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Welcome to UMBC’s Global Community

Join our globally connected community of
students and scholars to learn, grow, and connect as students and professionals.

Get to Know UMBC

As a top-ranked public research university, UMBC welcomes over 2000 international students from 90+ countries with an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement.

With over 100 programs and degrees at the bachelor, masters, and doctoral levels, whatever your passion, at UMBC you’ll find a program that challenges and excites you and a community that supports you.

UMBC's beautiful campus, featuring the AOK Library and reflective pond. Students are sitting outside at tables.

Academic Programs

Explore over 150 diverse undergraduate and graduate programs at UMBC, designed to provide a solid foundation for your academic and professional future.

Living at UMBC

Experience campus life at UMBC, where you’ll find safe, convenient housing and all the resources you need to live, learn, and grow.

Ask a Student

Chat with our Global Ambassadors, current international students who are excited to share their experiences and answer all your questions about life at UMBC. You should find a popup window appearing on this page to get your chat started.

Internships and Career Development

Gain practical experience and connect with top employers through internships, co-ops, and on-campus opportunities designed to boost your career.

Undergraduate Students

Why UMBC?

At UMBC, international undergraduate students find a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can thrive academically and personally.

With over 150 innovative programs, a dedicated faculty recognized with prestigious awards, and strong student support services like the Center for Global Engagement, UMBC offers a personalized education to help you succeed.

Located near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., you’ll have access to valuable internships and cultural experiences to prepare you for a global career. At UMBC, your future begins with endless possibilities.

A diverse group of students sitting outside at UMBC's university center, looking at one young woman's pink laptop.

Undergraduate First-Year International Admissions

Learn how to apply as a first-year student if you are in or will complete secondary school and have not yet completed any university-level coursework.

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

UMBC’s average tuition is 25% lower than other public universities in the Washington DC area – making us an affordable option to get your degree in one of the best locations in the country! We’ve been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Value school.

International Undergraduate Estimated Cost of Attendance
AY 2025-2026

ExpenseEst. Annual Cost
Tuition and Fees$32,160
Living Expenses$14,455
Health Insurance$2,439
Personal Expenses (transportation, books, etc.)$1,600
Total Est. Cost of Attendance$50,665

*These expenses includes estimated costs for expenses paid directly to the university (tuition, fees, health insurance) and costs for which students are not billed directly (housing, books, personal costs, etc.). Actual costs for individual students will vary. The University reserves the right to make changes in tuition, fees, and other charges at any time such changes are deemed necessary by the University and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Undergraduate Transfer International Admission Requirements

Learn how to apply to UMBC if you have completed any college or university coursework after secondary school.

Scholarships and Funding

International undergraduate students are automatically considered for our merit-based Retriever Award, which funds partial tuition costs up to $15,000 per year. Students may also apply for our competitive Scholars Programs.

Graduate Students

Why UMBC?

At UMBC, international graduate students are part of a dynamic and diverse academic community, with 57% of our graduate students coming from around the world.

Our graduate programs offer a personalized, student-centered environment where you’ll benefit from cutting-edge research opportunities and faculty recognized with prestigious awards. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D., UMBC provides a range of resources to support your academic success, including the English Language Institute for those needing additional language support.

Located near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., you’ll also have access to internships, research collaborations, and a global network to help launch your career.

UMBC's graduates, dressed in cap and gown, featuring a gold UMBC banner on a lamppost.

Graduate International Admissions Requirements

Learn about the application process, requirements, and how to join our diverse and inclusive graduate community at UMBC as an international student.

Graduate Cost of Attendance

UMBC’s average tuition is 25% lower than other public universities in the Washington DC area – making us an affordable option to get your degree in one of the best locations in the country! We’ve been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Value school.

International Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance
AY 2025-2026

ExpenseEst. Annual Cost
Tuition and Fees$26,838
Living Expenses$18,907
Health Insurance$2,439
Personal Expenses (transportation, books, etc.)$800
Total Est. Cost of Attendance$48,948

*These expenses include estimated costs for expenses paid directly to the university (tuition, fees, health insurance) and costs for which students are not billed directly (housing, books, personal costs, etc.). Actual costs for individual students will vary. The University reserves the right to make changes in tuition, fees, and other charges at any time such changes are deemed necessary by the University and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Funding and Graduate Assistantships

There are currently no merit-based admissions scholarships available to international students. International students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantships provide professional development through research, teaching, or administrative work along with financial support to help you succeed while pursuing your graduate degree at UMBC.

English Language Programs

Why UMBC?

As an English Language student as UMBC, you’ll make global connections in a community of academic excellence.

UMBC’s English Language Institute (ELI) provides comprehensive English language programs to support international students in achieving their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Two black students, standing together in front of a stairway, holding UMBC printed brochures.

Academic and Intensive English

Students who enroll in ELI improve their English language skills for personal, professional, or academic reasons. English language programs may be taken prior to degree study or as standalone programs.

Conditional Admission

International students who intend to complete an undergraduate degree in the US but do not yet have qualifying English proficiency test scores can attend the Bridge program.

Summer and Winter Sessions

UMBC offers summer and winter courses for international students, with options for in-person, hybrid, or online classes. International students currently residing in the U.S. must provide necessary visa documentation to enroll in in-person or hybrid courses, while those outside the U.S. may take online courses without needing to travel. 

Ready to Apply?

Explore application requirements and the steps to admission.

Admitted International Student Resources

International Student and Scholarship Services (ISSS)

ISSS is dedicated to supporting UMBC’s international student and scholars to help them achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. The office offers a variety of programs and services to assist international students, including supporting students in navigating and maintaining their visa status.

International Student Arrival Guide

Explore the International Student Arrival Guide for valuable information to help you prepare to arrive on campus, including housing resources, information about Maryland, and ways to stay connected on campus.

Admitted Student Webinars & Events

Our admitted student webinars are designed to allow incoming international students and their families to become familiar with campus processes and resources available at UMBC. These webinars are optional but highly encouraged for all incoming students.

A young woman and young man sitting together, pointing at their laptops.

Other Resources for International or Non-English Speaking Students:


Undergraduate Admissions Checklist

Admitted Undergraduate International students should connect with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation to complete any remaining requirements to be ready to enroll.

Graduate Admissions Checklist

Explore resources for newly admitted graduate students, including information about orientation and enrolling in classes.

Global Ambassadors

Our Global Ambassadors are current international students who are excited to talk to you about all things UMBC! They have a wide variety of backgrounds, areas of study, and personal interests. Chat with someone using the popup at the corner of this page.

UMBC's beautiful campus, featuring the AOK Library and reflective pond. Students are sitting outside at tables.
US News Most Innovative 2025
US News Best Colleges Best National Universities 2025
US News Best Value Schools 2025
UMBC is an institution that fosters community and diversity, and students can find support anywhere.

Janerra Allen, M.S. '22

Electrical Engineering

Contact Us

Get Connected to UMBC

Undergraduate Admissions

undergraduate.umbc.edu

Graduate Admissions

gradschool.umbc.edu

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