International Student Admission

The University of Montana-Missoula International Programs-International Admissions Office will issue the Immigration Form I-20  (necessary for obtaining an F 1 student visa) to international applicants who are academically eligible for the undergraduate degree status (see above) and who supply complete credentials as described below. In certain situations an international applicant may not need an I- 20; in these cases, International Programs-International Admissions should be contacted for individual advice regarding admission status, academic eligibility, and admission requirements. International students are encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores if available, but ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission.

How to Apply

Receipt of the following credentials constitutes a complete international application for admission:

  1. International application form. This form can be obtained by contacting International Programs-International Admissions. The form must be complete and signed. Applications are also available on the UM Admissions International web page.
  2. $30.00 paper application fee. This non refundable fee is payable once at the undergraduate level when payment is followed by enrollment. In all other cases record of payment will remain on file for one year. Payment of this fee is expected prior to consideration of the application. The University of Montana-Missoula waives the application fee for students who have attended an affiliate campus: Montana Tech and the Division of Technology, Helena College of Technology, and Western Montana College.
  3. Academic Credentials:
    1. Official or certified copies of non-U.S. academic credentials beginning with secondary school and continuing through the highest level of achievement. The transcripts must be in the original language accompanied by an English translation. The applicant may make the translation themselves. Photocopied, scanned, or emailed copies will not be accepted. 
    2. U.S. transcripts. Complete official transcripts showing all U.S. high school and college/university attendance.
  4. Statement of Financial Support. The applicant must submit a certified statement from a bank or sponsor verifying that adequate financial resources are available to pay for the student's estimated expenses for the first year (tuition, fees, room, board, miscellaneous expenses, student health insurance, expenses of dependents, etc.). This estimated amount is adjusted annually and is available by contacting International Programs-International Admissions.
  5. English Language Proficiency. An official score report showing one of the following:
    • 70 IBT (or 500 PBT) on the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL).
    • 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
    • 74 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
    • SAT Writing Score of 440/ACT score of 18 on the Combined English/Writing section.
    • 525 PBT or receommendation from UM’s English language Institute.
    • Grade Pre-1 on the STEP EIKEN test.
    • Successful completion of level 112 at an ELS Language Center.
    • Successful completion of Higher Intermediate Level at a Kaplan International Center.
    • Successful Completion of level 11 at the Vancouver English Centre.

Students who are citizens of the following countries need not submit proof of English language proficiency unless English is not the student's native language. These countries include: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

Students who have test scores below the minimum requirement may be eligible for conditional admission.

Any questions concerning the evidence of proficiency in English should be directed to International Programs-International Admissions. When the student arranges to take one of the proficiency tests, he or she should request that examination results be sent directly to INternational Programs-International Admissions, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812. (Code N. 4489 00)

Conditional Admission

International students who have not met the required test score and who meet all other admission requirements will be offered conditional admission. Conditionally admitted students study in an intensive program at the University of Montana-Missoula English Language Institute (ELI) on campus until the minimum English language proficiency is met or the student is recommended by ELI. After English proficiency is achieved, enrollment in regular university courses begins.

All students are required to submit a completed Medical History Record Immunization Form to the Curry Health Center two weeks prior to registration. It is required that the immunization record (for measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and polio) be complete, accurate, and validated by a physician. Skin testing for tuberculosis will be required upon arrival through the Curry Health Center.

SEVIS Transfer Form. F 1 students transferring from another college or university in the U.S. must have this form completed by their international student advisor of the transfer school and returned to the International Programs-International Admissions Office. A new I-20 will be issued by UM once a transfer release date is entered in SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) by the current school.

When to Apply

Applications and all required documents must be received by the following dates:

●   Autumn Semester Deadline – May 15

●   Spring Semester Deadline – October 15

 Applications received after the deadline will be considered for admission for the next term.