Start your application process to the University of Southern Maine (USM) right here. Review deadlines and instructions to apply for a master’s or doctoral degree program.

Graduate degree application process

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Select a program from the dropdown menu for details.

Application instructions: Masters degree

If you are an international student or your first language is not English, please review the additional requirements below.

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Select a program from the dropdown menu for details.

Application instructions: Doctoral degrees

If you are an international student or your first language is not English, please review the additional requirements below.

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. See the sections above to browse by program. Fully online programs will not meet eligibility for a student visa (I-20). On-campus courses will be required.

In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:

Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript

  • Submit an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) transcript analysis agency. Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
  • NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt

Additional requirements for specific programs

Creative Writing (MFA): Review additional residency requirements.

Additional requirements for international transfer applicants

If you currently hold an F-1 student visa in the United States and wish to transfer to USM from another college or university, you will need to complete a transfer form with the foreign student advisor at your current school.

Request transfer form

International admission representatives

We maintain relationships with international student recruitment agencies in several countries. These agencies are authorized to help you determine if the University of Southern Maine is the right choice for you.

Browse agencies

If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency — unless you hold a degree from an English-speaking institution.

We accept the following test scores and qualifications for admission into undergraduate programs:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test
    • Scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test
    • Scores of 213 or higher on the computer-based test
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Scores of 6.5 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    • Scores of 60 or higher
  • Duolingo Test of English
    • Scores of 105 or higher 
    • NOTE: We are accepting Duolingo scores on a trial basis for the 2022–23 academic year

If you have questions regarding your experience and our requirements, email the Office of Admissions.

It's free to apply for admission, including:

  • In-state
  • Out-of-state
  • International
  • Re-application
  • Reactivation

It's your responsibility to ensure your application is complete by the appropriate program deadline. To check the status of your submitted application, follow these steps:

  1. Activate your account
    • Look for a letter or email from the Office of Admissions with the information you'll need for this step
  2. Log in to MaineStreet 
    • Your application status and any missing application materials will appear as To Do items
    • Select Student Self-Service
      • If you choose the mobile-friendly Student Center experience:
        • Look for the To Dos widget block
      • If you choose the Classic Student Center experience:
        • Look for the To Do List block on the right side of your screen

Did you know?

  • There’s no application fee; all applicants apply for free!
  • GRE and GMAT test scores do not influence our admission decision.

Send us your admission materials

If we receive your application materials, such as official transcripts* or recommendations**, before your application arrives, we'll keep them in a holding file until we receive your application.

Physical Mail

Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

If you choose to collect all application materials yourself and mail or deliver everything to us at once, do not open any official transcripts or recommendation letters.

Electronic Submission

Official transcripts sent via a secure clearinghouse can be sent to edocs@maine.edu.

Essays, resumes, and additional documents can also be sent to edocs@maine.edu.

NOTE: All application materials become property of the University of Southern Maine once submitted and will not be returned.

*Transcripts from your previous institution(s) must be sent directly from the institution to the University of Southern Maine to be considered “official". Physical transcripts must arrive in the original, sealed envelope and electronic transcripts should be sent through a secure clearing house. If the envelope is opened before it arrives at our Application Processing Center, we will hold your application review until a new, sealed transcript arrives.

**Recommendations must be sent by the author of the letter via physical mail or emailed to edocs@maine.edu, or for graduate applications via a link sent from the graduate application. If mailed and the envelope is opened before it arrives at our Application Processing Center, we will hold your application review until a new, sealed recommendation arrives.

Do you need more information? Our friendly Admissions team is happy to help!
Contact us

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754; Phone: 207-581-1226; TTY: 711 (Maine Relay System).