College of Engineering

About the school

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) - College of Engineering, established in 1966 as the School of Engineering, acquired its recent status as a college in 2018 as the number of programmes, faculty, and students increased. The Institution, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a leader in academic and scientific innovation.

The National Science Foundation ranks Virginia Commonwealth University at number 50 among the best public research universities in the US. The Carnegie Foundation recognised the University as an ‘R1 Doctoral University-Highest Research Activity’, a title that belongs to only 67 universities in the United States.

The number of distinguished alumni serving top academic and corporate positions all over the world is a testament to the College’s reputation as a centre of excellence. One of the notable personalities is Bennett Ward, inventor of technologies behind several products, including surgical instruments, inkjet printers, air-fresheners and at-home pregnancy tests.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University's College of Engineering provides an inclusive environment for students to learn and grow in their academics and non-academic activities. The University’s Global Education Office assists international students with various facilities like transportation, accommodation, immigration, and social programmes.

The University has many on-campus accommodation options, such as Ackell Residence Center (upper-class students), Brandt Hall (first-year students), Cary and Belvidere (sophomores), West Grace South (upper-class and first-year students), and more. VCU offers various on-campus dining options that can be accessed with a VCU ID card. With a VCUDine meal plan, students can eat at 22 locations, including Starbucks, Panda Express, an all-you-can-eat dining hall, etc. The meal plans are flexible, with eight different options to cater to different needs. More than 27 student organisations representing various international cultures are present on campus. Students can take membership in the VUC RecWell programme and enjoy the facilities like Cary Street Gym, Cary Street Field, MCV Campus Recreation Center, Thalhimer Tennis Center and many others. VCU Parking and Transportation provides various transport facilities around the two campuses and the city. It includes a free GRTC network, shuttle services to remote parking facilities, on-campus parking, charter service for VCU units, and many alternative commuting options.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Engineering

• World-class Facilities: The VUC College of Engineering’s Tech-Talent Pathways Project, aimed at expanding the existing technology education opportunities by joining forces with business leaders and community organisations, is a great opportunity for students to gain robust tech knowledge. The College’s Makerspaces encompassing Maker Garage, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Innovation Lab and Maker Studio, provides students with state-of-the-art advanced additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities. The Virginia Microelectronics Center gives students research and innovation opportunities and agency-sponsored education and training.

Admissions criteria

The admission criteria laid down for the international graduate applicants applying to the Virginia Commonwealth University- College of Engineering is as follows: - Complete application form - Students have to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 70 - A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale - Original or officially certified copies of all grade reports for all secondary and higher school studies - Official transcripts - A personal statement written by the applicant - Resume/CV - 3 letters of reference from instructors or supervisors - GRE or GMAT may be required by specific departments or schools

For international applicants, the following is mandatory: - Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 80, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 120, and PTE: 65. Some exceptions may apply. - Transcripts not in English must be submitted with an official English translation. - Proof of sufficient funds to live and study full-time at VCU: Submit an I-20 DS Request Form and original bank verification letter

Fees and other expenses

The estimated cost breakdown for studying at the Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering is as follows:

• University fee: $2,544
• Health service fee: $246
• Housing: $7,849
• Dining: $5,434

Job placements

The Engineering Career Services at the College of Engineering offers students assistance with employment and internship searches. They also provide remote career advising.

• Job Search Support: Students can browse for internship and job opportunities by registering on Handshake
• Career Events: The Engineering Career Services host several internship and career fairs and co-ops that allow students to meet with potential employers and network
• Online Support: Students can search for micro internships on the Parker Dewey online platform