Complete the VaYU Application Form
There is no application fee. The online form is made up of ten sections — most applicants finish it in one sitting.
Your application will be considered incomplete if any required information or document is missing. VaYU follows up with every applicant to remind them of anything outstanding — but submitting complete gets you a decision faster.
The ten form sections
10 sectionsA quick preview of what the online form asks for, so nothing catches you off guard.
- 01Personal InformationName, address and contact details.
- 02Academic ProgramThe program you intend to enroll in.
- 03Education HistoryYour degree details.
- 04Prior Yoga CertificatesCertificate information — documents are uploaded later in the process.
- 05Letters of Recommendation1 for MS · 2 for Ph.D. · 2 for Integrated MS–Ph.D.
- 06Employment DetailsYour professional background.
- 07Document UploadsFive documents you upload yourself — see Step 2.
- 08Official Records RequestTranscripts and degree certificates — see Step 3.
- 09International ApplicantsEnglish proficiency and credential evaluation, where applicable.
- 10Review & SubmitConfirm everything, then submit.
Documents You Upload
Five documents go up directly through the application portal. Tick them off as you gather them.
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Required
A scanned recent passport-sized photograph.
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Required
Your current academic and professional history.
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Required
A 500–1,000 word essay (1–2 pages) on why you should be admitted to VaYU.
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Required
For example a passport or driver's license.
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Required
Download, fill, sign and upload this form. This self-evaluation confirms you have the skills needed to take and complete the VaYU Online MS (Yoga) program.
Yoga certificates
OptionalSubmit a Yoga Instructor or Yoga Therapist certificate only if you are claiming course waivers. Existing certifications can reduce your coursework — and your tuition.
VYASA YIC or YITC
Holders receive credit waivers toward the MS (Yoga).
Yoga Alliance RYT 300/500 or C-IAYT
Elect the VaYU Bridge Course in your first semester to earn waivers and save on tuition.
Records Requested Officially
These documents come to VaYU from your institution or your recommender — not from you. Email them to apply@vayuusa.org or upload directly to the application portal.
Transcripts & Degree Certificates
Request official copies from your institution, sent directly to VaYU. To ensure a prompt response, have them emailed to apply@vayuusa.org.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommenders you identify receive an automatic link to upload directly to the VaYU Admissions portal — or they can email the letter to VaYU.
You can submit personal copies in the interim. We can evaluate your application on those temporary documents and may issue a conditional admission. Your file must be complete with original documents one week before the first day of your first semester.
Generally, a student who is not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). International applicants may upload unofficial documents.
Applicants whose degree was earned at an institution where English was not the medium of instruction must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
Applicants with at least one degree earned where English is the medium of instruction are exempt from this requirement.
If your documents are not in English, have them evaluated by a foreign degree evaluator who is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
VaYU has used The Evaluation Company (TEC) and found it reliable and affordable. This is in no way an endorsement of that company.
Identified recommenders receive an automatic link to upload directly to the VaYU Admissions portal. Alternatively, they can email the document to apply@vayuusa.org.
Decision, Deposit & Deferral
What happens once your completed application reaches the Admissions Committee.
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Committee review
The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications on an ongoing basis — there are no fixed decision rounds.
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Admission letter
Successful applicants receive an Admission Letter by email.
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Secure your seat — $500 refundable deposit
To guarantee a seat, pay a refundable deposit of $500, which is counted toward your first-semester tuition fee.
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Need more time? Defer.
Life happens. Admits who have paid a deposit can defer admission by up to two semesters, at a $250 fee per deferment. Beyond that, you'll need to reapply.
Before you submit
Your application will be considered incomplete if any of the above documents are missing. Use this page as your checklist, then start your application in the VaYU student application system.
No prior yoga experience is needed for admission to the Online MS in Yoga.