Frequently Asked Admissions Questions
- Does UMaine have an application fee?
- What kind of scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate international students?
- What are the selection criteria for International Student Scholarships?
- Are photocopies of TOEFL and/or SAT scores and transcripts acceptable?
- Are SAT or ACT scores required?
- Can I be admitted even if my TOEFL score is just below the required 550 or 79?
- Can I study English first, then apply to the University?
- Can I submit copies of bank statements or fax them?
- When is the application deadline?
- Can I attend the University of Maine for only a semester or a year?
- Can I enroll at the University of Maine as a transfer student?
- Does the University of Maine accept transfer credits from universities or colleges overseas?
- Can I be accepted as a non-degree student?
- How quickly will the University of Maine send me the form (e.g., I-20) I need to apply for my visa?
- As an international student, will I be allowed to work?
- Where can I find more information on courses offered at the University of Maine?
- How many countries are represented at the University of Maine and what are the top five countries represented?
- What is the annual estimated budget for an undergraduate international student?
- Is it possible to pay my tuition (bill) in installments?
1. Does UMaine have an application fee?
UMaine has a $50 nonrefundable international application fee. Students pay the fee at the time of submitting their application.
2. What kind of scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate international students?
Undergraduate – all first-year and transfer international undergraduate applicants are considered at the time of application for international scholarships ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000 per academic year. No need to submit a separate application.
Graduate – international graduate applicants are considered for graduate funding through assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.
3. What are the selection criteria for the International Student Scholarships?
- Academic achievement: high school transcripts, rank in class, GPA, the rigor of curriculum, standardized test scores, if available.
- Strength of English proficiency scores.
- Quality of your written essay (optional).
- Recommendation letters (optional).
- Campus diversity, the field of academic study, gender, and other socio-economic considerations.
4. Are photocopies of TOEFL and/or SAT scores and transcripts acceptable?
We may accept photocopies of test scores and/or transcripts for admission review purposes. If offered admission, official documentation will be required in order to register for courses and other important services.
Please email all supporting documents to internationaladm@maine.edu.
5. Are SAT or ACT scores required?
No, the Office of International Programs does not require SAT/ACT scores. However, SAT or ACT scores can often establish admissibility to the University when foreign academic records alone cannot.
6. Can I be admitted even if my TOEFL score is just below the required 550 PBT/79 IBT?
If you are otherwise academically admissible to the University of Maine, you can be conditionally admitted to the University. This means that you will be required to take English classes at the University’s Intensive English Institute (IEI) until your English improves. While you are attending the Intensive English Institute, you may be allowed to take a few classes at the University, depending upon your level of English proficiency.
7. Can I study English first, then apply to the University?
Yes, studying at the Intensive English Institute (IEI) at the University of Maine is an excellent way to improve your English and academic skills before applying to the University of Maine.
8. Can I submit copies of bank statements or fax them?
Please submit via email original, signed financial documentation which indicates the specific amount available. This can be an official bank statement, letter from a bank official, etc. Salary testaments are not sufficient.
Please email all supporting documents to internationaladm@maine.edu.
9. When is the application deadline?
The suggested application deadline to begin school in the Fall semester is April 1st. For Spring semester it is November 1. Please note that these deadlines are the suggested deadlines and we will accept applications all year on a space-available basis.
10. Can I attend the University of Maine for only a semester or a year?
Yes, international students may attend the University for a semester or a year as a visiting student or exchange student.
11. Can I enroll at the University of Maine as a transfer student?
Yes! If you want transfer credit considered for any university work, submit course descriptions in English and an indication of the credit or contact hours for each course. Submit official transcripts of all university work completed elsewhere.
12. Does the University of Maine accept transfer credits from universities or colleges overseas?
Generally, if credits earned at an accredited institution overseas have earned a mark/grade of “C-” or above they usually can be transferred. Credits earned at an institution overseas will not be evaluated for transfer credit until the student has been officially accepted at the University of Maine.
13. Can I be accepted as a non-degree student?
Yes. Please email us at internationaladm@maine.edu for more information.
14. How quickly will the University of Maine send me the form (e.g., I-20) I need to apply for my visa?
As soon as you have been admitted and established your ability to finance your education, we will prepare the Form I-20 and mail it to you along with information about applying for your visa and preparing to come to the U.S.
15. As an international student, will I be allowed to work?
US immigration regulations allow international students in F-1 and J-1 status to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
16. Where can I find more information on courses offered at the University of Maine?
Visit the Academic Majors web site.
17. How many countries are represented at the University of Maine and what are the top five countries represented?
Currently, there are about 500 international students from more than 70 different countries studying at the University of Maine. The top five countries represented are the Peoples’ Republic of China, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and India.
18. What is the annual estimated budget for an undergraduate international student?
The estimated current annual expenses for an undergraduate international student are approximately $48,253 USD. This amount includes tuition, university fees, health insurance, books and supplies, room and board, and personal expenses.
Full details regarding annual estimated expenses are posted at https://umaine.edu/international/international-admissions/expenses/.
19. Is it possible to pay my tuition (bill) in installments?
You can make arrangements with the Bursar’s Office to pay your bill in installments over a semester or an academic year. The Bursar’s Office charges a fee for this service. You can find more information on payment options on the Bursar’s Office website at http://umaine.edu/bursar/payment-options/.