International Students

Student relaxes in a hammock while reading a textbook

CSM welcomes students from all over the world, and we benefit from the cultural diversity they provide.

As a two-year college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, we have developed partnerships that will allow you to transfer and complete your bachelor's degree.

Join us for our F-1 Student Orientation Social Event!

At this event, you will hear information on F-1 student regulations, meet other F-1 students, enjoy food, games and more. This event will be held on January 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at our La Plata Campus in our new Student Resources (SR) Building, Room SR128.

RSVP Here

International Admissions Packet and Forms Checklist

Please submit this CSM International Form and upload all required documents within the form before the deadline. For questions, email csminternational@csmd.edu.

All forms must be submitted by the following dates:

  • June 15 for the Fall Semester
  • October 15 for the Spring Semester
  • March 15 for the Summer Semester

After all documents are received, they are reviewed for eligibility by the Admissions Office.

The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Visa Status) is issued to those applicants who meet all academic, financial support, and English language proficiency requirements for admission to a full-time degree program. A student copy of your I-20 will be mailed to you utilizing the eShipGlobal. It is the United States Department of State, not the college, that makes the decision to grant your F-1 Visa.

Before registering for classes, the student will be required to meet with the International Enrollment Coordinator. International students are charged out-of-state tuition and are not eligible for most financial assistance.

  • To pursue education in the U.S., you need a SEVIS I-20 in order to obtain a student visa.
  • To request a SEVIS I-20, complete CSM International Student Admissions Packet and submit the completed packet to the Admissions Office (refer to Admissions Checklist for the needed documents).
  • All documentation must be complete and include required signatures. All financial forms must be notarized; back-up support financial documentation must be converted to United States currency.
  • Once the admissions office approves your application, your information will be submitted to SEVIS for the I-20 form.
  • The Admissions office will then send you the I-20 with your acceptance letter and other required documentation for your embassy appointment to request your student visa.
  • Connect to https://www.fmjfee.com for information on the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is due prior to your embassy appointment.
  • Plan to arrive at least a week prior to the start of classes to allow time to settle in, schedule the CSM skills surveys, and attend orientation and registration.

 

When seeking credit for course work completed at an international college or university, you are responsible for having an official transcript evaluated.The official transcript evaluation should be sent to CSM directly from one of these recommended services below:

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Under step 1, select "High School and University Level Course-by-Course".

Josef Silny & Associates (JSA)

Please refer to their website for specific instructions.

World Education Services (WES)

Please refer to their website for specific instructions.

*Please be advised that students may be asked for a copy of their course syllabi for review.

For more information on transcript evaluation from another U.S. institution, visit the Transfer Services website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your visa type determines if you can register for classes without being in violation of your visa. It also determines the tuition rate you will be charged. If you require more information, contact Admissions.

You are required to complete all steps on the International Student checklist, including a completed Change of Status form. Schedule an appointment with the college's Designated School Official, to submit required documents.

If you are currently maintaining a valid F-1 status, you may transfer that status from one SEVIS approved school to another. Complete the International Student Admission Packet and inform the school you are currently attending of your intention to transfer. Your current school will need to complete the transfer form or write a letter stating you are maintaining status and eligible to transfer to CSM.

If English is recognized as your country’s primary language CSM will accept the following scores.  You may contact Admissions for confirmation.

TOEFL iBT – 80 - To make arrangements to schedule or obtain test scores or for further information, contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at www.ets.org.

Duolingo – 95 -The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with [institution name] when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants

Generally you select the program you wish to pursue on the admission application; however some programs have additional admission requirements. In these instances you will complete the general admission process prior to making application to the specific program. For more information, check out our Programs of Study pages.

As an International Student, you will be required to register as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits). You will be charged out-of-state rates as you cannot declare residency. Learn more about payment options.

As an International Student, your primary purpose is your schooling, therefore you are limited to 20 hours of on-campus employment. For more information, contact the Designated School Official.

A social security number is not required during the admissions process. For registration of classes, the college will assign you a number in place of the social security number.

If you plan to travel, contact the Designated School Official to have your I-20 signed prior to leaving. Failure to have a recent signature might prevent you from being readmitted to the United States.

The college does not provide residence halls or other types of housing.
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