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International Applicants

The University of Maryland (UMD) is committed to creating a diverse student body from around the globe. On this page you'll find all the information you need to apply as an international student.

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International Applicants

APPLYING AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Freshman and transfer students are considered international applicants if they are non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent U.S. residents.

In addition to the freshman or transfer applicant requirements, international students must also satisfy international specific requirements such as English language proficiency and non-U.S. academic credential evaluations.

Below you will find information on international application requirements and deadlines, a complete list of required application materials and more.

Campus during the Fall

Application Requirements

In addition to the required criteria for freshman or transfer admission, the Admission Committee will also consider the following factors for all international applicants:

  • National education system
  • Types of institutions attended
  • English language proficiency
  • Third-party academic evaluations for non-U.S., university level, academic credentials

Additional information about English language proficiency and academic evaluations can be found below, within the application checklist.

Students walking into the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center.

Choosing a Major

Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still figuring it out, we encourage you to explore UMD's academic programs. As you explore you may see that some of our majors are considered Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP). These programs have limited space and, therefore, have more competitive admission criteria.

On the UMD application, you'll select a preferred major. This information will not impact whether or not you are admissible to the university. If you selected an LEP, you will also be reviewed by the specific program to determine admission to your preferred major.

While most students are admitted to their preferred major, some LEP applicants may not be. Students who are undecided or undeclared (working on getting into an LEP) will work with Letters & Sciences advisors to explore their interests or complete LEP gateway requirements.

Benefits of Applying Early Action

We strongly encourage all international students to apply early action in order to receive:

  • Priority consideration for admission.
  • Invitations to special programs.
  • An admission decision by February 1. This will ensure ample time to work through the immigration process and obtain a visa.


UMD's November 1 early action deadline is non-binding and students who submit a completed application by this date will receive an admission decision by February 1. By applying for admission to the fall semester, you will also be automatically considered for admission to the spring semester.

View All Application Deadlines

Application Platforms

Freshman students can apply to UMD using either of the following platforms:


At this time, transfer students can only apply using StandOut Admissions Network.

The application platform you choose will not make a difference on how your application will be reviewed. Choose the platform you are comfortable using.

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Application Checklist

Utilize our application checklists to ensure you're submitting all required application materials.

When completing your application, remember to use your full legal name as it appears on your passport in your application and on all supporting documents, and be sure to provide a foreign street address—not a P.O. Box—as your permanent home address so we can issue the necessary immigration documents if you are admitted.

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MAKING SURE YOUR UMD APPLICATION IS COMPLETE

Applications are considered complete when the online application and all required documents have been submitted electronically or postmarked by the appropriate deadline. It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials.

To do so...

Freshman students will need to create a Terps Application Portal (TAP). You'll receive an email with instructions on how to activate a TAP account within two business days of submitting your online application.

Transfer students can login to their StandOut Admissions Network account, and review their UMD Checklist within the Colleges.

These platforms will allow you to:

  • Track your application status.
  • Confirm receipt of required materials.
  • Receive your admission decision when it becomes available.

Keep in mind: It may take up to 10 business days for recently submitted materials to be listed as received within TAP.

You do not need to submit your visa, financial certification or other supporting international documents for a completed application. These documents are only needed if you are admitted to the university.

Services for International Students

A field of flags at Maryland Day, representing the countries our international students are from.

International Student & Scholar Services

The International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) office assists international students with transitioning to the U.S., advising on immigration requirements, and making the most of their academic experience here. While students don't start working with ISSS until they have been admitted to the university, we encourage you to visit their website to learn more about international requirements as well as the services available to international students.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with UMD's financial certification requirements and the process to obtain a visa. Once admitted, ISSS will help you with these processes in further detail.

Explore ISSS
Maryland English Institute; language skills that last a lifetime

Maryland English Institute

The Maryland English Institute (MEI) provides English language instruction and assessment at the postsecondary level for speakers of other languages. MEI offers rigorous courses of study while providing a positive and supportive learning community and promoting cross-cultural understanding. 

In some cases, UMD applicants must complete coursework through MEI before beginning their degree program. Students are notified within their admission decision letter if this is required of them.

Maryland English Institute webpage
Information you need

Pre-Transfer Advising

Transfer students from two-year and four-year schools are encouraged to take advantage of Pre-Transfer Advising before applying to UMD. Pre-Transfer Advising will help assess your readiness to transfer and estimate your time to degree completion. You can also review 4-Year Plans for information about the major and graduation requirements for specific programs.

The advisors from your Maryland community college can work closely with pre-transfer advisors for issues related to transfer credits and major options. Pre-Transfer advisors help you determine how previous coursework will apply to your UMD degree, identify remaining general education and major requirements, and locate specific resources for additional assistance.

Reach Out to Pre-Transfer Advising
Anne Arundel Hall

Transfer Credit Services

Transfer Credit Services facilitates the evaluation of credit for new students who have earned college credit or prior learning credits (such as AP, IB, A/AS level exams). They provide a course database to help students and advisors estimate what credits will transfer to UMD. A final determination will be made after being admitted to UMD and a review of your official college transcripts.

Learn About Transfer Credit Services

Resources

Application FAQs

If questions come up as you're filling out the UMD application, be sure to reference our frequently asked questions. We've gathered answers about the application platforms, required materials, what to do after you've applied, and more.

Review Application FAQs

Submitting Documents

Find details on the best way to submit all of your required application materials.

Learn more about how to submit application materials

Admission Review Process & Factors

Familiarize yourself with our holistic review process and the many factors we consider when reviewing applications.

Admission Review Process & Factors