Take the next step with confidence
We are excited to hear your story.
Community is important to us. Our international admissions team takes the time to get to know you, not just your test scores. Together we will decide if UMBC is the best university to get you where you want to go on your life’s journey.
“Applying to UMBC was a breeze. I applied as a transfer student from Howard Community College, which meant I had to transfer all my visa work to UMBC. IES (International Education Services) let me know all the things I needed to prepare and the rules we needed to follow. They even had a workshop for students so we could be sure our paperwork was in order.”
— Kijun Jeun, B.S. ‘21, bioinformatics, South Korea
International student support
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is here to help make your UMBC experience positive and smooth all the way through. We can advise you on visa-related matters and the specifics about our international application process with either the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Graduate School.
Contact our International Admissions Team for more information.
Thinking about applying?
Undergraduate admissions
Students who have completed their high school or secondary education and who have not yet begun studies at the university level should apply to UMBC for first-year admission.
Students currently on an F-1 visa or planning to apply for an F-1 student visa to attend UMBC should complete all of the following steps:
| 1) Complete your application online |
| 2) Submit additional documents including test results |
| 3) Receive admission decision |
| 4) Accept your admission |
| 1) Request your I-20 |
| 2) Pay SEVIS fee |
| 3) Schedule your visa interview |
| 1) Arrive on campus (or meet online) |
| 2) Attend international orientation |
| 3) Register for classes |
All non-native English speakers must electronically submit their official English Proficiency Test results to UMBC. Scores recommended for admission are:
| Score | |
|---|---|
| Duolingo | 105 |
| TOEFL | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| SAT | 500 |
Fall semester application deadlines: first-year students
| Early Action | Regular Deadline | Scholarship Retriever (Priority) |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | February 1 | June 1 |
Applications received after the above deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis. If you are interested in applying for Spring semester, contact us.
Graduate admissions
Apply online as a degree seeking, non-degree seeking, or certificate student. Our online applications are managed by our trusted partner, CollegeNET, to ensure a safe and secure process.
Your degree seeking application may require reference materials, in addition to files you may choose to upload with your application.
“Our most successful students are those who embrace our dynamic, cultural, and rigorous academic environment. They are fully engaged in addressing the world’s challenges, and they leave here as leaders in the knowledge economy.“
- K. Jill Barr, senior assistant dean of graduate enrollment management
Graduate application process
Most of our graduate programs have a January 1st deadline for international applications to the Fall semester, but be aware that the deadlines and requirements for admission vary by program.
Select your program of interest or send an email to our Graduate Admissions team at gradschool@umbc.edu. We will be happy to help you with your application and confirm deadlines.
| 1) Complete your application online |
| 2) Submit additional documents including test results |
| 3) Department recommendation (up to 12 weeks) |
| 4) Final decision |
| 5) Receive your admit letter by email |
| 6) Accept your admission |
| 1) Request your I-20 |
| 2) Pay SEVIS fee |
| 3) Schedule your visa interview |
| 1) Register for classes |
| 2) Arrive on campus (or meet online) |
| 3) Attend international orientation |
