Frequently Asked Questions

Application/Requirements

• What are the minimum requirements to apply?

  The minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for admission to the Online Master of International Business program are as follows:

  1. Completion of an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. college or its equivalent in another country
  2. Submission of the FIU Graduate Admissions application
  3. Satisfied all listed application requirements outlined at the program website: Master of International Business
• What is the next step after applying to the program? Where do I send my resume?

  Once the prospect applies to the Online Master of International Business Program, a resume must be sent for further evaluation to the program via email at MIB@fiu.edu if seeking preliminary work experience review.

• Can I defer my application?

  Yes, if you are looking to start for the following semester within the same year, you may request to have your application deferred. Please note applications can be deferred, however acceptance cannot. The student will be processed for acceptance for the new term he/she is applying for.

• What is considered professional experience?

  Professional experience is determined on a case-by-case basis using a resume, and any requested supporting documents. Our admissions committee evaluates an individual’s accomplishments, roles, and responsibilities to determine the total number of years of professional experience. We consider the individual's position responsibilities, managerial roles if applicable, core competencies exercised during position term and longevity in each position.

• Do I meet the professional experience criteria?

  In order to know which program best suits your ­needs; we need to view a copy of your professional resume to determine your level of professional experience. Please send us your resume at MIB@fiu.edu to request an evaluation. Please keep in mind that admissions are a competitive process, and meeting the minimum criteria is not a guarantee of admission. 

• I have professional experience in another country, does this count?

  Yes. We will need to view your resume to determine if the nature of the experience is professional, but we certainly count professional experience obtained in another country or state.

• Do I have to take the GMAT/GRE?

  A GMAT/GRE waiver at the discretion of the academic director is available for:

  • Applicants with two years of demonstrative work experience and success in completing other academic programs,
  • The Applicants who have an undergraduate business or related degree (economics, hospitality management, etc.) with an upper division grade point average (GPA) of 3.25, or higher,
  • Applicants without a business or related degree having an upper division grade GPA of 3.35, or higher,
  • If the applicant has already completed a graduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, or is entering a business master's program under a special agreement for admissions with specific foreign and domestic universities
• Which exam is better? Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?

  We do not treat the exams differently, and applicants may elect to take either exam. You may visit www.mba.com for more information on the GMAT, including sample questions and information on test registration. You may visit https://www.ets.org/gre for more information on the GRE as well as test registration information.

• What happens if my GPA is below 3.0? Can I still apply?

  We have the ability to admit a limited number of individuals who do not meet the GPA requirement. The Admissions Committee will evaluate all the documents submitted (resume, working experience, letters of recommendation etc.) on a competitive basis to determine which individuals will be admitted under this provision. The committee  takes into account myriad factors, including work experience and professional responsibilities, writing ability, strength of recommendations, undergraduate performance, exam scores and performance in any graduate-level courses.

• Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS?

  Students may waive the TOEFL exam only if they have earned an undergraduate or master's degree in a TOEFL-exempt country. Visit the UGS website to view TOEFL-exempt countries.

• Who should recommendations come from?

  The admissions committee suggests that of the two recommendations, at least one comes from a professional source.  The second letter may be from a professional or academic reference. The most useful recommendations are those from individuals who are able to speak with certainty about your professional and/or academic achievements and potential.

• What is the process for recommenders?

  Candidates may either submit electronic recommendations or formal letters.

  To use the online form, the candidate will enter recommenders' names and email addresses into their online application. Recommenders then receive an email with a link to their recommendation. The recommendations are submitted separately from the candidate’s application and will automatically be included in the application upon submission. Applicants should not wait for recommenders to submit their recommendations before submitting their applications.

• What is the recommended format for the recommendation letter? Should it be in letterhead?

  For the recommendation letters, we required the recommender’s company logo, signature, and contact information. We reserve the right to contact recommenders. Letters may be directed to us at:

  Master of International Business
  Florida International University
  Chapman Graduate School of Business
  11200 SW 8^th Street, CBC 200
  Miami, FL 33199

• Does the program require a writing sample or only an essay/personal statement? What do I write about?

  The MIB program requires an essay. Describe your academic and career interests, and explain how and why the MIB program from FIU would help you explore them

Price / Financial Aid Assistance/ Scholarships

• Is the $33,000/36,600 (out of state) cost for the entire program?

  Yes, the cost of the entire program is $33,000 for in-state residents, and $36,600 for out-of-state residents and international students. This cost includes parking, professional development seminars, and tuition and fees. Please note the fees listed here are for the current academic year. All fees are subject to change.

• What are the first steps in the financial aid application process?

  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to apply for federal student loans. To expedite the processing of federal loan applications, we recommend that you complete the FAFSA as early as possible.  Please visit the Federal Student Aid homepage for more information on the FAFSA, or write to:

  FAFSA Information Center
  P.O. Box 84
  Washington, DC 20044
  1-800-433-3243

• What types of financial aid are available from FIU as a US Citizen or Resident Alien?

  Financial aid assistance is available for all students who are U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents.  The primary source of financial assistance will be in the form of Federal Direct Loans issued by the U.S. Federal Government. You will be offered a Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan and Direct Graduate Plus Loans.  Due to the cost of your program, you may be required to borrow a Federal Graduate Plus which requires a credit approval. The College of Business also offers various scholarship opportunities that you can apply for online.

• Are international students eligible for financial aid?

  International students are eligible for scholarships only. Financial aid is only available for US Citizens and Resident Aliens.

• What financial resources are available outside of FIU?

  Opportunities for funding do exist outside FIU. Potential students should begin researching other sources of financial aid as early as possible.

• Will the program provide feedback for students who have not been accepted?

  Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on your application.  Also, please understand that the decision of the Admissions Committee is final, and we cannot advise you on whether or not you should reapply in the future

• When is the tuition payment due?

  Tuition is due at the beginning of each semester by the first day of class.

Student Life

• Is there housing available on campus?

  On-campus housing is not currently available for graduate students at the Modesto Maidique Campus.

• How can I contact housing?

  For more information, please visit their website at www.housing.fiu.edu. For off-campus housing information, please visit this site: www.fiuoffcampushousing.com

Career Management Services Office

Visit the Business Career Management Website.

• What kind of services can I find in the Office of Business Career Management?

  The Business Career Management Office offers the following services:

  1. Individual student advising
  2. Resume review
  3. Self-assessment tools
  4. Interviewing skills
  5. Networking
  6. Career events