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Step-by-Step Guide to Applying 

Applying to the University of Maryland as a prospective graduate student starts with understanding the process and selecting the correct application pathway for your intended program.

Be sure to read all instructions and requirements carefully to ensure your application process is completed properly and to avoid mistakes that may delay the consideration of your application.

If you have any questions, your primary point of contact is the academic department to which you plan to apply. You can also use The Graduate School Chatbot below for assistance.

 Standard Path - Graduate School Application Portal

Complete the online graduate application through the TerpEngage Graduate Admissions System, and upload a scanned copy of the transcript(s) for each institution you attended. An official transcript(s) and proof of degree (typically a formal degree certificate) must be received by the Graduate School upon enrollment. All non-domestic transcripts and diplomas should be in the original language and accompanied by a literal, certified English translation. In addition, an international degree certificate/diploma will be required for international applicants. Please do not submit external international credential evaluations (WES, etc.).

View the Admissions Requirements for program-specific information, including deadlines and additional materials that must be submitted with your application. It is important that your complete application be submitted by the program deadline.

If you have international credentials or currently hold a visa, please visit the International Admissions section for more information.

Note: Once submitted, your application and associated materials become the property of the University of Maryland. These materials will not be returned to you, nor will the materials be forwarded to another institution.

Read the university’s policy on collecting and using social security numbers.

While completing other parts of your application, identify and contact references who will provide a strong letter of recommendation for you. Applicants should check with program requirements to confirm the exact number of letters required. Recommenders should be the applicant’s current or former professors or other individuals who can speak to an applicant’s academic talents, work ethic, and intellectual strengths. The online application will ask applicants to provide their references' names and email addresses. The references will then be contacted via email with instructions on how to electronically submit a letter of recommendation. This process can begin prior to submitting of the application.

Applicants are asked to upload a scanned version of their transcript(s) issued by each institution attended (in the original language, with literal English translation). Upon enrollment, you will need to have an official copy sent to the Graduate School by the institution. For a full description of the transcript requirements, please go to the FAQ section that describes Transcripts and Diplomas.

The Graduate School will only accept official test scores sent directly by the testing agencies. When you request scores to be sent to the University of Maryland, College Park uses the following institutional codes:

  • GRE – 5814
  • GMAT – SQT-N8-78
  • TOEFL – 5814
  • Praxis – 5814
  • MAT – 4213

IELTS/PTE scores can also be sent electronically and by doing this, an institution code is not required. PTE test takers can send their score report to the University through their Pearson account. The University of Maryland downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account. IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland - The Graduate School

2123 Lee Building

College Park, MD 20742

Please note: The Graduate School will not accept paper IELTS test report forms.

You will not be required to submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores if you have or will be awarded a degree from the United States, United Kingdom, Anglophone Africa, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Commonwealth Caribbean prior to enrolling in the University of Maryland. See a complete list of countries.

You will be required to submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with international credentials whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree from an institution in the US or one of the areas listed above.

You will be assessed a non-refundable $75 application processing fee for each program to which you apply. You are responsible for paying this fee whether or not you are offered admission or choose to enroll. 

You must pay your application fee online. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and the payment is authorized.

Visit the After You Apply section for next steps on monitoring your application status and applying for funding.

 SOPHAS Path - Select School of Public Health Programs
  • Follow the standard application path above for Kinesiology, Couple and Family Therapy, Family Science, Gerontology (certificates), Global Health (certificate) programs.
  • Use SOPHAS application for all other programs in the School of Public Health. Please note: SOPHAS applicants also need to complete a supplemental application in the Graduate School Application Portal.

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