Stratford University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Situated in the heart of Virginia, a southeastern US state, Stratford University was established as American Transportation Institute in 1976 and became Stratford College in 1998. The university offers a wide variety of courses in the fields of at various levels. It boasts:

• Highest retention rate of 94% at New Delhi Campus
• Highest placement rate of 88% at Baltimore Campus
• Global presence with five campuses

With its presence in New Delhi, India, Stratford has five global campuses that attract students from all over the world.

The university is accredited by the US Department of Education’s Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), thus ensuring optimum standards for the faculty, curriculum, and student services.

Courses Offered

What are the courses available to international students?

The university offers a wide variety of courses in more than 40 study areas at the associate, bachelor, and master levels. The popular study areas are:

Apart from these, the university also provides convenient and exclusive online degree programs that are ranked in the top 20 most valuable online courses.

Eligibility & Documents Required

What are the eligibility requirements?

The eligibility criteria and language requirements for applying to different programs offered to international students at Stratford University are given below:

Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate (Bachelors/Associate) Degree Programs: Students must have Class 12 or Standard XII Board Examination results issued by examination boards, such as ISC, GCSE, AISSCE, etc.
• Graduate Degree Programs: Students must have an undergraduate/bachelor degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline

Qualifying Standardized Exam Requirements

• SAT and ACT scores are accepted (some require these scores as a mandate)
• GRE and GMAT scores are accepted (some require these scores as a mandate)

English Eligibility Requirements

International students coming from non-English-speaking countries, such as India, need to prove their language proficiency through either of the following standardized English exam scores:

Type of Examination	Minimum Scores Required
TOEFL (paper-based test)	550 or higher
TOEFL (internet-based test)	79 or higher
IELTS Academic	6.5 or higher
PTE Academic	54 or higher
iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency)	3.9 or higher

Note: These are generic requirements for graduates and undergraduates aspiring to study at the university. Some of the courses may have higher score requirements or different academic and language requirements.

Please refer to the intended course page on the university website to check the exact limit on each course.

What are the documents needed for the application?

The following set of supporting documents are required for international admissions at Stratford University are listed below:

• Official transcripts from high school, university, college, or institute
• Proof of English proficiency
• Standardized exam scores:
  • SAT/ACT for undergraduates
  • GRE/GMAT for graduates
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter
• Copy of a valid passport
• Financial documents: Bank statement/balance certificate issued within the last six months is required (if the document is not in the student’s name, an Affidavit of Support (AOS) or a letter from their sponsor must also be provided)

Important Points to Remember

• All education credentials recorded in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official translation completed by one of the aforementioned agencies.
• Proof of education or transcripts from schools, boards of education, colleges, or universities are required for admission.

Transcripts must be evaluated from an evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators or must be completed by the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) own International Educational Services.

Please note that document requirements may vary with different programs. To check the exact requirements, please refer to the intended course page on the university website.

Application & Tuition Fees

Is there any application fee?

Students must pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 50 when applying to Stratford University. This fee is applicable to all international applicants, whether graduate and undergraduate.

What is the fee structure of the courses offered by the university? 

The tuition fee of the university is based on credit hours. Students can make a one-time payment of the fees or choose from the various payment options the university provides.Tuition fees also vary depending on the course and program.

Stratford International Tuition Fee 2021-2022

Given below is the estimated annual tuition fee for international students for graduate and undergraduate programs offered by Stratford University in the academic session 2021-2022:

First Term Expenses	Graduate Tuition Fee* (in USD)	Undergraduate Tuition Fee* (in USD)
Total Cost of Tuition	26,730	66,600
Without Payment Plan	4,455; 495 per Credit (9 credit hours)	5,145; 370 per Credit (13.5 credit hours)
With Payment Plan (optional)**
First Payment Due at Registration	2,227.50	2,497.50
One-Time Activity Fee	100	100
One-Time Application Fee	50	50
Payment Plan Fee	50	50
Total Due at Registration	2,427.50	2,697.50
Second Payment – Total Due on Week 5	2,227.50	2,497.50
Each Additional Term
Without Payment Plan	4,455	4,995
	495 per Credit (9 credit hours)	370 per Credit (13.5 credit hours)
With Payment Plan (optional)**
First Payment Due at Registration	2,227.50	2,497.50
Payment Plan Fee	50	50
Total Due at Registration	2,277.50	2,547.50
Second Payment – Total Due on Week 5	2227.50	2,497.50

Source: Stratford University

**Payment Plan (optional): For more details on tuition fee, students may contact the university via email on fcstudentaccounts@stratford.edu.

*University reserves all rights to revise the tuition fee before a new academic session. To learn about the latest course fees, it is recommended to check the university website.

Note: Tuition fees might be different for different courses and majors. Additionally, the overall cost of the study is likely to include additional charges such as books, supplies, health insurance, student fees, living expenses, and miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?

Yes, the university has a total of 10 scholarship programs for various categories. The scholarship programs that are specific to international students are:

1. Stratford University “You Are Welcome Here” International Scholarship

Eligibility: This scholarship is for transfer students who reside in the US at the time of application and attend a US university as an International Student on a Student Visa. The scholarship is offered to any new, first-time applicant to Stratford University, a student who applies as a transfer international student and is accepted for a course at Stratford.

Award Amount: The scholarship is awarded as a 25% tuition fee discount and applies only to tuition fees for classes taken at Stratford University after the scholarship application has been approved. On being approved for specific terms (made effective via an approval notice), up to USD 6,682.50 for a student in the graduate program and USD 16,650 for a student in the undergraduate program is awarded.

2. Stratford University International Presidential Scholarship

Eligibility: This scholarship is available to international students currently in their home country and applying for a student visa to attend Stratford University. The applicant must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA in the academic level preceding the level being sought for admission.

Award Amount: The scholarship is awarded as a 25% tuition fee discount and applies only to the tuition fee for classes taken at Stratford University after the scholarship application has been approved. On being approved for specific terms (made effective via an approval notice), up to USD 6,682.50 for a student in the graduate program and USD 16,650 for a student in the undergraduate program is awarded. 

3. The Diplomat Scholarship

Eligibility: The Diplomat Scholarship is offered to international students on an A1 visa attending Stratford University at a location in the United States in an eligible degree-seeking program.

Award Amount: The scholarship is awarded as a 30% tuition fee discount.

Note: Scholarship deadlines and amounts may vary with progressive years. Students must check the exact deadlines and minimum requirements with their respective departments and apply for the desirable awards on time to make their profiles considerable.

For more details on the scholarship application process and deadlines, please visit the university’s scholarship webpage.

Admission Process

When do the admissions start?

Stratford University accepts international admissions in two intakes or semesters:

International students may apply in either of the aforementioned intakes. There are no deadlines set as such because the university has rolling deadlines for all its admissions. This allows aspirants to apply throughout the year. As soon as admissions for the current intake closes, the application window for the next intake opens. Thus, students may apply anytime for the upcoming session.

Note: It is recommended to apply six months in advance before the start of a new academic session as the window for international applicants is most likely to close by that time. Also, International applications need to be processed early to allow students enough time for visa preparation.

What are the steps to the application process?

The application process is quite straightforward. Students may apply online through the university’s dedicated application portal. The step-by-step process for all both graduate and undergraduate programs for international admissions at Stratford is the same. The steps are explained below:

Step 1: The first step requires you to create your account at portal.stratford.edu/OnlineApp#/form/info. Then, click on the ‘New Applicant’ button to begin with the application.

Step 2: In the next step, applicants must add his/her details such as name, email, phone number, preferred campus, and the course they wish to pursue. Please note that the availability of the course depends on the campus you choose. The university has 5 campuses in Alexandria, Baltimore, Falls Church, Woodbridge, and New Delhi, and it also offers online degrees.

Step 3: In this step, applicants are asked to add their address details.

Step 4: Next, fill in your high school degree award date and choose the batch in which you want to join Stratford. The university provides several options to choose from when you select the starting date of your term.

Step 5: The next step involves filling in details about your education along with English proficiency test scores.

Step 6: In the sixth step, background information needs to be provided along with your city of residence and visa details. At this stage, you will also be asked to provide the details of your dependents who will stay with you.

Step 7: If you wish to have your dependents accompany you, please add the details of all your dependents, which may be one or more.

Step 8: In the eighth step, you must fill your scholarship preferences. In the “Available Scholarships” section, choose Indian scholarships.

Step 9: The last step involves uploading documents and affidavits. Make sure to upload the correct documents, and bingo, you can now click on submit to complete your application.

Next, wait for the results.

When will I hear from the university after I submit my application?

After reviewing your academic and financial documents, Stratford will issue a Letter of Acceptance and Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). You may expect to receive your I-20 in 3-4 weeks. You must ensure to apply early so that you have time to secure a student visa.

Please note that decisions are announced online and all the student-specific communication from the university is done via email. Hence, students must register with an active email address to keep a track on all university notifications, especially in their spam folder. Aspirants may also check their application status on the official admission portal.

It is also recommended to stay updated with any announcements related to modifications or requirements in the admission process by remaining active on the university website.

Student Diversity & Preferred Profile

What are the chances of getting into this university? What is the acceptance rate?

An application package is reviewed as a whole (transcripts, test scores, work experience, life achievements) to determine your potential for academic success. Admission to Stratford depends on various factors such as English proficiency test scores and CGPA score.

If you meet the admission requirements, you will be accepted to your preferred program. In general, the acceptance rate at the university is 100%. If the committee has additional questions about your application or entrance exams, you may be invited for a personal interview with the Program Dean or required to complete an additional assessment.

To boost your chances of selection, check out the preparation tips for the standardized qualifying exams:

Undergraduates	Graduates
SAT Preparation Tips	GRE Preparation Tips
ACT Preparation Tips	GMAT Preparation Tips

For English proficiency exams, refer to:

Preparation Tips	Sample Papers
IELTS Tips and Tricks	IELTS Practice Tests
TOEFL Tips and Tricks	TOEFL Practice Tests
PTE Tips and Tricks	PTE Practice Tests

Pro Tip: Start preparing for these exams 6-8 months in advance (before appearing for the exam).

How many Indian/international students study at the university?

While nearly 27% of the total students studying at Stratford are full-time on-campus, the remaining 73% are enrolled in part-time courses. Out of the total students studying at the university, approximately 2,318 students are undergraduates, including both national and international students.

Stratford Student Diversity by Ethnicity

The diversity in the total student body can be observed through the chart below:

Source: College Scorecard

As the chart shows, Indian students fall in the category of 3% Asians studying at Stratford.

Part Time Work While Studying

Can I work while studying here?

The university provides both on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities. Off-campus employment is available through two programs: Curricular Practical Training (available before degree completion) and Optional Practical Training (available after degree completion).

On-Campus Employment: The university provides a limited number of on-campus employment opportunities. International students who take a full-time course load and have completed at least one term are eligible to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. To qualify, you must complete the non-credit (and free) English Proficiency course. Failure to remain in status or not taking a full-time load makes students ineligible for on-campus employment.

Placements are coordinated by the university’s HR department. You must submit a job application to the HR Department and schedule an interview. Successful applicants will be able to start an on-campus job in the next term.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the university. CPT must be required by your degree program, or you must receive course credits for an internship.

Stratford University allows CPT for up to 40 hours per week for graduate-level students and 20 hours for undergraduate students if you are in status and enrolled in a full-time course load. To qualify, you must complete three terms (an exception to IT graduate-level degree programs). If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training.

You must submit the following documents to the ISO to initiate the CPT application process.

• An official employment offer letter on company letterhead, signed by the prospective employer, is required; this letter must include the employer's name, address, duties performed, and the dates of employment
• CPT Authorization Request Form, signed by you and the Student Accounts Office
• CPT Dean’s Recommendation Form, signed by your Academic Advisor or Dean
• Copies of your current immigration documents

After reviewing and approving your documents, the ISO will authorize your CPT by endorsing your Form I-20. You cannot begin CPT until you have received your Form I-20 with the CPT endorsement.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):OPT provides full-time employment after completion of a degree. OPT is limited to 12 months, with an extension being available only in certain cases.

You must submit the following documents to the ISO to initiate the OPT application process.

• Copies of pages 1 and 3 of all previous and current I-20s
• A copy of your passport, including visa stamp
• Two passport photographs
• A copy of current Form I-94 (front and back)
• A copy of the employment offer letter
• A copy of your degree (with STEM qualification, if applicable)
• OPT STEM Extension Request Form (if applicable)
• Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents

After reviewing and approving your OPT documents, the ISO will issue an I-20 with an OPT endorsement.

After receiving your new I-20 with the OPT endorsement, you must file your application with USCIS within 30 days. In addition to the documents above, the submission will include the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) and the OPT application fee of USD 410.

Your OPT application will take approximately three months to be approved by USCIS. You cannot begin working until you have received authorization from USCIS.

For more information, check out the difference between OPT and CPT while studying in the USA.

Note: International students are advised to check the conditions of working in a foreign country on their study visa. They are also advised to confirm any specific instructions on the same from their respective departments and faculties. Under no circumstances should they be found compromising with the law and order of the country.

Students must also get familiar with the rules and regulations of working in a foreign country and learn about the minimum wages they are entitled to. For more details, students can check the on and off-campus opportunities on the university website. Also, refer to the USA Study Visa Guide and F1 Visa Guide.

Campuses & Accommodation

How many campuses does the university have?

With one of its campuses in India, Stratford University has a total of five campuses across different locations, viz.

All campuses under the university are international. It means that international applicants may get a place in their dream course through either of the colleges on either of the campuses.

Is on-campus housing available?

Stratford University has no provision for on-campus accommodation. However, it provides helps with the off-campus accommodation via a third-party service provider. Students can use the 4Stay Stratford University service to look for accommodation. Students can choose their housing options from 4Stay's website.

Please note that you must run a security check on any off-campus accommodation they choose. Also, they must prepare for the additional charges and facilities offered in off-campus housing. Since accommodations are offered on a contractual basis, it is recommended to do a thorough check before investing a huge amount in an unknown place.

University Contact Information

Whom should I contact in case of doubts?

In case of doubts or queries, students may reach the administrative office of Stratford University at:

Address: 7777 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043, USA

Phone: +1 (703) 821-8570