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International Applicants - Admission Process

Graduate Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate Education Requirement

Academic Preparation

Demonstrated proficiency in English

Financial Resources

Health Insurance

Application Deadlines

International Applicants - (Application Process)

Required Documents

I-20 Statement

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International Students - Reapplication Process

The University of New Mexico welcomes applications from international students who have distinguished academic records and have demonstrated English proficiency.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a U.S. 4.0 scale) or comparable grade point average in upper division (junior and senior level) work and in any graduate work already completed.

A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as required by the major academic department or college.

Adequate subject preparation for proposed graduate major. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission since some graduate programs have higher standards and may have limited space. Therefore, it is very important that students contact the departments to which they wish to be admitted.

If English is not the official language spoken in a student’s country, the student must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (www.TOEFL.org). The minimum acceptable score is 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computerized test. Individual departments may require a higher score but not less than 550/213. International students whose native language is not English and are seeking graduate teaching assistantships may also be required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Applicants who have received a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited institution in the United States, English-speaking Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand are exempt from submitting TOEFL scores. Contact the International Admissions Office for additional information.

All international applicants are required to submit documentation ver ifying adequate funding to meet study and living expenses while in the United States. A minimum amount of approximately $24,960 U.S. dollars is required (based on 2004–2005 rates). Proof of support includes a Certification of Financial Responsibility Form completed for all years of study and proof of funds available for the first year of study.

International students who attend the University of New Mexico and any dependents who may accompany them are required to have medical insurance as offered through the University of New Mexico Student Health Center. Students who demonstrate that they have equivalent health insurance policies may be granted waivers.

Please note: Most graduate units have earlier application deadlines than those listed by the International Admissions office. It is important that students consult with individual graduate units and meet their specific academic program deadline requirements. Applications and all supporting credentials must be submitted by the International Admissions deadline (see above) or the graduate unit deadline–whichever comes first. Only complete applications will be reviewed for admission.

International students should submit the following required documentation to the University of New Mexico International Admissions office.

Note:  A student who wants any information concerning the applicant file released to any third party must submit a letter of authorization directly to the International Admissions Office.  This release must include the student’s name and signature.

1. Completed Application Form: Students must submit an application for International Graduate Admission to the Office of International Admissions.Students may also apply online at www.unm.edu. Click "Apply Online".
2. $50 non-refundable application fee: Must be in U.S. currency and paid by International Postal Money Order or certified check drawn on U.S. bank.
3. Evidence of English language proficiency: (TOEFL results must be sent directly to the University of New Mexico [code 4845] by
   
   Educational Testing Services
   PO Box 6151
   Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
   USA.
   Phone (609) 771-7100.)
4. Academic Records: In order to facilitate the admission decision, the University of New Mexico strongly recommends that students initially submit academic records to any member of the National Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org). Students must still submit official transcripts to the University, but the English translations will not be required.
Students who do not utilize a credential evaluation service must have official grade reports (transcripts) and diplomas or certificates from each institution attended sent to the University of New Mexico. Students must submit original or officially certified copies. Notarized, faxed copies or photocopies of these documents are not acceptable. All documents must be submitted in both the original language accompanied by an official certified English translation. Certified copies must contain the original signature(s), stamp(s) or seal(s) of the issuing institution’s designated official.
5. Financial Documents: Students must submit the University of New Mexico Certification of Financial Responsibility form along with required supporting documentation.
6. Graduate Unit Requirements: In addition to a Letter of Intent and Letter of Recommendations, individual graduate units may require additional credentials. Students must contact the department of intended field of study department of intended field of study for specific information and submit all required documents to the International Admissions Office and graduate unit of interest before the earlier deadline.

The Immigration Form I-20 is valid up to the first day of class for the semester or summer session to which a student is admitted. Students who are not able to attend must immediately return the I-20 form to the International Admissions Office. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required before the I-20 will be issued. It is later applied to tuition. If a student does not enroll or changes semesters, the deposit is forfeited.

International students who previously applied to, but never attended the University of New Mexico in graduate status, may reapply for admissions through the International Admissions Office, as described above.