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Graduate Conditional Admission

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About Conditional Admission
The Conditional Admission Process
Graduate Degree Programs at UMBC

About Conditional Admission

We encourage non-native speakers of English to apply for admission to UMBC. UMBC may offer conditional admission to international students who are well-qualified academically, but who have TOEFL scores below the standard level for regular admission (80 iBT - or 6.5 IELTS).

The Conditional Admission Process: Graduate (Master's or Ph.D. Degree)

OPTION 1:
Direct Graduate
Conditional Admission

  

OPTION 2:
Start at the English Language Institute

1.

If your TOEFL score is below (but near) the required score for your desired program (usually 80 iBT), apply directly to the graduate degree program. A strong academic history is required.

Apply to the Graduate School here.

If you have no TOEFL score or your score is not near 80 iBT, apply directly to the English Language Institute. Do not apply to the graduate degree program now.

Apply to the English Language Institute here.

2.

Students who apply for and receive conditional admission from a graduate program begin their studies at the ELI. An English placement exam determines a student's level (1-6) at the ELI. Each level lasts on semester.

Many students conditionally admitted to the Graduate School begin ELI studies at level 5 (advanced) or 6 (high advanced), so they can complete ELI study in just one or two semesters.

An English placement exam determines a student’s level (1-6) at the ELI. Each level lasts one semester.

  • Students in levels 1-5 study at the ELI only.
  • Students in level 5 (advanced) may apply for conditional admission to a UMBC graduate program.

    Note: Admission to a graduate program is not guaranteed. Graduate programs have additional application requirements, including the TOEFL.

3.

Conditionally admitted students in level 6 enroll in ELI classes AND one graduate class.

Students in level 6 (high advanced) who apply for and receive graduate conditional admission OR graduate non-degree status may enroll in ELI classes AND one graduate class.

  • Students with non-degree status may try again to apply for conditional admission if they meet Graduate School application and program requirements.

4.

After conditionally admitted students complete ELI classes satisfactorily at level 6, they enter their graduate degree program full time.

 

Graduate Degree Programs at UMBC