The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) assists graduate and undergraduate international students in applying for admission and pursuing studies at the University of Maryland. Please go to the ISSS website for more detailed information on the admissions process and graduate study in the United States: ISSS Homepage.
Application Requirements for International Students
In addition to sending the materials required by the Graduate School and the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, you must submit the following documents to have your application reviewed:
Certificate of Finances: Information on how to certify proof of financial solvency can be found here.
Visa Status: On The Graduate School application, prospective students are requested to note the type of visa they will need to study at the University. In addition, if you are a current holder of a visa or Permanent Resident card, you must submit copies of that visa or Permanent Resident Card.
English Language Proficiency: International students must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). See International Student and Scholar Services.
Transcripts: The Graduate Admissions Office and the Academic Department must receive the complete application and official records/marksheets in the original language with literal English translations by the appropriate international deadline date. Translations should not be interpretive and actual names of all degrees, diplomas, and certificates must appear in the translation. Official copies must be submitted for review with your application. Only applicants who have completed the full sequence of preparatory studies and examinations equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from an approved institution, and who have met the University of Maryland College Park admissions criteria, will be considered.
Resources for International Students
The International Student and Scholar Services provides a wide range of information and services to international students and scholars at the University of Maryland including:
- The evaluation of transcripts for all applicants who have completed academic coursework outside of the U.S.
- Orientation services for International students admitted to the University.
- Counseling students on immigration concerns, financial problems, and cross-cultural issues.
- Assisting departments in obtaining appropriate visas for visiting scholars and faculty members.
- Providing advisement and programs for American and international students interested in studying outside the U.S.
ISSS is located in 3109 Susquahanna Hall. For more information, you can visit the website at ISSS Homepage or call 301-314-7740.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an international transfer student. What do I need to know?
An international student in the United States who wishes to transfer institutions is required to follow certain procedures. The International Student and Scholar Services will assist you in this process. Please click here for detailed information.
What are the requirements for immunization for international students?
Immunization for international students
The University of Maryland requires all new students to provide documentation of measles, mumps and rubella and tetanus/diphtheria vaccination. Additionally, all students residing on campus must be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis or sign a waiver. It is the responsibility of international students to determine any other immunization requirements. Please go the Health Center website and/or contact immunization@health.umd.edu with your questions.
Is there an orientation for international students who are admitted to the University of Maryland?
Are there any other resources to help international students in their preparations for study in the United States?
Yes. The International Student and Scholar Services provides a very useful orientation for international undergraduate and graduate students. Current information on dates and reservation forms can be found on the ISSS website under the link "New Arrivals" or http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/99.
ISSS also provides a number of resources to help you prepare for your move. Please also take some time to view the online International Student Resource Guide (LINK TO: www.international.umd.edu/oip/68 which provides information on a wide range of topics including campus life, student organizations, day care, adjusting to U.S. culture, housing, transportation, health insurance, cheap travel etc.
How do I find housing?
The University of Maryland does not provide housing for graduate students. However, the campus is conveniently located near the College Park MetroRail station click here for map and is also served by the Prince George's County and Washington Metro area bus transit systems. Students living in Washington D.C. and Virginia commute to the campus on the MetroRail. The University also has its own Shuttle Transportation Service which provides free transportation for students living in various locations in Prince George's and Montgomery County, Maryland throughout the year. You therefore have several options about where to live. The Off Campus Housing Services maintains an online database which will help you find a home that meets your particular requirements. You can contact them at:
Off-Campus Housing Services
1110 Stamp Student Union
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4621
Email: och@umd.edu
Phone: 301-314-3645
Fax: 301-314-9874
Last but not the least, remember to view the online IES Resource Guide. The section on Housing will provide you with a number of things to think about before you decide on a place to live.
How do I subscribe to the ISSS listserve?
To subscribe to ISSSNEWS so that you may receive the latest information on immigration matters and relevant events listserv@listserv.umd.edu, follow the directions below.
1. Send an email message. Note: You may subscribe only from a University of Maryland email account. The listserv will use the email address from which you send this message to distribute mail to you. Be sure you send this message from the account at which you wish to receive IESNEWS.
2. The text of the message should be: Subscribe ISSSNEWS <first name> <last name>.
Example: Subscribe ISSSNEWS Mary Jones. Do not put any other information in the message. No subject is necessary on the subject or header line.
3. You will receive confirmation from the listserv that your message has been received.
You can also sign up for ISSSNEWS through the ListServ web interface at http://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=iesnews&A=1 .
Is there an association of students from my part of the world?
This link will take you to a list of current international student organizations on the campus.