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International Transfer Students (Continuing University Study)

Students who have studied at the university level outside of the United States should apply to UMBC for international transfer admission.

Application Requirements

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

The Admissions Committee evaluates transfer applicants on the basis of their academic record at previous university or college-level institutions. Cumulative grade point average, performance trends, strength of curriculum and performance in courses related to the intended area of study are considered.

Transfer applicants must be eligible to return to their most recent institution. For transfer applicants with fewer than 30 college-level credits (less than one year of full-time study), your high school record will also be required.

Please submit an official or attested copy of your college or university 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.

A preliminary credentials evaluation from the AACRAO International Credentials Evaluation Service should also be submitted.

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 tests of English proficiency 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 you have attended a college or university in the United States and successfully completed college-level English Composition then you do not have to submit a TOEFL.

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 language 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 a sufficient and 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.

Candidates for transfer admission must submit the following:

  • A completed UMBC Undergraduate Admissions Application
    Apply Online | Download the PDF application
  • Official or attested transcript(s) from each college or university attended and any "A" level certificate. Transcripts should be mailed directly to UMBC from the registrar of each institution.
  • An essay (only if you are attending a U.S. community college and wish to be considered for a transfer merit scholarship.)
  • Students interested in majoring in the visual and performing arts have additional admission requirements.
  • To facilitate consideration, documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Students who have attended a post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, outside the United States must have a course-by-course credentials evaluation through:
    AACRAO Foreign Credentials Evaluation Service
    One Dupont Circle, N.W.,
    Suite 520
    Washington, D.C. 20036-1135
    Web site: www.aacrao.org
  • A list of courses in progress (if not included on the current school transcript)
  • 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)
  • An official or attested high school transcript or marksheet or "O" level certificate for applicants with fewer than 30 college-level credits
  • A $50 nonrefundable application fee (payable to UMBC drawn on a U.S. bank)
  • A final transcript must be sent upon completion of any course work in progress

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

  1. A completed UMBC Supplemental Information Form (Download the PDF form) which is also available through the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at 410-455-2292 or 800-UMBC-4U2 or admissions@umbc.edu.
  2. 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.
  3. A bank statement, documenting sufficient funds of at least US $33,000.
  4. International students who are already attending a college, university 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).
  5. Copy of passport

    6. 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. Email is sent 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
July 1

Honors College
Jan. 15 - priority
Mar. 15 - final