Bachelor of Arts [B.A] (International Studies)
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Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts [B.A] International Studies is a four-year full-time on-campus degree offered in College Station, Texas. International students typically need a competitive GPA (3.6 to 3.9) and TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5 to qualify. The programme costs US$35,460 (INR 33.82 Lakhs) per year in tuition alone, with intakes in Fall and Spring each year.
This degree trains graduates to navigate global political systems, cultural diplomacy, and international business through a blend of social sciences, languages, and regional studies. The programme stands apart by requiring fluency in a second language and a mandatory immersive international exchange. Ideal candidates are curious about geopolitics, drawn to careers in government service or NGOs, and ready to spend a semester abroad.
- Strong placement in U.S. State Department, USAID, and international NGOs within six months of graduation.
- Dual-language proficiency by graduation opens doors to diplomacy, trade, and cross-cultural consulting roles.
- Semester abroad built into the curriculum ensures direct exposure to global affairs and professional networks in your chosen region.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 January 2026.
Indian applicants should note that Texas A&M processes WES credential evaluations within 8 to 10 weeks. Submit your documents at least 12 weeks before the deadline to allow time for evaluation and any follow-up requests.
Also Check: Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Admission
Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026
The total cost of studying this four-year degree at Texas A&M for international students breaks down across tuition, fees, books, and health insurance.
| Cost Component | USD per Year | INR per Year | 4-Year Total (USD) | 4-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | US$35,460 | INR 33.82 Lakhs | US$141,840 | INR 1.35 Crore |
| Books and Materials | US$1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs | US$4,800 | INR 4.58 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance (International) | US$2,100 | INR 2.00 Lakhs | US$8,400 | INR 8.01 Lakhs |
| Miscellaneous Fees | US$1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs | US$4,800 | INR 4.58 Lakhs |
| Annual Academic Subtotal | US$39,960 | INR 38.10 Lakhs | US$159,840 | INR 1.53 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$1 = INR 95.31 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Health insurance is mandatory for international students and covers emergency medical care, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
- Books and materials cost varies by semester but averages US$300 per course.
- Miscellaneous fees include student activity charges, technology fees, and building use permits.
- Tuition is frozen for the duration of your four-year degree once you enroll, protecting you from cost increases.
Cost of Living in College Station for Bachelor of Arts International Studies Students
College Station is a college town in central Texas with a cost-of-living index of 0.95 (below the U.S. national average), making it affordable for international students on a budget.
| Living Expense | USD per Month | INR per Month | USD per Year | INR per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing (Shared) | US$450 | INR 42,889 | US$5,400 | INR 5.15 Lakhs |
| Food and Groceries | US$400 | INR 38,124 | US$4,800 | INR 4.58 Lakhs |
| Transport and Local Travel | US$150 | INR 14,297 | US$1,800 | INR 1.72 Lakhs |
| Personal Care and Utilities | US$200 | INR 19,062 | US$2,400 | INR 2.29 Lakhs |
| Total Living Costs (Annual) | US$1,167 | INR 1,11,372 | US$14,000 | INR 1.34 Lakhs |
Key insight: College Station is one of the most affordable major university towns in the United States, meaning your living costs will not drain your budget like larger metropolitan areas. Many international students live on-campus for the first two years, then share apartments off-campus to reduce housing further.
Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Admission 2026
Texas A&M accepts applications for both Fall and Spring intakes. International students must demonstrate academic strength and English language proficiency to qualify.
Intake Months: Fall (August to September) and Spring (January to February).
Academic Eligibility
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA (High School) | 3.6 to 3.9 (competitive range) |
| SAT Score (if submitted) | 1300 to 1480 (25th to 75th percentile) |
| ACT Score (if submitted) | 29 to 33 (25th to 75th percentile) |
| Year 12 or Equivalent | Required; transcripts must be certified by your school or board |
| Acceptance Rate (International) | 40% estimated for this program |
Texas A&M University holds a strong position ranked #26 in the U.S. News National University Rankings 2024, signalling rigorous academic standards across all undergraduate degrees.
English Language Proficiency for International Studies Students
All instruction is in English. You must demonstrate proficiency through one of the accepted tests below.
| Test | Overall Minimum | Component Minimums |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | Reading 19, Listening 19, Speaking 18, Writing 18 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | All bands minimum 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | No band minimums; overall score only |
- TOEFL 80 is equivalent to IELTS 6.5 and reflects upper-intermediate proficiency; most Indian students achieve this with 8 to 10 weeks of targeted preparation.
- IELTS is often preferred by Indian applicants because its speaking test mirrors real-world conversational English, not computer-generated pronunciation scoring.
- If your TOEFL/IELTS score is between 70 to 79 (TOEFL) or 6.0 to 6.4 (IELTS), Texas A&M may offer conditional admission with a one-semester English Support course; upon completion with a B grade, you proceed to your major.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional for international applicants, so you may apply on academics and English proficiency alone.
Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Application 2026
Apply directly through the Texas A&M admissions portal. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from receipt of documents.
| Intake | Deadline | Status | Expected Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 15 January 2026 | Open | 15 April 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | 15 October 2026 | Open | 15 December 2026 |
Required Documents: Certified high school transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, passport copy, and a statement of purpose (500 words). International applicants must also submit a certified financial affidavit confirming ability to pay the four-year cost.
Application tip: Submit all documents at least 12 weeks before the deadline to allow time for credential evaluation and processing. WES (World Education Services) evaluations, which Texas A&M requires for Indian credentials, can take 8 to 10 weeks; order yours immediately after booking your English proficiency test.
Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Scholarships 2026
Texas A&M does not offer merit-based scholarships exclusively for undergraduate international students. However, most international students finance their study through a mix of personal and family contributions, limited institutional aid, and external scholarships.
Realistic Cost Offset: Full tuition and living costs over four years total approximately INR 1.53 Crore. Institutional grants to international students average US$3,000 to US$5,000 per year (covering roughly 8 to 12% of annual costs). This means you should plan to fund INR 1.34 to 1.42 Crore through savings, family support, or external scholarships.
Scholarship Sources to Explore: Reach out to Collegedunia’s Global Scholarship Programme, check your home state’s education ministry for international study grants, and search Scholarship.com for India-specific funders. Many international students also secure employer-sponsored study abroad programmes through their parents’ employers or undertake part-time on-campus work (allowed up to 20 hours per week during study terms) to supplement costs.
Also Check: Texas A&M University Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarship reality: International scholarships are highly competitive; apply early and have backup funding sources ready. Consider part-time work and federal student loans if your family qualifies through a U.S.-based co-signer.
Texas A&M University Bachelor of Arts International Studies Salary 2026
Median Entry-Level Salary: Graduates of Texas A&M’s International Studies programme earn a median starting salary of US$41,886 (INR 39.91 Lakhs) per year, which exceeds the national average for international studies bachelor’s degree holders by approximately US$9,000.
Top Career Paths and Employers: Graduates typically move into roles such as diplomatic officer, international relations specialist, NGO programme coordinator, or trade analyst. Major employers include the U.S. State Department, USAID, the World Bank, major international NGOs (Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam), and multinational corporations with government affairs teams.
Your take-home salary varies based on location, sector, and role specialization. Federal government roles offer structured pay scales; NGOs often pay 15 to 20% less than government but offer strong mission-driven work. Use online tax calculators to estimate net income after federal and state taxes, which typically reduce gross salary by 18 to 25% for entry-level positions.
Placement Rate: Texas A&M reports a 77% placement rate for its graduates within six months of graduation, with 68% securing full-time positions in their field of study.
Read More: Texas A&M University Placements and Graduate Outcomes
ROI reality: You will recover your four-year investment (INR 1.53 Crore) within roughly seven to eight years of full-time work at median salary, after which International Studies careers typically see salary growth of 8 to 12% annually as you move into mid-career roles like director or country manager.
United States Visa and Work Rights for Bachelor of Arts International Studies Students
All international students at Texas A&M study under the F-1 (student) visa, which permits you to remain in the U.S. for the duration of your degree plus one year for practical training. You can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during study terms and full-time during official breaks (winter, spring, summer).
- After graduation, F-1 students are automatically eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows up to 12 months of full-time work with any U.S. employer in your field of study, at regular hourly or salary rates.
- If your employer sponsors you for an H-1B (specialty occupation) visa after OPT, you can work for an additional three years with potential extensions, putting your total authorized U.S. work timeline at four to six years post-graduation.
- Spouse and dependent children can accompany you on F-2 visas, though they cannot work in the U.S. Home country spousal income does not affect your visa eligibility.
- Path to permanent residency (green card) begins only if your employer initiates sponsorship; this is not guaranteed and depends on job availability and employer willingness to sponsor international talent.
Check Out: United States Student Visa and Work Authorization Guide
Visa reality: The U.S. student visa pathway is stable and transparent, but securing post-graduation work visa sponsorship depends on your job market appeal. International Studies graduates have strong demand in government and NGO sectors, both of which regularly sponsor foreign talent; corporate roles are less certain. Plan your visa path with awareness that you should compete for H-1B sponsorship during your final year of OPT.
Choosing to study International Studies at Texas A&M positions you for careers at the intersection of geopolitics, development, and cross-cultural leadership. The mandatory language requirement and semester abroad are not just curriculum checkboxes; they are direct investments in your competitive advantage for diplomatic, governmental, and international NGO roles, where cultural fluency and on-ground experience matter as much as academic credentials. For Indian students, the program offers a pathway to the United States with strong post-study work opportunities and transparent visa sponsorship pathways in government and international organizations.
Bachelor of Arts International Studies FAQs
Ques. Is the mandatory semester abroad included in the four-year degree timeline?
Ans. Yes. The semester abroad is typically taken in your third year and is fully integrated into your degree timeline. Most students study in a country relevant to their regional concentration (e.g., Latin America, Europe, Asia). Housing and some meals abroad are covered by your tuition; you pay for flights and personal expenses separately, which average US$4,000 to US$6,000 (INR 3.82 to 5.73 Lakhs) for the semester.
Ques. Can I change my regional concentration after my first year?
Ans. Yes. You declare your regional concentration (e.g., Middle East, Africa, Europe) at the end of your first year based on your interests and elective course performance. If you change your mind later, you can modify it through an advising form, though this may delay your semester abroad by one term. Plan your concentration choice carefully with your academic advisor by end of sophomore year.
Ques. Do I need to achieve C2 proficiency in my second language to graduate?
Ans. No. You must reach B1 (independent user) or B2 (upper-intermediate) proficiency, depending on your starting level and the language. Most students arrive with A2 to B1 proficiency and advance to B2 through four semesters of college-level language study. Native speakers may test out or enroll in advanced literature and composition courses instead.
Ques. What is the typical class size for core International Studies courses?
Ans. Core courses (International Relations, Comparative Politics, Global Security) typically enroll 30 to 50 students in lecture halls, with smaller discussion sections of 15 to 20 led by graduate teaching assistants. Upper-level seminars in your final two years shrink to 15 to 25 students, allowing more direct interaction with faculty.
Ques. Can I pursue graduate school immediately after, or should I work first?
Ans. Both paths are viable. Most Texas A&M graduates work for 2 to 4 years to gain professional experience before applying to master’s programmes in international affairs, public policy, or diplomacy. Some students directly pursue graduate degrees if they maintain a 3.7+ GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations. Graduate school funding is often easier to secure (teaching assistantships, research grants) if you have relevant work experience to highlight.
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| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹4673226 (USD 49037) |
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| 2023 | ₹5620413 (USD 58976) |
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