In short
University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) is a private, non-profit online university offering over 55 flexible, asynchronous degree and certificate programs for adult learners. As part of the UMass system, it is regionally accredited by WSCUC and provides a military-friendly environment with online student services.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 2021
- Students
- 11,000
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 85%
- Tuition (intl)
- €10–14k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- United States
University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) is a private non-profit online university founded in 2021 through rebranding, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Part of the UMass system, it focuses exclusively on adult learners, offering more than 55 flexible online programmes in business, education, nursing, public policy, and information technology. All coursework is delivered asynchronously, making it accessible to students balancing work, family, and study. UMass Global is regionally accredited by WSCUC and is military-friendly.
Why study here
- Fully online, asynchronous programmes designed for working adults with busy schedules.
- Part of the respected University of Massachusetts system.
- More than 55 degree, certificate, and credential programmes across high-demand fields.
- Military-friendly institution with special tuition rates for service members and veterans.
- Regionally accredited by WSCUC, ensuring recognised qualifications.
Student life
As a fully online institution, student life at UMass Global centres on virtual communities, peer discussion boards, and digital student services. Students benefit from 24/7 online library access, career coaching, dedicated academic advisors, and virtual tutoring. Student organisations and networking events are hosted online, fostering connections among adult learners across the country.
Fees
InternationalApprox. $11,000–$16,000 USD per year (varies by programme and credit load).
HomeApprox. $11,000–$14,000 USD per year; military/veteran discounts available.
LivingFully online — no on-campus housing required. Students live and study from home.
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and military benefits may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryHigh school diploma or GED equivalent
Graduate entryAccredited bachelor's degree; some programmes require work experience
Transfer creditsUp to 90 transfer credits accepted for undergraduate programmes
TOEFL iBT61+
IELTS6.0+
University scholarships
Military Tuition AssistanceUp to $4,500/year for eligible service members
Alumni Referral ScholarshipPartial tuition discount
Accreditation
Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Brandman University now known as?
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Brandman University is now known as University of Massachusetts Global. It was rebranded in 2021 and is part of the UMass system.
What kind of programmes does UMass Global offer?
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UMass Global offers over 55 flexible, fully online programmes in fields like business, education, nursing, public policy, and information technology. They focus on asynchronous learning suitable for adult learners.
Is UMass Global accredited?
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Yes, UMass Global is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring recognized qualifications.
What are the tuition fees for international students at UMass Global?
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International student tuition fees are approximately $11,000–$16,000 USD per year, varying by program and credit load. Tuition is charged per credit hour.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students need a TOEFL iBT score of 61 or higher, or an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher to demonstrate English proficiency.
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