Our university offers a uniquely American experience for residents of countries outside the United States through our small class sizes and community partnerships.
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Did you know?

  • Our university is home to students from more than 30 countries
  • Portland, Maine is ranked highly on many national lists, including the Top 5 Safest Places to Live and the Top 20 Best Small Cities for College Students
  • We are located 2 hours from Boston, MA, and 5.5 hours from New York, NY (by automobile)
  • Our undergraduate certificate programs are not eligible for an I-20 student visa or scholarships — apply for undergraduate admission to pursue a bachelor’s degree
Explore our campuses
On the left, alternating diagonal mass timbers frame the portico of our new Career & Student Success Center. On the right, a bucket truck is poised outside one of the Portland Commons residence hall windows.

New construction on our Portland campus

Located within walking and biking distance to the heart of downtown Portland, our Passive House residence hall and eco-conscious student center will open for our summer 2023 term. You'll have access to spacious study areas, a café and brewpub, our Career & Employment Hub, the University Store, and so much more!
Explore the new buildings
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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.

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Undergraduate study

A cluster of students ascending and descing an outdoor staircase on our Gorham campus on a bright autumn day.

Three vibrant campuses

Our welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff spans three dynamic campuses. Portland is our lively, urban campus. Gorham is our expansive, residential campus. And Lewiston is our close-knit, small-college atmosphere campus.

Explore our campuses
A student seated on the floor of a residence hall common space holds up an open workbook as other students in the group look on.

Living & learning on campus

Our beautiful Gorham campus features six residence halls that house ten residential communities. Each themed community offers exclusive activities, events, and learning experiences to help you build connections with your classmates.

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Graduate study

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Student research

With the support of our faculty and professional research staff, you could perform solution-oriented inquiry and analysis that contribute to your professional development, enhanced career opportunities, the co-authoring of published research articles and reports, and more.

Learn about research
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Graduate assistantships

Get a part-time job as a graduate assistant, research assistant, or teaching assistant in one of our many University departments! This is a great way to develop professional skills, gain work experience to enhance your academic or career goals, and earn valuable financial support.

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Admitted students

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Bringing dependents

If you’d like to bring a dependent spouse or child under the age of 21 with you while you study at USM, they are eligible to get an F-2 visa. You must also indicate that you can financially support your family.

Get the details
Our Office of International Programs will work with you throughout your time at our university. As a new student, you must arrive a few days before your first semester begins to attend orientation.
Learn about orientation
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