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UNITED STATES · COLLEGE PARK

University of Maryland, College Park

public · Founded 1856 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university near Washington D.C., offering over 300 degree programs and significant internship opportunities. It provides a vibrant campus life with extensive student organizations and athletic traditions for its diverse student body.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1856
Students: 41,000
International students: 4,800
Acceptance rate: 44%
Tuition (intl): €32–38k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: College Park, United States

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a leading public research university located just outside Washington, D.C., ranking among the top 50 globally (QS #207) and #42 nationally. Founded in 1856 as a land-grant institution, UMD today enrolls over 41,000 students across 12 colleges offering more than 300 degree programmes. Annual research expenditures exceed $1 billion, anchored by world-class centres in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and climate science. UMD's proximity to the nation's capital translates directly into student opportunity: federal agencies, national laboratories, and leading technology firms provide internships and career pathways available at few other institutions. The university is a proud member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, amplifying its academic and athletic reach. With 27 living-learning programmes, over 900 student organisations, and a vibrant Division I athletics tradition, Maryland offers an exceptional blend of rigorous scholarship and rich campus life for the more than 4,800 international students who choose it each year.

Why study here

Top-ranked public research university (#42 US News national, QS #207) with $1 billion+ annual research output.
Unique access to Washington D.C.'s federal agencies, national labs, and tech firms for internships and careers.
Over 300 degree programmes across 12 colleges, from engineering and computer science to arts and public policy.
Member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, offering vast collaborative research and exchange opportunities.
Diverse, internationally-minded community of 41,000+ students with dedicated support for 4,800+ international students.

Student life

Life at the University of Maryland, College Park, is rich with academic rigor, vibrant social activities, and unique traditions. Students can explore over 300 study abroad destinations, engage in numerous student organizations, and participate in living-learning programs. The campus hosts various academic and research centers, including the Joint Quantum Institute and the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, offering cutting-edge opportunities. Athletics play a significant role in student life, with traditions like the Flag Unfurling during games, the annual Midnight Mile event for basketball, and the lively Flash Mob at home basketball games. Students cheer on the Terrapins with alma mater and fight songs, and the iconic Testudo statue is rubbed for good luck, especially during finals season when offerings are left. The M Circle is a popular spot for graduation photos. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art fabrication labs (Terrapin Works), a financial wellness hub in McKeldin Library, and an 18-hole golf course.

Fees

International~$32,000–$38,000 per year (tuition; varies by college and programme level)

Home~$10,700–$12,000 per year (in-state tuition)

Living~$14,000–$16,000 per year (room, board, and personal expenses)

International students pay full out-of-state tuition. Health insurance (~$2,500/year) is required unless waived. Graduate assistantships and fellowships may cover tuition and provide a stipend.

Admissions

TranscriptsOfficial undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts required. Unofficial accepted initially; official needed upon admission.

Statement of PurposeRequired for most graduate programs; 1-2 pages detailing academic background, research interests, and career goals.

Letters of RecommendationTypically 2-3 letters, preferably from academics who can assess research ability.

Resume/CVRequired or strongly recommended for most graduate programs.

GPAMinimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for graduate admission; undergraduate admissions review test scores, GPA, and course rigor.

TOEFL iBT95

IELTS7.0

Duolingo English Test120

Rankings

QS World University Rankings207

U.S. News & World Report — National Universities42

U.S. News & World Report — Public Universities16

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)58

University scholarships

Francis Scott Key ScholarshipFull tuition for up to 4 years (merit-based, highly competitive)

President's ScholarshipUp to $10,000 per year for high-achieving incoming freshmen

International Student Merit AwardVaries; partial tuition scholarships awarded at admission

Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA)Tuition remission plus stipend (~$20,000–$30,000/year depending on department)

Accreditation

Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Individual programmes hold additional professional accreditations (AACSB for Smith School of Business, ABET for engineering programmes, APA for psychology, etc.).

For international students

United States

Student 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)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, Master of Science (M.S.)

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation (AMSC) offers specialized training across three key areas: Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Scientific Computation. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with advanced quantitative skills and computational expertise applicable to a wide range of scientific and engineering fields. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, allowing for flexibility in their academic and research pursuits.

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

Artificial Intelligence: Computational Structures for AI Systems Major (BSAI)

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence: Computational Structures for AI Systems (BSAI) is a technical program focused on building AI systems and algorithms from the ground up. You will learn to understand model training from both a data and systems perspective, and apply these techniques to various fields. The first two years build a strong foundation in programming, statistical learning theory, symbolic reasoning, and optimization. The subsequent two years focus on deploying these techniques in interdisciplinary applications, enabling you to create state-of-the-art AI systems and critically evaluate their ethical implications.

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

Astronomy, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in Astronomy offers students the opportunity to specialize in a research stream aligned with their interests within the field. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation for advanced research. Beyond the core coursework, students may be required to take additional courses as determined by their thesis committee to support their specific research endeavors. The program structure includes requirements for advancing to candidacy, which involves presenting a research project in the second year and successfully defending a thesis proposal in the third year. Post-candidacy, students focus on doctoral dissertation research and the final dissertation defense.

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

B.S. in Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program at the University of Maryland equips students with the skills to design, develop, test, and evaluate both software and hardware systems. This interdisciplinary field draws upon electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematical analysis. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles, including designing robots, developing microprocessors, creating integrated circuits, implementing computer vision, building security systems, and developing network protocols. The program was established in 1997 with input from industry leaders to meet the growing demand for expertise in this rapidly evolving field.

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

Biochemistry, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park, is designed to train students for advanced research and academic careers in the field. The curriculum requires a minimum of 33 credits, including core coursework, electives, and dissertation research. Students must successfully complete all requirements to advance to candidacy and defend a dissertation that contributes original research to the field.

University of Maryland, College Park · United States

Bioengineering Major, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering program at the University of Maryland integrates principles from physics, chemistry, mathematics, and life sciences to address complex challenges in biological systems, medical research, and clinical practice. The program aims to advance fundamental knowledge from the molecular to the system level and develop innovative processes for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Graduates will be equipped to design products and processes used with or applied to biological organisms, with specializations available in biomedical devices, human health, and biotechnology. The curriculum emphasizes core engineering sciences, design, and communication skills, preparing students for diverse career paths in the field or for further graduate studies.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke 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.

University 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.

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.

Argonne 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).

Boustany 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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual costs for international students at the University of Maryland, College Park?

International students should expect tuition costs to range from approximately $32,000 to $38,000 per year, varying by college and program level. Additionally, room, board, and personal expenses are estimated between $14,000 and $16,000 annually. Required health insurance is about $2,500 per year unless waived.

Does the University of Maryland offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?

Yes, the university offers several scholarships for international students, including the merit-based Francis Scott Key Scholarship and the President's Scholarship. Graduate students may also be eligible for tuition remission and stipends through Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA).

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 95, an IELTS score of 7.0, or a Duolingo English Test score of 120. These requirements may be waived under specific circumstances, such as completing a certain amount of study at a U.S. institution or holding a degree from specific English-speaking countries.

What kind of academic and research opportunities are available at UMD?

UMD offers over 300 degree programs across 12 colleges, with strong centers in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and climate science. Its location near Washington D.C. provides unique internship and career opportunities with federal agencies, national labs, and technology firms.

What is the student life like at the University of Maryland, College Park?

Student life includes over 900 student organizations, 27 living-learning programs, and Division I athletics. Students can engage in various cultural and academic events, utilize state-of-the-art facilities, and participate in traditions like rubbing the Testudo statue for good luck.

Last updated 3 July 2026