Advance from Bachelor’s to Master’s in the USA with Franklin University

Centre for International Cooperation

Exchange Program

Exchange program between WSB Merito University and Franklin University allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in Poland and then study in the USA to earn an American master’s in fields like Business Analytics, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or Information Technology. Participants gain international academic experience, structured support with admissions and the F-1 visa process.

The WSB Merito University & Franklin University partnership

By participating in the WSB Merito University & Franklin University program, you will earn an American master’s degree - a powerful credential that is respected by employers worldwide.

Students also gain access to OPT (Optional Practical Training), a 12-month work authorization program available after graduation. If you have earned a degree in an eligible STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field, you can apply for a 24-month extension of the post-completion OPT. This extension allows eligible STEM graduates to work in their field for a total of up to 36 months (12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension).

Key benefits:

The program is an incredible opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study, expanding your global career prospects.

Two degrees

Earn two degrees – a European bachelor's degree at WSB Merito University and an American master's degree from Franklin University.

Broaden your horizons

Test yourself and gain experience in culturally diverse environments in Poland and the United States.

Save money

Study at WSB Merito University and live in Poland for three years rather than spending four+ years in the United States.

Assistance

Receive support from Franklin University and the necessary documentation to navigate the complex visa process.

Work in the U.S.

Qualify for up to three years of work authorization in the U.S. in your profession upon graduation with a STEM degree.

Choose the master’s degree fiting your goals

Study M.S. in Business Analytics, M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Health Informatics, or M.S. in Information Technology at Franklin University.

Why the USA? Why Columbus, Ohio?

Studying in the United States opens doors to global opportunities, especially in Ohio—a state known for its robust economy and welcoming communities. Columbus, the state capital, offers the perfect balance of affordability, opportunities, and cultural vibrancy. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., it’s a hub for industries such as tech, healthcare, and finance, which provide fertile ground for launching your career.

Want to learn more about Columbus? Visit Experience Columbus for a glimpse into what life could be like for you. Plus, the Ohio job market is thriving—explore opportunities at Ohio Means Jobs.

Why Franklin University?

Franklin University’s 120-year reputation for practical, career-oriented education ensures the degree you'll earn is aligned with employer expectations. The University is also recognized for its flexibility, allowing you to complete your degree efficiently, through a variety of course modalities that meet your needs and F-1 visa requirements.

Study opportunities for everyone

As a Franklin student, you will be exposed to diverse perspectives, cultures, and languages, which can enhance your critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. With the help of your professors, you will be able to connect your coursework to real-world scenarios.

Take a virtual tour to visit Franklin University

Who is this program for?

The streamlined graduate program, offered jointly by WSB Merito University and Franklin University, is designed for both English- and Polish-language programs, and is available to current students and graduates of WSB Merito University.

Graduates of the programs taught in English are not required to demonstrate language proficiency. Applicants from Polish-language programs are also welcome to apply; however, they must demonstrate a sufficiently high level of English proficiency to succeed in the program.

You can demonstrate English proficiency in one of three ways:

Franklin University accepts official test scores such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE-Academic, and DET. Additional standardized tests will be considered. Scores must be less than two years old.
Students may also demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University, which is free of charge.
Additionally, citizenship in an exempted country proves proficiency. See a Franklin admission advisor for more details.

What master's degree programs can you study?

Franklin University offers four dynamic and career-focused master’s programs designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in high-demand fields: Business Analytics, Computer Science, Health Informatics, and Information Technology. Each program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, offering a curriculum aligned with current industry standards.

How do I apply?

Step 1

Admission Process

Apply through WSB Merito University, and once accepted, Franklin University will guide you through their simple admission process.

For more details, please refer to Franklin University's dedicated webpage for the admission process specifically for international students. It provides detailed information about application deadlines, required documents, English proficiency, visa requirements, orientation, and enrollment procedures. You can find this information here:
Franklin University International Students Admissions

Step 2

Visa Process

You will need an F-1 student visa to travel to the U.S. to study. Entering the U.S. on a F-1 student visa allows you to live in the U.S. while completing your degree and provides you with the option to apply to work in the U.S. in your profession for a limited time after graduation. You will need a Form I-20 from Franklin to apply for an F-1 student visa. Franklin will send you a Form I-20 after you have been admitted provided proof of funding to cover your tuition and living costs, and paid Franklin’s enrollment deposit. After you receive the Form I-20, you can apply for an F-1 student visa. You will need:

Acceptance letter from Franklin
Form I-20 from Franklin
Passport
Proof of financial responsibility
Non-refundable I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt.
Form DS-160 submitted electronically.
Interview at the local embassy
Find out more about applying for an F-1 Visa.

A specific checklist for applying for the F-1 student visa including steps like paying the SEVIS fee and required documents for the visa interview can be found here:

F-1 Visa Checklist

Step 3

Formal Requirements

Be sure to have all necessary documents ready, including transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of financial ability to cover your tuition and living costs while studying abroad.

How much does it cost?

For WSB Merito University students and alumni, the cost of studying at Franklin University during the fall and spring semesters is reduced from the regular tuition rate of ~~$670~~ to $550 per credit hour.

That translates into the total tuition of:

$17,600 for Business Analytics and Health Informatics
$19,800 for Computer Science and Information Technology

Any coursework a student needs to complete to meet Franklin University’s graduation requirements may be charged at the standard Franklin University tuition per credit hour rate.

The MSCS (Master of Science in Computer Science) and MSIT (Master of Science in Information Technology) programs require prerequisite courses — preparatory classes that students without a relevant background must complete before or alongside their graduate studies. If students need to take these prerequisite courses, they will be charged at $526 per credit hour.

Save the dates

The organization of the academic year in the U.S.

Unlike the academic year in Poland, which is divided into two semesters, Franklin University’s calendar is organized into three trimesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Application Deadline: Begining of December

Last I-20 Issuance Date: Mid of December

Deposit Due Date: Begining of January

Orientation (in the USA): February

First Day of Classes: February

Remember!

We recommend preparing your application and documents accordingly. Please feel free to contact us with any questions in the meantime. Please stay feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime.

Applying for an F-1 Visa

Travelers entering the U.S. on visitor visas or the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to study, so you must apply for an F-1 student visa. The visa application process may vary depending on your citizenship and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

Pay the SEVIS Fee

F-1 visa applicants must pay a one-time fee to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule. If your F-1 visa application is denied, the SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the fee payment, you will not have to pay the fee again.

Retain a copy of your SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-901), take it to your visa interview, and it may be required later.

Apply for a Visa from Your Local Embassy

Review the non-immigrant visa information from the U.S. Department of State website, electronically submit your DS-160 non-immigrant visa application and pay the visa application processing fee. Contact your local embassy or consulate to schedule a visa interview appointment.

Useful links

Official SEVIS I-901 Fee payment site by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
General information on applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1) from the U.S. Department of State:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html

Have questions?

WSB Merito University & Franklin University program

E-mail:
[email protected]
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Our team is ready to guide you through the entire process!