Students walking at Tufts University campus during autumn

International Students

Tufts Gordon Institute welcomes applications from international students. We believe that a diverse community creates a dynamic learning environment where students learn through exposure to different perspectives and experiences.

Which program is right for you?

MS in Engineering Management (MSEM)

If you have 2+ years of work experience in an engineering role and you are seeking to earn your degree in an F-1 visa eligible, on-campus program, our MS in Engineering Management may be right for you. Earn your degree in just over a year or spread out the course load and tuition cost over a longer period, studying online, hybrid, or on-campus. Students studying on-campus at Tufts are eligible for an F-1 visa. For part-time students, the MSEM offers you the opportunity to connect with faculty and fellow students in real-time during virtual Weekly Conversations, as well as the option to attend the Tufts University campus for in-person immersive experiences.

MS in Technology Management & Leadership (MSTML)

If you have 2+ years of work experience in a variety of roles in the tech sector and you are seeking to earn your degree in an F-1 visa eligible, on-campus program, our MS in Technology Management & Leadership may be right for you. Earn your degree in just over a year or spread out the course load and tuition cost over a longer period, studying online, hybrid, or on-campus. Students studying on-campus at Tufts are eligible for an F-1 visa. For part-time students, the MSTML offers you the opportunity to connect with faculty and fellow students in real-time during virtual Weekly Conversations, as well as the option to attend the Tufts University campus for in-person immersive experiences.

MS in Innovation & Management (MSIM)

If you have 0-5 years of work experience and would like to pursue a full-time, immersive experience on the Tufts campus, the MS in Innovation & Management  is a better choice. In the MSIM program, you will get the same traditional MSEM education, but with the added benefit of developing deeper insights & experience into early-stage innovation, including customer discovery and product ideation. This broader skillset not only prepares you for a career in consulting and product management but also positions you for a wider range of job opportunities and career paths in the future.  

General Guidelines

Studying the MSEM and MSTML programs full-time will meet eligibility requirements for obtaining an F-1 visa.

If you will be applying for a student visa for our MSIM program, you are strongly encouraged to apply by Round 2 (March 15) in order to allow adequate time for visa processing.

A great opportunity to finance your degree while gaining work experience is working a part-time, on-campus job. You are able to work up to 20 hours per week without requiring an OPT or CPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Since the MSIM and MSEM degree programs are STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees, students may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). The initial OPT is usually issued for 12 months, but STEM degree graduates may extend theirs to be a total of 36 months. This extension gives our international students an opportunity to work in the US for three years upon graduation.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) when they would like to work off-campus. All students at Tufts Gordon Institute will have an opportunity to intern in the US. Internships also have the potential to be extended, which can increase the length of your program at Tufts.

TOEFL or IELTS

You are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if you are either:

  1. An international resident located in the US (e.g. an H1B visa holder or the spouse of a US citizen holding an immigrant visa) and you are not a native English speaker
     
  2. An international resident who does not meet one of the criteria required to obtain a waiver

A minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL, with subscores of 25 on each of the four components (reading, writing, listening, speaking) is generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at Tufts Gordon Institute. Equivalent scores of 7 on the IELTS (with subscores of 7) are also considered indication of sufficient ability. We suggest that you take the required standardized test at least one month prior to the admissions deadline, however, we can be flexible on a case-by-case basis.

If an applicant meets certain criteria, the TOEFL or IELTS is not required. Permanent residents and green card holders are not required to submit TOEFL scores. Please view additional details on the Graduate Admissions website. Please note that work experience in the US does not qualify you for a TOEFL waiver.

For TOEFL scores: The Tufts University school code number is 3901.
For IELTS scores: The Tufts University account code is "Tufts University – Arts, Sciences, and Engineering". IELTS scores can also be sent directly via postal mail to the following address:

Tufts University
Office of Graduate Admissions
2 the Green, Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155

Additional Resources

Additional information for international students and applicants can also be found on the Tufts International Center website.