Old Dominion began in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary and became independent in 1962. Now a large public research university, it sits on a peninsula between the Elizabeth and Lafayette rivers, a few miles south of the world's largest naval base. Cybersecurity, engineering, modelling and simulation, and ocean sciences are strengths. Military ties run deep.
Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Official website: odu.edu
1930
Public research university
Norfolk, Hampton Roads
$30,000 – $36,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate, approximate
$13,000 – $17,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on odu.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Cybersecurity
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Modeling and Simulation Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Engineering Management
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
Modelling and simulation research few US universities match.
Cybersecurity close to Navy and defence employers.
Ocean and coastal science on the Chesapeake Bay.
Graduates join defence contractors, shipyards and the Navy's civilian workforce.
NASA Langley and Newport News Shipbuilding are across the harbour.
STEM master's graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus lines Hampton Boulevard, with a waterfront on the Elizabeth River and the shops and cafes of University Village next door. Ghent's older streets are a short drive south.
Norfolk is a navy city with moderate rent and humid summers. The Virginia Beach oceanfront is about half an hour east.
Form I-20 issued by Old Dominion University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
ODU reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Aim for about May for fall and October for spring so the I-20 and visa can be arranged.
Students start in August for fall or January for spring. Some graduate programmes admit in fall only.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Old Dominion University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, cybersecurity, modelling and simulation, engineering management and mechanical engineering are popular. Graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79; undergraduates need school transcripts and IELTS 6.0.
ODU offers some merit scholarships to international undergraduates, and graduate students can apply for assistantships through their department.
