Information For Prospective International Undergraduate Students
2008-2009

The University of New Mexico welcomes applications from international students who have earned distinguished academic records and have demonstrated English proficiency. At UNM we are proud to claim one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies among universities anywhere in the United States.

Our academic programs consistently rank among the top in universities across the US, year after year. UNM's faculty is distinguished by Nobel Laureates, Fulbright recipients, and nationally recognized academicians.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements
and Application Procedures

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

1. Secondary Education
   Completion of the equivalent of an American upper secondary school education (approximately twelve years of formal education beginning at age six) and have the appropriate diplomas or satisfactory results on leaving examinations.
2. Academic Preparation
   Strong academic preparation or a U.S. equivalent grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (for freshman applicants) or 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (for transfer students).
3. English Proficiency
   If English is not your first language, or if English is not the official language spoken in your country, the student must submit results of either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the University of Cambridge Examinations Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). The minimum acceptable score for the IELTS is 6.5; and for the TOEFL is 520 on the paper test, 190 on the computerized version, or 68 on the internet-based test. The minimum score for the CPE or CAE is a C. Students who are academically admissible but whose IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge scores are less than the required minimums may enroll in the intensive English program offered through UNM's Center for English Language and American Culture (CELAC). Contact the Office of International Programs and Studies (oips@unm.edu) for more information on CELAC.
4. Financial Resources
   All international applicants are required to submit documentation verifying adequate funding to meet study and living expenses while in the United States. Proof of support includes Certification of Financial Responsibility Form (below) completed and proof of funds available for the first year of study.
5. Health Insurance
   International students who attend UNM and any dependents who may accompany them are required to have medical insurance as offered through the University of New Mexico. Students who can demonstrate that they have an equivalent health insurance policy may be granted a waiver.

Applying for Admission

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes two semesters, each consisting of fifteen weeks of classes and one week of final examinations. The summer session consists of eight weeks of classes and final examinations.

The fall semester begins in mid-August and ends in mid-December; the spring semester begins in mid-January and ends in mid-May. The summer session begins in early June and ends in early August.

Application Deadlines

• March 1: Fall Semester (August)
• August 1: Spring Semester (January)
• January 1: Summer Session (June)

Applications and all supporting credentials must be submitted by these dates. Only complete applications will be reviewed for admission to the University. All academic records and supporting documents must be official. If only one original is available, an attested or certified copy (from the institution) may be submitted. A certified, literal English translation must accompany the original document, if not in English.

Required Documents

1. Completed application form (below)
2. $50.00 application fee
3. Evidence of English language proficiency - IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge.
4. Academic records - certified copied of official documents
5. Financial guarantee

Mail all materials to:
Office of International Admissions
MSC 06 3720
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
USA

1. Application Form
   Complete and sign the application (below) for undergraduate admission. Use the list of degree programs to help you enter your intended major. If you do not have a particular degree in mind, we suggest that you list "undecided" as your intended major field of study.
2. Application Fee
   All applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 in U.S. currency. The fee, made payable to the University of New Mexico, must be paid by International Postal Money Order or certified check drawn on a U.S. bank. Application fees cannot be waived nor transferred to future expenses or enrollment. Applications will not be reviewed until the fee is received.
3. English Proficiency Results - International English Language Testing System (IELTS), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or the Cambridge Examinations CPE/CAE Certificate
   If English is not your first language or if English is not the official language spoken in your country, you must take either the IELTS, the TOEFL, or Cambridge CPE or CAE. The minimum score on the IELTS is 6.5; and for the TOEFL is at least 520 on the paper based test, 190 on the computerized test, or 68 on the internet-based test. The minimum score for the Cambridge CPE or CAE is a C. Official test results must be sent directly to the University of New Mexico. results to be sent directly to the University of New Mexico. The TOEFL code for UNM is 4845. To receive information about the TOEFL, contact them by telephone (609-771-7100),or write:

   Educational Testing Services
   PO Box 6151
   Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
   USA
   

4. Academic Records
   In order to facilitate the admission decision, UNM strongly recommends that you initially submit your academic records to any member of the National Credential Evaluation services (www.naces.org). If you do so, you must still submit official transcripts to UNM, but the English translations will not be required. If you do not utilize a credential evaluation service, have official grade reports (transcripts) and diplomas or certificates from each institution you have attended sent to the University of New Mexico. You 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 the official certified English translation. Certified copies must contain the original signature(s), stamp(s), or seal(s) of the issuing institution's designated official(s).
5. Financial Documents
   Complete and return the UNM Certification of Financial Responsibility Form (below) along with required supporting documentation.

PLEASE NOTE: I-20 Statement
The Immigration Form I-20 is valid up to the first day of class for the semester or summer session to which you are admitted. If you are not able to attend, you must immediately return the I-20 form to the International Admissions Office.

* If you want any information concerning your applicant file released to any third party, you must submit a letter of authorization directly to the International Admissions Office. This release must contain the individual's name and your signature.

• Apply Online
  Online International Undergraduate Application for Admission
  
  Or

The mail-in application and the Certification of Financial Responsibility are in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). To be viewed, these files require Acrobat Reader. To read PDF files in your Web browser, Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later is recommended.

Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 

Office of Admissions
International Admissions
MSC06 3720
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Tel (505) 277-5829
Fax (505) 277-6686

email: goglobal@unm.edu