized NACES approved agencies. The agency will verify that all documentation is accurate and that it meets the accreditation criteria necessary to transfer their degree into the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, coursework, and/or certificate from an accredited institution of the United States. The agency will report their findings to our school.

2. English Proficiency Requirement

Students who have an international degree must provide proof of English proficiency in either of the following ways: 

• Medium of Instruction Letter (MIL): Students may obtain a MIL letter from the respective university in which they have completed their coursework. The MIL letter serves as a legal document that certifies that all instruction in the foreign institution has been delivered in the English Language Only. 

• Completion and a minimum score as listed below for either of the following exams:

 

BS Program (2-year degree completion program)
TOEFL: 61, IELTS 5.5, PTE: 43, DUOLINGO: 95, EIKEN: Pre-1, Cambridge English Assessment: 162, TOEIC: 575, or ESL Program: Level 4
 
MBA Program: 

TOEFL: 80, IELTS 6.0, PTE: 58, DUOLINGO: 115, EIKEN: 1, Cambridge English Assessment: 169, TOEIC: 690, or ESL Program: Level 6

​

Students who do not have a language test score nor a MIL may be provisionally admitted to the university upon review of a candidate’s work experience and/or English related coursework, and in-house English test.

• If the student has acquired work experience where English language was the primary language used within their work environment, the student may submit their resume/employer’s letter emphasizing the length of employment and department contact information where confirmation of English usage during employment may be verified. Please note that the student must have had a minimum of one year of employment. 

  • Students submitting work experience to meet the English Proficiency requirement are subject to an interview and written assessment. 

• If the student has completed an English program from an accredited institution, the student may submit transcripts/certificates showing English language coursework taken within the trajectory of a year. 

• Candidates undergo an interview that allows the candidate to demonstrate his/her speaking and listening skills. 

• The written assessment assesses reading comprehension and conventional grammar rules.

​

Both the interview and written assessment have been carefully crafted to assess a candidate’s readiness for the program in which he/she is applying. Once conducted the results are assessed and communicated to the Admission Committee. 

 

Further, Virscend University recognizes that second language acquisition is a lifelong endeavor. Students who satisfy the requirements for admission will be monitored periodically to ensure that the students receive language support when necessary. Virscend University may require students to partake in a language development course/program to further assist their English development. Currently, the university sponsors Irvine Project Manager Toastmasters. Irvine Project Managers Toastmasters is part of an international educational organization. It is recognized for its focus in communication and leadership development. Students may consider registering for Irvine Project Managers Toastmasters or other language development programs upon approval from the Program Director.  

 

6.2 Regarding Student Visas

Virscend University currently offers form I-20 for an F-1 status student visa to qualified international student applicants for the MBA program.

​

F-1 Student Visa:
The F-1 Student Visa is the most common visa for international students studying in the United States. It is issued to students who are enrolled in a full-time academic program at a U.S. educational institution. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must provide proof of acceptance to a SEVP-approved school, demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your studies, and show that you intend to return to your home country after completing your program.

 

6.3 F-1 Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. It is designed to provide students with practical experience in their field of study through internships, cooperative education programs, or other types of work-study arrangements. 

​

Eligibility Requirements:

• The student must have applied and been accepted to Virscend University, and enrolled for one full academic year (two semesters) before being eligible for CPT. 

  • Exception: Graduate students whose programs (MBA) require immediate participation in CPT can apply for CPT when they start the program.

• Students must be registered for a minimum of 9 units per semester.

  • Exception: if the student needs less than 9 units to complete the program and is in the last semester of study, they are eligible to continue CPT with less than 9 units.

• Students must maintain the minimum satisfactory cumulative GPA to retain CPT employment. GPA is calculated at the end of every semester for CPT.

  • Students earning a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above are eligible for Full Time or Part Time CPT

  • Students earning a cumulative GPA of 2.50 – 2.99 are eligible for Part Time CPT only

  • Students earning a cumulative GPA of 2.49 and below are not eligible for CPT

• The proposed employment must be directly related to the student’s major field of study  and it must be approved by the Director of Student Success.

  • See Relevant Jobs and Internships for examples

• Students must participate in and pass the CPT/Internship course (MBA 508) every semester they wish to continue CPT.

• In order for a student to be approved for CPT, he/she must have a Social Security Number. If the student does  not have a SSN and need assistance please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/work/obtaining-a-social-security-number​

​

Types of CPT:

• Part-Time CPT: Work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session.

• Full-Time CPT: Work more than 20 hours per week.

 

Application Process:

• Get an Offer: Secure a job offer related to your field of study. Have your employer issue an offer letter that includes all the information required. 

• Approval from Academic Department: Obtain approval from the Director of Student Success, confirming that employment is an integral part of your curriculum.

• Complete the Internship Cooperative Agreement: Fill out the Internship Cooperative Agreement including an authorized employer signature. 

• Submit Request to DSO: Complete and submit the CPT Request Form with attached Offer Letter and Internship Cooperative Agreement. 

• DSO Authorization: The DSO will review your application and, if approved, will issue a new Form I-20 with the CPT authorization. You cannot begin CPT employment until you receive this authorization.

​

Application Timeline:

• Students must have submitted the online CPT Application with attachments of  

  • Offer Letter

  • Internship Cooperative Agreement 

  • Must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the desired start date. 

• Please allow 5-10 business days for the DSO and Director of Student Success to review and approve the submitted materials. 

• Once approved, the DSO will issue a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization.

 

Duration and Time Limits:

• No Limit on Part-Time CPT: There is no regulatory limit on the amount of part-time CPT a student can do.

• Full-Time CPT Limit: If a student accumulates 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same educational level.

​

Impact on OPT:

Engaging in CPT does not affect the student’s eligibility for OPT, provided they do not exceed 12 months of full-time CPT. Part-time CPT has no impact on OPT eligibility.

 

Documentation:

• Form I-20: The CPT authorization will be recorded on the student’s Form I-20.

• Employment Authorization: Students must show their Form I-20 with the CPT authorization to their employer as proof of employment eligibility.

 

Compliance and Reporting:

1. Maintain Status: Students must maintain their F-1 status while engaging in CPT.

2. Report Changes: Any changes in employment (e.g., job termination, change of employer) must be reported to the DSO.

​

Additional Notes

1. Unpaid Internships: Even unpaid internships require CPT authorization if they are a part of the student’s curriculum.

2. Concurrent Employment: Students can engage in multiple CPT opportunities simultaneously, provided each is authorized and meets the eligibility criteria.

 

CPT is a valuable opportunity for F-1 students to gain real-world experience in their field of study, enhancing their educational and professional development.

​

Additional Links and Resources 

1. Virscend University New Student Orientation

2. Working in the United States

3. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)

4. Apply for a Driver’s License

5. Training Opportunities in the United States

6. Maintaining Status 

7. Traveling as an International Student

8. International Student Life Cycle 

9. USCIS - Students and Employment

10. DHS - Study in the States

11. ICE - Practical Training

12. Relevant Jobs and Internships (MBA)

​

Administrative Support

If you have any further questions regarding CPT, please feel free to reach out to the Virscend University DSO at jordan.austria@virscend.edu or the Director of Student Success at ryan.swindell@virscend.edu.