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International Freshmen (First-time University Study)

International students from outside the United States who have completed their high school or higher secondary education and who have not yet begun studies at the university level, should apply to UMBC for freshman admission.

Application Requirements

Admission to UMBC is quite competitive. We are looking for students who are academically well prepared and serious about their education. Students coming from overseas must have strong English language skills and have a good understanding of the challenges and excitement that living in a new culture can bring.

Before an admission decision is given and an I-20 issued you must meet all of the following application requirements:

Academic Requirements

You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and have good marks of approximately a 3.00 on a 4.0 scale or 5 "O-level" passes with grades of 'A' or 'B' in academic subjects. Other criteria may be considered as appropriate.

Freshmen who wish to be considered for merit scholarships must sit for the SAT and present a combined critical reading and math score of 1300 or better along with high school marks that are in the top 10 percent of their class. Otherwise, students educated overseas do not need to sit for the SAT.

Please submit an official or attested copy of your secondary school academic record showing courses and grades received; mark sheets; examination certificates; and/or leaving certificate, as appropriate for the country's educational system. All documents must be translated in English and notarized. Translations must be as literal as possible, with no attempt to translate information into the U.S. educational system.

English Proficiency

You should be able to read, speak and write English fluently. Unless otherwise notified, all non-native English speakers will have to submit an official record of TOEFL or IELTS prior to admission.

TOEFL examination dates and information may be obtained through the American Embassy, Consulate or USIS offices or by writing to: Education Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA. Results will be reported to UMBC by indicating UMBC R-5835 on the exam form.

If your TOEFL score falls below 48 on the internet-based, 140 on the computer-based, or 550 on the paper and pencil version, you should consider full-time enrollment in the English Language Center (ELC). The ELC offers a variety of academic and professional English language learning programs in a cross-cultural setting to professionals and students who have a wide range of learning goals. Students who need intensive English language development should apply directly to the ELC for full-time English languages study. ELC students have access to all student services: health services, residential life, dining halls, the Women's Center, the Learning Resource Center and many more. ELC courses, activities and advising help students become self-confident communicators both within the university and U.S. society. Please contact the ELC for information and an application form:

E-mail: elc@umbc.edu
Web: www.umbc.edu/elc
Telephone: 410-455-2831
Fax: 410-4551115

Sufficient Funding

International students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional financial aid programs, and cannot rely on employment while in the United States. Therefore, you must be able to provide documentation that you have sufficient and a continued source of funding (at least U.S. $33,000) from a parent, spouse, sponsor or yourself. International students may find information about sources for assistance at www.isoa.org.

If you plan to obtain a student (F-1) visa you must submit:

  1. A notarized letter (you may use the form provided) from your parents or financial sponsor to the effect that he or she is willing and able to provide U.S.$33,000 for each year of study; and
  2. A notarized bank statement that verifies that the individual(s) providing your support has the U.S. $33,000 on deposit.

The SAT

Writing is a critical component of a student's undergraduate experience. UMBC continues to emphasize its importance both inside and outside of the classroom through program requirements, general education requirements, and such co-curricular activities as internships and undergraduate research experiences.

As the College Board implements the new three-part SAT test, UMBC will evaluate the use of the writing component during this transition year. We anticipate that students' writing scores will be comparable in range to their critical reading and mathematics scores and consistent with their overall academic profile. The critical reading and mathematics components will continue to be key factors in our evaluation of applications, along with grade point average, strength of curriculum, and letters of recommendation.

Candidates for freshman admission must submit the following:

  • A completed UMBC Undergraduate Admissions Application
    Apply Online | Download the PDF application
  • An essay
  • An official or attested copy of your current high school transcript/academic record including an English translation, if necessary
  • A list of courses in progress (if not included on the high school transcript)
  • For scholarship consideration, official SAT scores forwarded to UMBC by the Educational Testing Service or official ACT scores sent by ACT. (The UMBC College Board code is 5835, and UMBC's ACT code is 1751.)
  • A $50 nonrefundable application fee (check or money order payable to UMBC drawn on a U.S. bank)
  • A final high school transcript/leaving certificate upon completion of your senior year
  • Students interested in majoring in the visual and performing arts have additional admission requirements.

    • In addition to the application procedures outlined above, students who will need an F-1 visa will need to submit the following:

    • A completed UMBC Supplemental Information Form (Download the PDF form) which is also available through the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at 410-455-2291 or 800-UMBC-4U2 or admissions@umbc.edu
    • Official certificates of completion of state/national secondary school examinations
    • Official test scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • For students planning to attend on an F-1 student visa, a Statement of Financial Support (Download the PDF form) signed by the student's sponsor, certifying that the sponsor will be responsible for the student's expenses while enrolled at UMBC; a bank statement, documenting sufficient funds, is also required.
    • International students who are already attending a high school or English language school in the United States must also provide a copy of their current SEVIS I-20 and/or a copy of their I-94 verifying their current visa. Students in the process of changing from one visa category to another should provide copies of all documentation that has been submitted to and received from the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service).

    Application Timeline

    International students are strongly encouraged to apply at least six (6) months prior to their intended enrollment date. The timeline below is meant to give applicants a general idea of the steps and timing involved in the application process. Applicants are always welcome to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation with questions.

    1. Application packet is received by UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation.
    2. Postcard is mailed to applicant acknowledging receipt of application packet by Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Missing information is requested. (approximately 2-3 weeks after receipt).
    3. Complete application packet is reviewed by UMBC Admissions Committee (approximately 4-6 weeks after receipt). Additional information may be requested of the applicant at this point.
    4. Applicant is notified of the admissions decision (approximately 6-8 weeks after application becomes complete). Applicants are welcome to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at admissions@umbc.edu with questions.
    5. Applicants for the visual and performing arts programs will be notified by the departments regarding their status in the program upon review of portfolio and/or completion of audition.

 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

International Students
Fall Admission
Early Action: Nov. 1
Regular Decision: Feb. 1

Spring Admission
Regular Decision: July 1

Honors College
Jan. 15

Financial Aid
Priority for FAFSA: Feb. 14