Non-Degree Visiting Students

Visiting Students

The University of Maine hosts a number of visiting international students every year. Please note that Visiting non-degree students pay all tuition, fees, housing, meals and other expenses to UMaine. Visiting students are NOT exchange students. Exchange students from UMaine’s partner institutions receive a tuition and fees waiver at UMaine. See below for a list of our partner institutions and programs.

Yijie with exchange students at culture gest
Exchange Students at Coffee Hours

Budget

The University of Maine is a very affordable option for visiting students who wish to spend one or two semesters at the University of Maine. 

Tuition and Expenses

Visa Information

If you are accepted as an exchange student, the University of Maine will issue Form DS-2019, a Certificate of Eligibility for the Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1). As a J-1 visa holder you are obligated to pursue a full-time academic program while at UMaine.

Exchange students helping out at study abroad fair
Exchange students picking pumpkins

Application Process

You must complete the application from beginning to end. You cannot save, exit and return to complete the remaining portion later. Prepare the following supporting documents in PDF format BEFORE you start the application:

  • Language Proficiency Requirement for Students whose first language is not English*
  • TOEFL: Minimum of 79 (internet) or 550 (paper). Institution code is 3916
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
  • Official University transcripts in English or with accompanying English translations are required. Educational records must indicate subjects studied by year and grades or marks earned for each course.
  • A Declaration of Finances (PDF)
  • A copy of the biographical page of your passport
Apply Now

*Students who do not meet the language proficiency requirement but have a strong academic record are admitted in the Intensive English Institute for language training until sufficient English proficiency is acquired for regular university courses.

Deadlines

Deadline for Fall 2025

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  

Deadline for Spring 2026

Saturday, November 1, 2025

  
  • If applying for the International Presidential Scholarship, your application must be received by February 1.
  • Applications received after these deadlines will be considered for admission, however, investigate visa processing times.  In some countries, it may take several weeks or months to obtain a visa.
Erika and EJ with exchange Student at Culturefest 2024

Partner Institutions and Programs for Visiting students

Some of our partner institutions for visiting non-degree students are:

CountryInstitution/Program
MultipleWorld Learning Program
ChinaOcean State University

Shanghai Ocean University

Tongling University

Xiamen University

Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
GermanyInternational School of Management

IUBH University of Applied Sciences – Bad Honnef
NetherlandsUStudy

USActive
South KoreaSogang University
Taiwan, ROCAsia University
Maine, USACollege of the Atlantic

Have More Questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Studyabroad@maine.edu