Welcome, International Students!

We believe in having a diverse student body to enrich our campus with global perspectives and experiences. The UMA Office of Admissions is excited to work with international applicants through the admissions and enrollment process. Please contact the Office of Admissions with questions – we’re here to help!

Programs of Study Available to F-1 Student Visa

International students are not eligible to study in the United States if enrolled in a completely online UMA program. For online programs, international students can conveniently complete their studies from their home country. Programs available for international students to receive an F-1 visa for study in the United States are listed below.

Baccalaureate

  • Applied Science
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Aviation
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Contemporary and Popular Music
  • Dental Hygiene*
  • English
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Liberal Studies
  • Mental Health and Human Services
  • Nursing
  • Social Science
  • Veterinary Technology*

Post-Baccalaureate

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Mental Health and Human Services

Associate

  • Business Administration
  • Contemporary and Popular Music
  • Dental Hygiene*
  • Liberal Studies
  • Mental Health and Human Services

*Bangor based program

Admissions Step-by-Step Process

Students need to first submit their free application to UMA.

Please be aware that applications can not be processed until all required documents are received. Please see below for testing, foreign transcript evaluation, and financial requirements. Please note that accepted applicants will be required to provide proof of available finances in the amount of at least $42,950 before an I20 can be issued.

Be sure to submit the following required items:

Submit Official Transcripts

Applicants who have attended a foreign university are required to submit an official course by course foreign evaluation from an approved Foreign Credentialing Service. The official evaluation will need to be mailed directly from the credentialing agency to the below listed address. This is only required if your transcripts are not in English.

Please note, should an applicant want credit for courses acquired at a foreign institution or if an applicant is applying for a post-baccalaureate degree, UMA’s academic policy requires a foreign evaluation be submitted regardless of whether or not the foreign transcript is in English.

Application Processing
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, Maine 04402

Language Proficiency

Applicants from countries where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.  Countries exempted from the TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (all), Trinidad-Tobago, and Virgin Islands.

Applicants submitting SAT reports with a minimum SAT Verbal score of 550 are exempt from the TOEFL examination. Applicants submitting ACT reports with a minimum ACT English score of 24 are exempt from the TOEFL examination. The SAT/ACT reports must be less than 3 years old.

Below are the minimum required scores for admission.

TOEFL Written Version: 550
TOEFL Computer Version: 250
Internet Based Version: 68
IELTS: 6.5

Once the application is complete, student’s files are placed into review. An admissions decision will be issued within 7-10 business days. Students can check their application status online via the MaineStreet Student Center.

If selected for admission, students must submit the Certificate of Finances.

The United States federal government requires international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to document their ability to meet all expenses incurred while studying in the United States before they can be considered for a student visa. Admitted international students must submit the Certificate of Finances [PDF] and a copy of their valid passport before the F-1 Student Visa will be issued.

Following submission of all required items, UMA Admissions will review the financial documents and passport for approval.

The above documents must be received by the below dates to ensure the student has the necessary time to complete the required embassy appointment and make travel arrangements.

For Fall Entry, Deadline is June 1

For Spring Entry, Deadline is November 1

For Summer Entry, Deadline is April 1

Once UMA Admissions confirms the documentation, the I-20 will be created and will be mailed to the student via FedEx Express. Students will be emailed their tracking number for this package.

Once the I-20 is received, the student is responsible for paying the $350 SEVIS fee. This can be completed via the SEVIS website. Please be aware students must print a copy of the receipt.

Following the SEVIS fee payment, students will need to schedule the F-1 visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. To schedule this interview, students will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online application available, which allows the student to complete and print the DS-160 Form that will be required for the F-1 visa interview.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location and season so students are encouraged to apply for the visa early. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Appointment Wait Times webpage to check the visa wait times at the nearest embassy.

The following documents are generally required for the F-1 visa interview:

  • A valid passport
  • The Nonimmigant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
  • The visa application fee payment receipt
  • A passport photo
  • Original signed I-20 Form
  • Acceptance Letter
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • Copies of bank statements provided to UMA to evidence funding

Additional documents may be requested to evidence F-1 student visa eligibility. Students are highly encouraged to check with the local embassy/consulate to inquire if more documents are required.

The F-1 visa interview will determine whether students are qualified to receive an F-1 visa for study in the United States. Please note, visa approval is at the discretion of the consular officer.

Students may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans may be taken for records.

It’s very important for students to understand that visa issuance is not guaranteed. Students should NEVER make final travel plans until the visa is approved.

Once students have the visa, it is then time to make flight arrangements.

For students flying into Boston’s Logan International Airport, a bus service from the airport to Augusta and/or Bangor is available.

Financial Aid for International Students

Students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens are not eligible for U.S. Federal financial aid. Students are encouraged to seek financial assistance through sponsors and/or Alternative Loans.

Alternative Loans (in U.S. funds) through U.S. lenders may provide financial assistance to students. For more information, please visit:

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Programs & Degrees

We are dedicated to providing a high quality education to prepare you for whatever future career you want. UMA degree programs offer features like hands-on instruction, internships with working professionals, and opportunities for undergraduate research. Explore all that UMA has to offer you!

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UMA Online

You can access a UMA education no matter where you are. Our online and distance options bring the UMA experience directly to you, without compromising on quality instruction. You can find a number of UMA degrees achievable completely online or from a site or center in Maine.