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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.
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.
Freshman Application Requirements Transfer Application Requirements
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 theimmigration 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 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.
Apply Now Start your UMD application
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.
1. COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION
The freshman application can be submitted online via the Common App or StandOut Admissions Network. The online application only needs to be submitted once, so choose the platform you are most comfortable using.
As part of the online application you will be required to submit a(n):
- Essay | This is your opportunity to share your personality and experiences with the Admission Committee. Get inspired by one of our essay questions.
- Activities and awards list or resume | Tell us how you spend your time outside the classroom! Please start by sharing the two experiences outside of academics that are most important to you. Whether community involvement, the arts, sports, work experience, research opportunities, family involvements or other activities and hobbies, you should share only what has been particularly meaningful (up to a maximum of eight).
- Nonrefundable application fee of $75 | When submitting your application you will be required to pay a $75 application fee on our secure website with a credit card unless you have received a fee waiver. Fee waivers must be submitted prior to application submission for consideration. We cannot accept cash or check payments.
2. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two letters of recommendation are required: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender. Learn how recommendation letters can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
3. OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your high school transcript(s) listing all courses you attempted/completed for grades 9-12.Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC.Stand alone exam results will not be accepted.
4. OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS (if necessary)
If you have completed any collegiate coursework, each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your college transcripts listing all courses you attempted/completed. Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation.Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
UMD requires all students with non-U.S. academic credentials to submit a third-party academic evaluation for all post-secondary/university credentials from one of the two evaluators listed below (this is not required for secondary school academic records). Evaluations must be received by the appropriate deadline.
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) | Start the evaluation process with ECE by visiting their Education Reports page.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation.
- Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A) | Start the evaluation process with JS&A by using their application for evaluation form.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation for students with more than 1 year of post-secondary/university education completed.
5. OFFICIAL STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES (optional)
UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles. Students can choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores with their application. As part of the online application, you will be able to indicate your test-optional status. If you choose to include your test scores, learn how to submit them on our Submitting Documents page.
If you would like to receive credit toward your degree for successfully completing Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), A/AS level examinations or certain other standard exams, you must submit those official scores upon receiving an offer of admission.
6. PROOF OFENGLISH PROFICIENCY
If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must provide the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with an official English proficiency test score by the appropriate deadline. We accept scores from the Duolingo English Test (DET), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Your test scores must be less than two years old and be sent directly by the testing agency. Your application will not be considered complete until your scores have been received.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English language proficiency. Proof of proficiency may be waived at the discretion of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Learn more about UMD'srequirement and potential waivers on our English Language Proficiency page.
7. SCHOOL OF MUSIC APPLICATION (School of Music applicants only)
In addition to the above items, students seeking enrollment into the School of Music must submit an online application supplement and audition. These items will only be used to determine your eligibility for admission into the School of Music and will not be used in the review of your eligibility for admission to UMD.
1. COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION
The transfer application can be submitted online via the StandOut Admissions Network.
As part of the online application you will be required to submit a(n):
- Essay | This is your opportunity to share your personality and experiences with the Admission Committee. Please use our transfer student essay prompt.
- Activities and awards list or resume | Detail your efforts in the community, arts, leadership, athletics, family involvements, work experience and other extracurricular activities and hobbies in order of interest to you. This information can be submitted via the Activities/Experience section of the Profile or by uploading a separate document.
- Nonrefundable application fee of $75 | When submitting your application you will be required to pay a $75 application fee on our secure website with a credit card unless you have received a fee waiver. Fee waivers must be submitted prior to application submission for consideration. We cannot accept cash or check payments.
2.OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS
Each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your college transcripts listing all courses you've attempted/completed. A final official transcript from your current institution must be sent upon completion of any courses in progress.Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
UMD requires all students with non-U.S. academic credentials to submit a third-party academic evaluation for all post-secondary/university credentials from one of the two evaluators listed below (this is not required for secondary school academic records). Evaluations must be received by the appropriate deadline.
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) | Start the evaluation process with ECE by visiting their Education Reports page.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation.
- Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A) | Start the evaluation process with JS&A by using their application for evaluation form.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation for students with more than 1 year of post-secondary/university education completed.
3. OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS (if necessary)
If you have completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, then at the time of applying you will need to request an official copy of your final high school transcript listing all courses you have completed. (AP/IB credits and placement tests cannot be used towards the overall 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.) Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation.Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC.Stand alone exam results will not be accepted.
4.OFFICIAL STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES (optional)
Traditionally, transfer students who completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, would need to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores at the time of applying. However, UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles, which means you have the option to choose whether or not you would like your test scores considered as a part of your application review. If you choose to include your test scores, learn how to submit them on our Submitting Documents page.
If you would like to receive credit toward your degree for successfully completing Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), A/AS level examinations or certain other standard exams, you must submit those official scores upon receiving an offer of admission.
5. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must provide the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with an official English proficiency test score by the appropriate deadline. We accept scores from the Duolingo English Test (DET), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Your test scores must be less than two years old and be sent directly by the testing agency. Your application will not be considered complete until your scores have been received.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English language proficiency. Proof of proficiency may be waived at the discretion of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Learn more about UMD's requirement and potential waivers on our English Language Proficiency page.
6. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (optional)
You may choose to submit a letter of recommendation with your application. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender, and they can be written by anyone of the applicant's choosing including teachers, counselors, coaches and mentors. Learn how recommendation letters can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
7. SCHOOL OF MUSIC APPLICATION (School of Music applicants only)
In addition to the above items, students seeking enrollment into the School of Music must submit an online application supplement and audition. These items will only be used to determine your eligibility for admission into the School of Music and will not be used in the review of your eligibility for admission to UMD.
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 theirStandOut 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
International Student & Scholar Services
The International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) officeassists 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 youto visit theirwebsite to learn more about international requirements as well as the services available to international students.
It's also important to familiarize yourselfwith UMD's financial certification requirements and the process to obtain a visa. Once admitted, ISSS will help you with these processes in further detail.
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.
Pre-Transfer Advising
Transfer students from two-year and four-year schools are encouraged to take advantage of Pre-Transfer Advisingbefore applying to UMD. Pre-Transfer Advising will helpassess 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 Reach Out to Pre-Transfer Advising
Transfer Credit Services
Transfer Credit Services facilitates the evaluation of credit for new students who have earned college credit or prior learning credits (such asAP, IB, A/AS level exams).They provide a course database to help students and advisors estimatewhat 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 Learn About Transfer Credit Services
