George Mason University
George Mason University
George Mason University is ranked #4 among the Most Ethnically Diverse Public Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2024).
George Mason University is a top-ranked public institution with its main campus located in Fairfax County, Virginia, just 24 kilometres from Washington, DC. The university also has campuses in Arlington (Mason Square), Prince William County (Science and Technology Campus), and internationally at Mason Korea in Incheon, South Korea.
Positioned near the nation’s capital and within the heart of the Northern Virginia tech corridor, George Mason University offers students unparalleled access to industry, innovation, and opportunity. Whether studying policy and global affairs steps away from the centre of U.S. government or interning with Fortune 500 companies, students are ideally placed to launch successful careers—particularly in the East Coast’s leading tech talent hub.
International students are welcomed into a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates global perspectives. This commitment is reflected in the university’s slogan: At George Mason, we are all together different.
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to George Mason University and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.
Life at George Mason University
George Mason University offers students a vibrant, multicultural environment where inclusivity is a core value. It’s a place where students from all backgrounds are encouraged to thrive. Located in the diverse regions of Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia—home to numerous immigrant communities—international students will find a strong support network and access to services that reflect the comforts of home.
With over 500 student organisations and clubs, there are countless opportunities to meet new people, explore new interests, and get involved in campus life. Thousands of events take place on campus each year, providing students with platforms to celebrate their cultures, promote causes, and share their passions. The university also features more than 145 residence hall lounges, offering relaxed social spaces where students can unwind, play games, and build lasting friendships.
Students at George Mason University benefit from exceptional internship and career opportunities in nearby Washington, DC—one of the East Coast’s largest business hubs. Just outside the capital, Northern Virginia stands as a major centre for technology and business, home to over 15,600 tech firms and 11 Fortune 500 companies.
George Mason University’s strong network of partnerships across the DC metro area provides students with direct access to industry and government leaders, enabling them to gain valuable hands-on experience and build meaningful professional connections. With major tech companies like Google and Amazon Web Services making significant investments in Virginia’s tech infrastructure, students at Mason are uniquely positioned to learn, grow, and launch their careers alongside industry leaders.
George Mason University’s Fairfax campus offers a peaceful and secure environment, all within easy commuting distance of Washington, DC. Students appreciate the campus for its proximity to iconic landmarks such as The White House and the Capitol Building, as well as its access to vibrant shopping malls and rich historical sites. Fairfax County itself is known for its scenic beauty, with national parks, botanical gardens, and pristine lakes providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The surrounding Washington, DC area is renowned for its cultural diversity, featuring multicultural neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Ethiopia, and the Eden Center. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy professional baseball and basketball games in the city, while food lovers can indulge in a wide range of international cuisines at local restaurants. Whether students are passionate about history or simply curious explorers, the nearby Smithsonian museums offer world-class exhibitions and educational experiences just a short trip away.
International students at INTO George Mason benefit from exceptional support provided by a dedicated team based in the Ángel Cabrera Global Center (ACGC). The INTO staff are always available to assist with tutoring, academic guidance, internship opportunities, and any other questions students may have. Originally designed as a hotel, the ACGC now serves as a vibrant student hub, featuring classrooms, an international dining hall, on-campus accommodation, and welcoming social spaces.
Within the ACGC, students can also access the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which offers one-on-one academic support in areas such as writing, maths, and more. The LRC includes a computer lab and quiet study areas, providing students with the tools they need to succeed—including access to laptops and collaborative workspaces for group projects.
Students enrolled in INTO George Mason programmes who wish to live on campus have the option to stay at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center (ACGC). This modern facility offers 135 double rooms across six floors, each with a private en-suite bathroom. In addition to student accommodations, the ACGC includes 22 classrooms, an international dining hall on the ground floor, and a quiet meditation space—creating a comfortable and convenient living-learning environment.
Other on-campus housing options at George Mason University include Eastern Shore, Sandbridge Hall, and Piedmont Hall. These residence halls feature double occupancy rooms, shared hallway bathrooms, and communal kitchens and lounges, providing a welcoming space for students to socialise and connect. All are situated near the Johnson Student Center.
All residence halls, including the ACGC, are centrally located on campus, offering students easy access to academic buildings, dining options, and a wide range of student activities.
George Mason University is dedicated to advancing talent and innovation in the Northeastern United States. As part of this commitment, the university has invested $250 million to expand its Mason Square campus. The transformed campus will include a cutting-edge School of Computing and the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA)—a collaborative hub where entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders will come together to shape the digital future.
In partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), George Mason has also launched the Renewable Energy Lab at Fuse, located within Mason Square. This lab provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore, analyse, and simulate data related to renewable energy technologies.
For students eager to be at the forefront of creativity and innovation, the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) offers collaborative spaces equipped with a Makerspace, Media Lab, and Business Incubator. Open to all students, faculty, and staff, MIX fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and supports entrepreneurial thinking across the university.
Students at George Mason University who are keen to continue playing their favourite sport – or explore something entirely new – will have plenty of opportunities through Mason’s club sports. These student-led organisations are supported by Mason Recreation staff, as well as coaches and faculty or staff advisors. With over 30 club sports and more than 900 members across men’s, women’s and co-recreational teams, there’s something for everyone. In addition, intramural sports are held regularly on campus. These casual competitions typically involve no training sessions, with teams playing once a week across a 4- to 5-week season.
Beyond sports, George Mason University is home to more than 350 student organisations, offering countless opportunities for students to pursue new interests and build lasting friendships on campus.
George Mason University’s commitment to sustainability is led by the University Sustainability office, established in 2007 following the university’s signing of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment – a pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Drawing on the university’s core strengths – innovation, adaptability, and a strong sense of community – the Sustainability office leads environmental, social, and economic stewardship efforts across all campuses. Its impact also extends beyond the university, reaching local and global communities connected to George Mason.
In recognition of these efforts, George Mason became the first university in Virginia to receive a ‘Gold’ rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in 2014. The university earned its third consecutive ‘Gold’ rating in January 2021.
RANKING
#4 Most Ethnically Diverse Public University (U.S. News & World Report 2024)
Tier 1 Research University Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
Search Programmes at George Mason University
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at George Mason University, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
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