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For International Students

(IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS AS INDICATED ABOVE)

1. All non-native English speakers must complete the  or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or and have your scores forwarded to Hollins’ Graduate Studies Office.

• Hollins requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based total), 213 (computer-based total), or 80 (Internet-based total).
• Hollins requires a minimum score of 6.5 or above on the IELTS.
• Hollins requires a 110 or higher on the Duolingo English Test

2. Certification of your ability to fund your graduate education is also required.

• Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances form (An official copy of your bank statement to support your Certification of Finances is required in order to issue your I-20 at the time of admission.)

3. In addition to an official transcript of your college or university course work, an evaluation of your transcript completed by a foreign credential evaluation service must sent to Hollins University Graduate Studies Office. Hollins recommends that the evaluation be done by 

4. Copy of Passport Photo Page as well as a copy of any current U.S. visa.

• A copy of your official passport photo page is required in order to issue your I-20 at the time of admission.

Additional Application Information by Program

• Children’s Literature M.A. or M.F.A.
• Children’s Book Illustration Certificate
• Children’s Book Writing & Illustration M.F.A.
• Creative Writing M.F.A.
• Dance M.F.A.
• Masters in Liberal Arts Studies (M.A.L.S.)
• Playwriting M.F.A.
• Screenwriting M.F.A.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.)
• Theatre and New Play Development M.A.

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Children’s Literature M.A. or M.F.A.

Current members of SCBWI, contact us at hugrad@���Ĵ�ý.edu regarding program application benefits. (Proof of membership will be required.)

Submission Requirements

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A manuscript sample of your best writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• The writing sample for an M.F.A. must be a creative work.
• The sample submitted for an M.A. application may be either scholarly or creative.
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Children’s Book Illustration Certificate

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2026.

You must print the certificate program application and mail it to Hollins.
Children’s Book Illustration Certificate Application (PDF)

Current members of SCBWI, contact us at hugrad@���Ĵ�ý.edu regarding program application benefits. (Proof of membership will be required.)

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A portfolio
  • Two letters of recommendation

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Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating M.F.A.

Submission Requirements:

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A manuscript sample of your best writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• If you’re applying for the M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating, you must also present a digital portfolio of 6-10 images representing your best work.
• The writing sample for an M.F.A. must be creative.
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Creative Writing M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2026.

Submission deadline: January 6
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A current CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Creative writing manuscript (writing sample)
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Recommenders can email their recommendations to the graduate studies office at hugrad@���Ĵ�ý.edu. They must be sent as an attachment and on the recommender’s letterhead.

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Dance M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2027.

Submission deadline: December 1
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate major in dance or equivalent dance experience.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume of experience
  • Artist’s statement
  • Application for Fellowship (PDF)
  • A submission of selected works (12 minutes max. length)

Selected Works Requirements

Selected works may be submitted via a DVD, USB drive, or a video link (video links must be live links. Please upload work to Vimeo or YouTube.) Submission must include a content page listing:

• Title of work
• Choreographer name
• Name of music and composer (if applicable)
• List of performers.
  • If the applicant is a performer in a group work, please scribe designation in some way.

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Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.)

Rolling Admission

You may apply before any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer). The university admits applicants to the program with the director’s approval. Candidacy for the degree begins upon completion of your first two courses with a grade of “B” or better.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Statement of educational objectives
  • Three letters of recommendation
• Once accepted, you’re required to have an admission interview with the program advisor.

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Playwriting M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2026.

Submission deadline: April 1
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer Term Only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Screenwriting M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2026.

Submission deadline: April 1
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts and writing samples
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• The writing sample for the M.F.A. program must be creative. Screenplay or tv/streaming pilot or spec scripts are preferred. (PDF)
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please don’t use recommendation forms.
• International students whose foreign language is not English must take a foreign language test.

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Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Application deadlines

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

• You must have a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts or sciences discipline (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Three recommendation forms – recommenders should submit a completed and signed Reference Form (PDF). If possible, please have the recommender email the completed form to hugrad@���Ĵ�ý.edu or fax it to the graduate studies office at (540) 362-6288.
• An admission interview is required prior to acceptance into the program.
• Teacher licensure without obtaining the master’s is also available at Hollins.

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Teaching and Learning M.A.

Rolling Admission

You may apply before any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer).

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of educational objectives

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Theatre and New Play Development M.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2026.

Submission deadline: April 1
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer Term Only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Nondegree-Seeking Applicants

Individuals wanting to take classes without formal admission may apply as a nondegree-seeking student.

Prospective students must complete a non-degree application available through the Hollins University Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education or through our online Graduate Application Portal. Enrollment in courses is contingent upon approval from the course instructor and the director or chair of the program. This ensures students meet any prerequisites and that the course aligns with their learning objectives. Some program directors may require more documentation, including writing samples, before approving a student for a course. Enrollment in courses is also contingent upon available seats. Once approved by the instructor, students must register for the course through the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, pending seat availability.

Financial aid is not available for nondegree-seeking students.