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International Cadets
For those who choose No Ordinary College from overseas, the Institute is ready to support their journey as they bring their unique life experiences to Lexington.
VMI serves as a leadership lab for every student who attends, seeking to not only develop skills and knowledge in the three-legged stool of academics, athletics, and military training , but to help them become the best versions of themselves, ready to excel in both the public and private sector.
International students - known as cadets at VMI - have the option of attending full-time for all four years of a cadetship or attending for one semester through one of the Institute's exchange programs. For both sets of students, VMI's time-honored traditions and rigorous systems can have a profound impact and help guide these students toward future success.
Four-Year Cadets: Committing to the VMI System
Four-year cadets apply, matriculate, and join the Corps just like domestic applicants. They submit their applications like other prospectives (along with verification of English test scores if they come from a country where English is not the language of secondary school instruction). They are held to the same standards and timelines as domestic applicants, so they are encourage to apply early - when the application opens each Aug. 1 - to make sure they have plenty of time to organize all additional requirement paperwork.
Who are VMI's international cadets?
International cadets come from a wide variety of backgrounds and contribute to VMI's mission of developing citizen-soldiers by providing unique perspectives on some of our nation's most pressing challenges. These cadets also hold leadership positions in the Corps and participate fully in various programs including military training, Institute Honors, the Honor Court, NCAA athletics, and the class system. They are fully integrated into the Corps of Cadets and often go on to hold prestigious leadership positions in their home countries.
How do four-year international students afford VMI?
Funding for four-year study at VMI comes from cadets' home governments and/or militaries, through athletic or academic scholarships, by means of private funding sources, or via a combination of the above.
I've definitely seen myself grow at VMI. If I was just a cadet here, maybe I wouldn't have grown as much, but I applied for positions every single year, and I learned from it every single year. Each rank is a stepping stone. I'm looking to commission eventually, and I need the experience to learn beforehand. They see your ability: if you can do it, you get the job. That's why I applied for cadre every year, and I got cadre every year.
Exchange Students: Broadening Horizons
Some international students choose to study at VMI for one semester through one of our exchange programs. Most of these cadets come from foreign military academies, and VMI sends our cadets for a semester through bilateral agreements.
These semester exchange cadets live in Barracks, room with VMI cadets, and take classes for credit in various departments. Often, they offer insights on the workings and structures of foreign militaries—especially in the ROTC courses in which they participate.
VMI cadets benefit from living and working with these future international military leaders. The exchange programs also offer unique opportunities for VMI cadets to gain in-depth and extended experience working as part of international teams and practicing intercultural communication skills that are in high demand both in the US military and private sectors.
Where have VMI exchange students studied?
VMI has previously had exchange agreements with and cadets from around the globe including: France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Can exchange students participate in VMI activities outside of class and training?
Yes. Exchange students are able to participate in athletics, clubs activities, and social events held during their time at the Institute. These experiences, and the brother rat spirit, often leave lasting impressions when cadets return home.
The strong presence of tradition is visible every day, not just on a holiday. Another thing that made a huge impression on me were the reunions of graduates who can meet their companions from their studies and see the barracks in which they lived. It must be a great feeling to meet like this after years.
Attending VMI can be a transformative experience for international students as it is for all who attend. In addition to the benefits of any international exchange or enrollment program, choosing VMI also means gaining access to traditions and a style of undergraduate education unique in the American college and university system. Cadets here are guided by honor, self-discipline, and a commitment to service. They live and work together in a close community designed to support and encourage the individual along a path to excellence and achievement.
Interested in applying to VMI from overseas?
Cadets interested in studying full time at VMI in a four-year program should reach out to the Office of Global Education (OGE) at GlobalEd@vmi.edu. OGE works closely with the Office of Admissions to ensure international prospectives have the resources they need throughout the application and matriculation process.
Cadet applying from abroad follow the same procedure and have essentially the same application requirements as all other cadets. International cadets are encouraged to indicate their international status while applying so OGE can provide appropriate visa information upon appointment. VMI requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below to be admitted to VMI. Please contact OGE for more specific information and review application instructions for international students.
Already received your appointment to join the Corps?
Our office will contact you directly to provide additional information about the visa application process and other considerations before you matriculate.
