International Applicants FAQs

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  • Who is considered an international student?

    For purposes of applying for admission to the University of Miami or for financial aid, anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered a foreign or international student.

    If you are graduating from a high school outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship, your application will be reviewed by the Admission Committee within the context of your secondary school.

  • What are the admission requirements for international students?

    For a list of our first-year admission requirements for international students, please click here.

    For a list of our transfer admission requirements for international students, please click here.

  • What documentation is required for students applying from my country?

    Visit our Eligibility Requirements by Country page for more information. These requirements are intended only as a guide and are subject to further qualitative evaluation.

  • Can I come to UM to improve my English?

    Yes, for information on studying in UM’s Intensive English Program (IEP), visit the IEP page or email iep@miami.edu.

  • What are UM’s English language proficiency requirements?

    Students whose native language is not English, including those applying to transfer from U.S. institutions, are required to submit the TOEFL and/or IELTS results.

    Visit our English Language Proficiency Requirements page for more information.  

  • Do you offer conditional admission?

    No. The Office of Undergraduate Admission does not grant conditional admission; however, academically qualified applicants for undergraduate admission who do not meet the English proficiency requirement may be offered admission for the following year provided that they complete level five of the University of Miami Intensive English Program within one year. To be considered, applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS results during the application process.

  • Can the English language proficiency requirement be waived?

    If English is not your native language, the TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement may be waived if you meet one of the following conditions:

    • Obtain a score of 650 or higher on the redesigned SAT evidence-based reading and writing section (administered beginning in 2016).
    • Obtain a score of 27 or higher on the ACT English section.
    • Obtain a grade of A or B in Advanced Placement (AP) or International
    • Baccalaureate (IB) English course(s).
    • Graduate from or attend at least three years at a high school in the United States.
    • Successfully complete Level 5 of the University’s Intensive English Program (IEP).
    • IB English A1 Standard level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) examination with a predicted score of 4 or higher.
    • IB English B HL examination with a predicted score of 5 or higher.
    • Grade of C or better on the IGCSE/GCE “O” or “A” Level in English language.
    • Graduate from or attend a high school outside the United States, including the final three years, in which the medium of instruction is English.
    • Earn 30 or more postsecondary credits (including 6 credits in English Composition with a grade of B or higher) at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

  • Does UM need the CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Placement Examination) for admission?

    We require at least CAPE I results for admission consideration. All official CAPE results for admission and transfer credit consideration must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

    For more information, visit our Transferring Credits page.

  • Should I apply as a first-year or transfer applicant if I have completed the Cégep in Quebec?

    Students who have completed only the first year of Cégep should apply as first-year applicants. If you have completed or plan to complete both years of Cégep, you should apply as a transfer student. Please also take note of the requirements for the international evaluation and UM’s policy for transferring credits.

  • Is the ACT and/or SAT exam required for international first-year applicants?

    ACT and/or SAT scores are optional for international students.

    Applicants to the School of Architecture who do not submit test scores must instead submit a portfolio.

    All applicants to the Frost School of Music must audition as part of the evaluation process, regardless of whether or not they submit test scores.

  • When is the deadline for TOEFL and/or IELTS test score submissions?

    Applicants must submit their official test scores by the appropriate deadline. Please review the first-year or transfer admission requirements for more information.

  • For how long is a TOEFL and/or IELTS score valid?

    TOEFL and/or IELTS scores are valid for two years.

  • My school does not have a counselor. Who should complete the Common Application Secondary School Report?

    If your school does not have a counselor, a school administrator may complete the School Report.

  • Should I send photocopies of certificates and awards?

    Please do not send us copies of certificates, awards, or news clippings. Simply list your activities and awards on the Common Application.  

  • Do international students have to pay more tuition than domestic students?

    No, UM tuition and fees are the same for both domestic and international students. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for more information.

  • Do you offer scholarships to international students?

    All students who apply to UM are automatically considered for our merit scholarships regardless of their citizenship status.

  • Do you offer financial aid to international students?

    Yes, the University of Miami offers international students both merit and need-based aid. If you are applying for need-based financial aid, you must submit the CSS Profile by the stated deadlines. For more information, please review the checklist on our Applying for Aid page.

    The University of Miami is need-aware for first-year and transfer undergraduate-seeking applicants. This means that, for a portion of applicants, the Admission Committee will consider that student’s ability to cover the cost of attendance without the need for financial aid. UM is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. 

    All non-US citizens/non-US permanent residents who apply for admission to UM must submit an International Financial Certification Form, which can be accessed via the applicant portal after you have submitted your application.

  • Do you award college credits for A-Level, Cambridge Pre-U, and CAPE exam results?

    Yes, UM will only award credit once the official A-Level, AS-Level, CAPE, and Cambridge Pre-U exam certificates have been issued. Preliminary results, Statement of Results, and unofficial photocopies cannot be used to grant credit. Once you have received your official A-Level, AS-Level, CAPE, or Cambridge Pre-U exam certificate, submit the original exam certificate to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. 

    Visit our Transferring Credits page for more information.

  • When will you issue my I-20 form?

    The I-20 form will be issued to admitted international students within a minimum of 10 business days from the date that the following items are completed, submitted, and verified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

    • Nonrefundable enrollment deposit
    • SEVIS Transfer Form, if applicable
    • Bank or government sponsorship letter (Sample Letter) or online bank statement
    • Photocopy of the biographical page of your current valid passport

  • Can international students work on campus?

    Yes, students with an F-1 visa are generally permitted to work part-time on the premises of the institution that issued their currently valid I-20 form while they are attending that institution and maintaining their F-1 status. F-1 students are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours weekly. Contact ISSS at isss@miami.edu for more information.