How to Apply: International Students

International Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the University of Montana consider international students for admission?

  Yes! International students seeking Full Admission to a 2- or 4-year degree program may apply for any available fall or spring term, provided the international application deadline for that term has not passed

  If you require an F1 visa to study in the United States, we recommend applying at least 90 days BEFORE the international application deadline. After you submit all required documents for I-20 issuance, please allow up to 30 business days for processing.

  International students enrolled in online-only programs are NOT eligible for F1 visas. Students seeking Full Admission to an online-only program may apply until the general application deadline for the applicable term, which is typically one week before classes begin.

• How do international students obtain an offer of admission from UM?

  To qualify for Full Admission, international students must submit the following:

  • A completed application and the $30 application fee
  • An official English proficiency test score report or documentation demonstrating eligibility for an exemption
  • An official International Credential Evaluation Report (ICER) for the applicant’s high school/secondary school transcript

  PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who have completed 12 or more college-level credits after graduating from high school are considered transfer students. Transfer students must provide an ICER for each college or university they’ve attended. High school records are NOT required for eligible transfer students.

  If you are uncertain of which academic documents to have evaluated, or you are transferring to UM from a college or university located in the United States, please contact our team at international.admissions@mso.umt.edu.

  Applicants are responsible for all fees associated with the application, English proficiency testing, and credential evaluations. We do NOT distribute waivers for applications, English proficiency exams, or ICERs.

• Can international students qualify for exemptions to the English Proficiency Requirement?

  Yes! However, applicants must first submit the necessary documents before an exemption can be evaluated.

  See a list of qualifying documents under the “Exemptions” section of the English Proficiency page.

• Does the University of Montana offer an Intensive English Program (IEP)?

  UM’s English Language Institute (ELI) will NOT admit in-person students to the Intensive English Program (IEP) during the 2026-2027 academic year.

  International students interested in enrolling in the online IEP should complete the IEP interest form before applying. Prospective fall applicants must submit the interest form by June 1, and prospective spring applicants must submit it by Nov. 1.

• Do international students qualify for merit-based scholarships at UM?

  Yes! International first-year and transfer students offered Full Admission to UM’s Mountain Campus are automatically considered for a University of Montana Academic Achievement Scholarship (UMAAS).

  UMAAS are based on the converted GPA reported in the student’s official ICER. Only students pursuing their first Bachelor’s Degree are eligible.

  The following students are NOT eligible for merit-based scholarships:

  • Post-baccalaureates, whether pursuing a second bachelor’s degree or another credential
  • First-year and transfer students enrolled in programs at Missoula College
  • All online-only students
  • Students admitted conditionally or to the Pathway program offered by UM’s English Language Institute
• What are the minimum funding requirements for I-20 issuance for the 2026-27 academic year?
  • UM’s Mountain Campus (all four-year programs): $55,988 USD
  • Missoula College (all two-year programs): $40,382 USD

  Before applying, please confirm with your financial sponsors that sufficient liquid funds are available to meet the full minimum funding requirement for your campus.

  Learn more about acceptable financial documentation and funding sources for I-20 issuance here.