(INTO) George Mason University at a Glance
Popular Fields of Study in United States
(INTO) George Mason University hasn't published an institution-specific program list with us yet. Here are the fields of study most in demand for Pakistani students across United States — talk to a MENTISGO advisor to confirm the exact programs and requirements at this institution.
Why Study in United States?
- ✓Home to the largest number of globally top-ranked universities in the world
- ✓Flexible credit-based education system with the ability to switch majors
- ✓Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers up to 12 months of work experience, extendable to 36 months for STEM graduates
- ✓Extensive research funding, teaching/research assistantships, and merit scholarships at the graduate level
- ✓Large, established Pakistani student communities on most major campuses
Education System in United States
The US education system is credit-based and highly flexible, allowing students to choose electives alongside their major requirements. Institutions range from two-year community colleges to large public/private research universities. Grading is typically on a GPA scale (4.0 system), and most bachelor's programs are four years, though transfer pathways from community colleges are common and cost-effective.
| Program Level | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| Community College / Associate Degree | 2 Years |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 Years |
| Master's Degree | 1-2 Years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4-6 Years |
| Graduate Certificates & Diplomas | 6 Months - 1 Year |
Admission Requirements
General United States university requirements — confirm the exact criteria for (INTO) George Mason University with a MENTISGO advisor.
English Language Requirements
Application Intakes & Timelines
Fall Intake (Primary)
Classes begin August/September; applications generally open October-January of the prior year
Spring Intake
Classes begin January; applications generally open June-October of the prior year
Summer Intake (Limited)
Classes begin May/June; offered by fewer universities, mostly for specific programs
Tuition Fees in United States
Country-wide average ranges by level of study — actual fees at (INTO) George Mason University vary by program. Confirm the current figure with a MENTISGO advisor.
| Level of Study | Estimated Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Community College | USD 8,000 - USD 15,000 / Year |
| Bachelor's Degree (Public University) | USD 18,000 - USD 35,000 / Year |
| Bachelor's Degree (Private University) | USD 35,000 - USD 60,000 / Year |
| Master's Degree | USD 20,000 - USD 45,000 / Year |
| PhD (often funded via assistantships) | USD 0 - USD 30,000 / Year (many programs waive tuition and provide a stipend) |
Cost of Living in Fairfax County, Virginia
| Expense Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared/on-campus) | USD 600 - USD 1,200 / Month |
| Food & Groceries | USD 250 - USD 450 / Month |
| Local Transportation | USD 60 - USD 120 / Month |
| Utilities, Phone & Internet | USD 100 - USD 180 / Month |
| Health Insurance & Personal Expenses | USD 150 - USD 300 / Month |
Scholarships & Funding Options
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP)Full funding for master's/PhD study covering tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance for outstanding Pakistani graduates
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD-Pakistan)
USAID / Institute of International Education (IIE)One-year, fully funded non-degree exchange for Pakistani undergraduate students at US universities
University Merit & International Student Scholarships
Individual US universitiesPartial to substantial tuition waivers awarded based on academic merit at the time of admission
Graduate Teaching & Research Assistantships
Individual US universities (graduate schools/departments)Tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend in exchange for teaching or research duties, common at the master's and PhD level
Student Visa Process
- Form I-20 issued by the admitting university
- DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
- Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, affidavit of support, or sponsor documents)
Work Rights While Studying
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
Accommodation & Healthcare
Student Life & Career Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of visa do I need to study in the USA?
You will need an F-1 non-immigrant student visa, issued after your university provides Form I-20 and you complete the DS-160 application and visa interview.
Q. How does the US student visa interview process work in Pakistan?
After receiving your I-20, you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 form, schedule an appointment, and attend an in-person interview, typically at the US Embassy Islamabad, where a consular officer assesses your study plans, funding, and ties to Pakistan.
Q. What is 214(b) and why do some Pakistani applicants get refused?
Section 214(b) presumes every visa applicant intends to immigrate unless they prove otherwise. Refusals often happen when an applicant cannot clearly demonstrate strong financial, family, or career ties to Pakistan that show they intend to return after their studies.
Q. What financial documents do I need to show for my visa application?
You typically need bank statements (personal or sponsor's) covering at least one year of tuition and living costs as listed on your I-20, along with an affidavit of support if a family member is sponsoring you, and proof of the funds' legitimate source.
Q. Can I get admission to a US university without IELTS?
Yes, many universities accept TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test scores instead of IELTS, and some offer a Medium of Instruction (MOI) waiver if your previous education was in English, though this is evaluated case by case.
Q. What is the SEVIS fee and when do I pay it?
The SEVIS I-901 fee (currently around USD 350 for F-1 students) must be paid online before your visa interview; keep the payment receipt, as it is required at the interview.
Q. Can I work on campus while studying in the USA?
Yes, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks, without needing separate work authorization.
Q. What is CPT and how is it different from OPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus work authorization tied directly to your academic program, used while you are still studying. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization used during or after your program, most commonly for 12 months after graduation.